Benin entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Portuguese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is online, and you'll get approval before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply at the official Benin eVisa portal — the process takes about 10 minutes and costs around $50–$100 USD depending on the visa type. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Portuguese passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Cotonou enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Benin routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you don't have one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around $200–$300 USD equivalent) to show you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (with a fee). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is for single entry only
The Benin eVisa is valid for a single entry. If you leave Benin (even to a neighboring country), you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
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 details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll get an email with your approved eVisa attached as a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Benin.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually no questions asked if your documents are in order.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available outside.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$214 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires work contract and employer to sponsor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$107 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$535 USD) + minimum investment of €50,000
For investors who create jobs or invest in key sectors. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | €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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), you must obtain an eVisa in advance.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) in Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for PT 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 = 563.11 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. The fee is paid online with a credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou for other options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Make sure you have the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with you. It's checked at immigration.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Benin immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Portuguese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is king for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in Cotonou.
Benin is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use registered taxis.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.