Travelling to Benin starts with understanding the country's entry requirements. Benin launched its electronic visa (eVisa) system in April 2018 to simplify the visa application process for eligible foreign travellers.
Depending on your nationality, you may either be eligible to apply for a Benin eVisa or qualify for visa-free entry.
This guide explains who can travel visa-free, who needs an eVisa, the requirements, and the application process to help you prepare for your trip.
The approved Benin eVisa is sent to the applicant's registered email address.
Travellers should carry a printed or electronic copy of the approved eVisa when travelling to Benin.
Travellers can know about the Benin eVisa types, validity and allowed stay duration available to them just by selecting their nationality in the tool above.
A Benin online visa can be used for the following travel purposes: business, conference, tourism, transit, airport transit, culture, family visit, forum, health, meeting, mortal remains, official mission, official visit, repatriation, seminar, sport, stage, studies, summer camp, summit, visit, workshop, and other approved purposes.
Travellers applying for a Benin eVisa must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Benin.
A Benin Immigration officer at the port of arrival may also ask for the following:
Application for a Benin online visa is submitted completely online in the following manner:
Step 1: Fill out the visa application form by providing passport, visa type and general details.
Step 2: Upload the required documents
Step 3: Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card
Step 4: Wait for processing
Step 5: Receive the approved Benin online visa (eVisa)
The traveller can obtain the Benin eVisa within 1-2 days with standard processing.
However, it may take a little extra time if additional documents or information is required during application processing.
If the traveller is in urgent travel need and wants to obtain the eVisa more quickly, they can choose expedited processing options such as rush/urgent or super-rush/super-urgent, which deliver the Benin eVisa the same day.
The Benin eVisa cost varies depending on the selected eVisa validity; multiple entries cost more than a single-entry eVisa.
Also, both rush and super-rush processing require the applicant to pay an additional fee.
Applicants selecting expedited processing must also pay an additional service fee:
Do not travel with an expired Benin eVisa.
Entering Benin requires a valid visa. If the visa has already expired, submit a new application through the Benin eVisa system and obtain a new eVisa before travelling.
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