Benin entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indonesian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is done entirely online before you travel, and you'll receive an approval document to present on arrival. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Benin immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers may ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD or equivalent in cash, or a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask to see it. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport photo page, and onward ticket as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your phone, you can still access them from another device.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, accommodation info, and a digital passport photo. Upload the required documents and pay the fee online.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll receive the eVisa approval via email. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone.
3
Arrive at Benin immigration
At Cotonou Airport (the main entry point), proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport and the eVisa approval document. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Show onward ticket if asked
Immigration may request proof of your return or onward flight. Have the booking confirmation ready on your phone or as a printout.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Indonesian passport holders applying online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport upon departure. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Benin
No transit visa needed
Transit visa not required for airside transit up to 24 hours at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Must stay in international zone.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsCotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessHigh risk
Avoid tap water and street food; ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is highest in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cotonou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale - Service Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for ID travellers
Country basics
CapitalPorto-Novo
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.41 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option mentioned on the official site.
The official eVisa website does not list a fixed fee publicly. Expect to pay around 20,000–30,000 XOF (roughly $35–$50 USD) depending on the visa type. The exact amount is shown during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires to discuss options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Benin. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet validity requirements. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There is no appeal process — just submit a new application.
If you are transiting through Benin and staying airside (not passing immigration), you do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you must have an eVisa.
The standard eVisa is for single entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa each time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.