Benin

Questions & Answers about Benin Visa

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Benin visa

  • Valid passport
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • Completed visa application form
  • Bank statement or proof of financial means
  • Proof of round-trip travel arrangements
  • Proof of vaccination for yellow fever

Generally, it takes between 1 to 5 business days to process a Benin visa depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. However, factors such as incomplete or incorrect applications, background checks, and embassy closures may prolong the processing time. It is advisable to check with the specific embassy or consulate for their processing timelines and requirements.
  • Processing time is usually between 1 to 5 business days
  • The exact processing time depends on the type of visa applied for and the embassy or consulate
  • Incomplete or incorrect applications can delay the processing time
  • Background checks and embassy closures may also prolong the processing time
  • It is advisable to check with the specific embassy or consulate for their processing timelines and requirements

The cost of a Benin visa varies depending on the type of visa and length of stay. Here is a list of the current fees for different types of visas for Benin:
  • Single-entry visa (up to 90 days): $50
  • Multiple-entry visa (up to 90 days): $75
  • Transit visa (up to 3 days): $20
  • Business visa (up to 90 days): $100
  • Work visa (up to 90 days): $150

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available for some countries at the international airport in Cotonou, Benin. However, it is best to confirm the correct visa requirements for your country of origin with the Benin embassy or consulate beforehand. Items needed for Visa on Arrival include:
  • A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity
  • Proof of onward travel (return ticket)
  • A passport-sized photograph
  • Payment for the visa fee (in cash or credit card)

The validity of a Benin visa depends on the type of visa and the duration requested by the applicant. Here is a list of the different types of visas and their maximum validity periods:
  • Single-entry visa: up to 90 days
  • Multiple-entry visa: up to 12 months
  • Transit visa: up to 72 hours
Please note that visa validity does not guarantee the duration of stay in the country. The immigration officer at the port of entry has the authority to determine the duration of stay based on the purpose of visit and other factors.

To enter Benin, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Please note that this requirement may change and it is recommended to check with your local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.

  • Valid passport
  • Completed Visa Application Form
  • Two recent passport sized photographs
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation in Benin
  • Official invitation letter from a registered company in Benin
  • Certificate of Incorporation and/or Business Registration
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Proof of payment of visa fee

The number of entries allowed with a Benin visa depends on the type of visa that is issued. Here are the different types of Benin visas and their corresponding entry limits:
  • Single-entry visa: Allows for only one entry into Benin
  • Multiple-entry visa: Allows for multiple entries into Benin
  • Transit visa: Allows for a single entry for the purpose of passing through Benin to reach another destination

The maximum length of stay with a Benin visa depends on the type of visa granted. For a single-entry visa, the maximum length of stay is usually 90 days. For a multiple-entry visa with a validity of six months, the maximum length of stay per entry is usually 30 days. For a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one year, the maximum length of stay per entry is usually 90 days.
  • Maximum length of stay with a single-entry visa: 90 days
  • Maximum length of stay per entry with a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months: 30 days
  • Maximum length of stay per entry with a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year: 90 days

To extend a Benin visa, you need to:
  • Visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Benin
  • Provide your passport and current visa
  • Fill out an application for an extension
  • Provide proof of sufficient funds to support your stay
  • Provide proof of a return ticket or onward travel plans
  • Pay the extension fee
  • Wait for the extension to be processed and approved by the authorities

Afghan citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Afghan citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Afghan citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Albanian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Albania for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Albanian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Albanian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Algerian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Algeria for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Algerian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Algerian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Andorran citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Andorra for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Andorran citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Andorran citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Angolan citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Angola for a visa-free stay is 90 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Angolan citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Angolan citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Antigua and Barbuda citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Antigua and Barbuda citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Antigua and Barbuda citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Argentine citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Argentina for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Argentine citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Argentine citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Armenian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Armenia for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Armenian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Armenian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Austrian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Austria for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Austrian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Austrian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Azerbaijani citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Azerbaijan for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Azerbaijani citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Azerbaijani citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Bahamian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Bahamas for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Bahamian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Bahamian citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.

Bahraini citizens do not need a visa to visit the Benin.

The maximum duration of stay in Benin for citizens of Bahrain for a visa-free stay is 30 days.

Overstaying visa-free entry to Benin is punishable by a fine, in case of serious violations a ban on entry to Benin is possible. It is essential to leave the country before your authorized stay expires or to extend your stay legally if needed.

Beninese immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds or a return ticket when entering the country without a visa. It is advisable to have these documents with you when traveling.

Bahraini citizens need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Benin.

The Benin visa-free stay is usually for tourism purposes only. For working or studying in Benin Bahraini citizens usually requires a specific visa, and you should not engage in such activities on a tourist visa-free stay.