Benin entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online and takes about a week to process. Plan ahead — there's no visa-on-arrival option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South Korean passport holders must apply for an eVisa at the official Benin eVisa portal before departure. The application takes about 10 minutes and approval usually comes within 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire stay. Airlines at Incheon may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Cotonou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you are overlanding to a neighboring country, a bus ticket or ferry booking works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel reservation. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. No need to show it unless asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Benin does not have a fixed cash threshold, but carrying around 500 USD in cash or having a bank statement showing recent transactions helps. ATMs in Cotonou are reliable, but bring some euros or dollars for the first day. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card — immigration may ask for it on arrival.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. Apply online at evisa.gouv.bj/en at least 7 days before your trip. Print the approval and keep a digital copy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$70 depending on processing speed) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
2
Wait for approval
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print the eVisa approval letter and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa approval, return ticket confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes. Have your documents ready in hand.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$214 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$107 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Beninese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$535 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South Korean passport holders applying online. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$535 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Benin airports, provided they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) · Parakou Airport (PKO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for KR 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 = 561.56 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
No. As of 2026, Benin does not offer visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before travel.
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's no official expedited option, so apply at least a week before your departure.
The fee is approximately $50–$70 USD, depending on the processing speed you select. Payment is by credit card on the application site.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Benin immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask for it on arrival.
The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires. The process takes a few days and costs around $30.
Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport will likely deny entry and you may be put on the next flight back. Always have a confirmed onward ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.