Benin entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Uruguayan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online and straightforward — you apply before you travel, and upon approval you receive a PDF to show at immigration. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| e-VisaYou must apply and pay for an e-Visa online before your trip; approval is usually sent by email. Apply online before travel | Uruguayan passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival in Benin. Apply through the official Benin e-Visa portal. The visa is typically valid for a single entry. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires within 6 months of arrival, you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your Uruguay passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Benin. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a blank page; without one, you could be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked onward ticket shows you intend to leave Benin within your allowed stay. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Benin. While not explicitly required in the database, it is strongly recommended to carry a printed or digital copy. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry proof of funds like a recent bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself. Financial means for stay | Although not explicitly required in the database, border officers may request evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, bank statement) to cover your stay in Benin. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationYou must get the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the official WHO card. International certificate required | Benin requires all travelers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. This is a standard entry requirement for most visitors. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before or upon landing. Not required | Benin does not require an arrival declaration form for Uruguayan passport holders. | Not required |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and possibly fined). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is single-entry only
The eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Benin (even for a day trip to Nigeria or Togo), 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 website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (about $20 USD) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF attachment. Save it on your phone and print a paper copy as backup. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. At immigration, present your passport, eVisa PDF, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they sometimes ask for it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. You're free to go.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter from Benin company.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For frequent business or tourism.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard tourist/business eVisa fee. | $70 |
| eVisa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For frequent travelers. | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before expiry. | $30 |
| Exit fee (airport)Included in most airline tickets; verify. | $10 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application35%
Insufficient funds proof20%
Criminal record15%
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
Uruguayan passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry; must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water hygiene.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country; prophylaxis 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 8:00-16:00
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Bureau des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00
Practical information for UY 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
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF.
The official fee is around 12,000 CFA francs (about $20 USD) for a single-entry eVisa. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application.
The eVisa is valid for 30 days from issue and is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou for other options.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Uruguayan passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders (e.g., from Togo or Nigeria). Just present the PDF and your passport at the immigration post.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical care can be expensive and evacuation may be needed for serious issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.