Benin entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Serbian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — you apply before you travel and receive an approval by email. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Serbian nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 7 days before departure. The eVisa costs around $40–$80 USD depending on type and is valid for single or multiple entries up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Serbian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Benin law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Benin within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but it speeds up the process if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or USD) or a bank statement showing at least $200 USD for your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Cotonou, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Benin strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without your yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (and pay a fine). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-on-arrival for Serbian passport holders. Do not show up at Cotonou Airport without an approved eVisa — you will be sent back on the next flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en/, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style 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 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. You'll get a PDF approval by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone — both are accepted at the border.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At immigration, present your passport, the eVisa PDF (printed or on phone), and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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)
Standard eVisa; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; for extended stays.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur (Work Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online before travel. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, at embassy)For those applying through a Beninese embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport upon departure. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €150 (~$165 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
Serbian passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 08:00–17:00
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
Smaller office; may have shorter queues. Same documents required.
Practical information for RS 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 = 564.01 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
The standard eVisa fee is around €50–€70, depending on processing speed. You pay online by credit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the border.
Standard processing is 3–5 business days. If you're in a rush, some services offer expedited processing for an extra fee — check the official site for options.
No. Serbian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Serbian nationals.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Benin.
The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from entry. Extensions are possible but not straightforward — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Cotonou. Most travellers simply leave before the visa expires.
Keep your passport, eVisa PDF (printed or on phone), return ticket, and yellow fever card in your hand luggage. You'll need them at immigration before you collect your checked bags.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.