Benin entry requirements for Singapore passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Singapore passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism and business stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Approval usually comes within 3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Singapore passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before letting you through. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 200,000 CFA (~$330) per day of your stay. Officers almost never check, but it's a standard requirement on paper. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (at your own cost). Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Singapore passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval online before your flight. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone.
4
Arrive at Benin airport
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (the main international entry), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€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
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Singapore passport holders. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Singapore 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., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin or a Schengen/US/UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have been in an endemic area within 6 days prior to arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for SG 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 = 558.8 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 typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around 30,000 XOF (about 50 USD) for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Check the official portal for the latest fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be approved before travel. There is no visa on arrival for Singapore passport holders.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need a new visa each time.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Keep them all together in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.