Benin entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and onward travel.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Benin. Airlines at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Benin ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Benin. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport now — don't wait until the airport.
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Apply at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid stress.
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 and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 depending on processing speed). Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Benin.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, double-check: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance (if you have it). Keep them together in a folder.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter Benin.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$70 USD (approx. 1,680,000 VND)
Apply at Benin embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 2,400,000 VND)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 4,800,000 VND)
Requires sponsorship or invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for Vietnam passport holders applying online. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Visa extension (if allowed)Extensions are not generally permitted for eVisa holders; check with immigration. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Benin airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Avoid tap water and street food; ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits.
Practical information for VN 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 3–7 business days. There's no official expedited option, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $50–$80, depending on the type (single-entry or multiple-entry) and processing speed. Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new eVisa, 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 your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The eVisa must be obtained before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese passport holders at Cotonou Airport.
The standard eVisa is single-entry. If you need multiple entries, check the application form — there may be a multiple-entry option at a higher fee.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation ready. The officer may also ask for your yellow fever card.
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.