Benin entry requirements for Hungary 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
Hungarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online, and you must have your approval email (printed or on your phone) ready when you land at Cotonou Airport. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and covers stays up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have at least 200,000 CFA francs (~€300) for your stay. This is not always checked, but it is a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration at Cotonou Airport checks this for every traveller. No card = possible denial of entry or a fine.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Hungarian passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. The process is online and takes a few days, so plan ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application. Upload your passport photo and passport data page. Pay the fee (around €50-70 depending on processing speed). You'll receive the approval by email within a few days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask to see it before they stamp you in.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. They'll check your passport validity and may ask where you're staying. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to go.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€70 (approx. $75 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $214 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $107 USD)
For enrolled students at a Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $535 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 30 days. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (approx. $535 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Hungary passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) in Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Benin, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrheal diseases from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for HU 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
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days. There's also an express option (24-48 hours) that costs more. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed. Standard is around €50-60, express is about €70-80. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter with a new eVisa, or apply for a different visa type at the immigration office in Cotonou before your current one expires.
Yes, it's officially required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa on arrival for Hungarian passport holders. The eVisa must be approved before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, not just Cotonou Airport. Just show the approval at the border post.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's a very good idea. Medical care in Benin is limited and expensive. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation costs around €30-50 for a week.
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.