Benin entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online and straightforward — no embassy visit required. As of 2025, you must apply at least a few days before travel.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing takes up to 3 business days, and you'll receive a PDF approval — print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin helps speed up immigration. Officers may ask where you're staying — have the address and contact number handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) or a credit card to cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but showing you can support yourself avoids delays. | 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 (and pay a fee). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa processing times vary
While the official processing time is 2–5 business days, some travellers report delays. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy — you'll need to show it at the airport check-in counter and again upon arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (the main international entry), go to the immigration queue. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (~$55 USD)
Apply online or at embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Good for frequent travellers. Extension possible.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. For longer stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (≈$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €75 (≈$82 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (≈$11 USD), max €500 (≈$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Benin do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
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
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:30, 15:00–17:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:30, 15:00–17:30
Alternative office for visa matters. Less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for PH 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 = 574.19 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
Typically 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about $85 USD) for a single-entry visa. Prices can change, so check the official portal at evisa.gouv.bj/en.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll likely be asked to show it at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Always carry a printed copy — digital copies on your phone are not always accepted by airline staff or immigration.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for all entry points — air, land, and sea. Just show the printed copy at the border post.
No, the eVisa is the only option for Philippine passport holders. There is no visa on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.