The Republic of Benin is a country that attracts tourists from all over the world for different purposes and amazing attractions that the country has. Benin is one country that has made it easier for foreign tourists who want to visit the country and need to apply for a visa. They can apply for a Benin e-Visa online and visit the country for 30 to 90 days.
Who Needs a Visa for Benin?
Citizens of the countries listed below do not need a visa to enter and visit Benin for 90 days:
- All African Union nationals (except Sadr)
- Indonesia
- Macau
- Haiti
- Israel
Citizens of Hong Kong, and Singapore do not need a visa to enter Benin for 14 days.
Other Visa Extempions
Holders of diplomatic or official passports from the countries listed below do not need to apply for a Benin visa to enter the country:
- Brazil
- China
- Cuba
- France
- India
- Iran
- Italy
- Mexico
- Russia
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Turkey
Citizens of these countries can enter and visit the country with just a valid passport.
How to Apply for a Benin Visa?
Applicants who need to apply for a Benin visa to enter the county must apply for an online e-Visa. For an easier application process when applying for an online Benin e-Visa, follow these instructions:
- Click on the electronic page of the government of Benin.
- Fill out the Benin visa application form. Make sure you complete the application form with all your current, sincere information and sign it at the end. Keep in mind that any false information can lead to your visa refusal.
- After filling out the application form, continue with your application fee payment. The payment must be done online with a bank card.
- Wait until you receive an email from the government of Banin with your visa confirmation.
- Print the electronic visa and take it with you when flying to the Republic of Benin. You must present that visa at the port of entry and carry it with you for the whole duration of your stay in the country.
To apply for a Benin e-Visa, you will only need a valid passport.
Duration of a Benin Visa
The duration of a Benin Visa depends on the type of visa you apply for since there are different types of visas:
- A Benin single entry visa allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.
- A Benin multiple entry visa allows you to stay in the country for 30 days
- A Benin multiple entry visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days.
Applicants who want to stay longer than 90 days in Benin must either apply for an extension or apply for a Benin residence permit.
Benin Visa Fees
Here you will find listed all the Benin visa fees. However, the amount for a Benin visa fee depends on the type of visa you apply for:
| Single entry visa (valid for 30 days) | $50 |
| Multiple entry visa (valid for 30 days) | $75 |
| Multiple entry visa (valid for 90 days) | $100 |
The payment for a Benin visa must be done online with a valid bank card.
Benin Visa Types
Here are all the Benin visa types:
- Electronic visa.
- Business visa.
- Tourist visa.
Electronic Visa:
An Electronic visa is issued for foreigners who want to visit the Republic of Benin for short-stay reasons such as:
- Tourism.
- Business.
- Transit.
- Family visits.
The electronic visa is issued for a period of 30 to 90 days. To apply for an electronic Benin visa, you only need a valid passport.
Business Visa
A business visa is issued to foreigners whose purpose is to attend different economic activities such as:
- Business meetings
- Trade agreements.
The business visa is valid for 90 days. To apply for a business visa, you must submit these documents:
- Valid passport.
- Accommodation proof such as hotel reservations, rental agreement, etc.
- Letter of invitation from the company you are planning to meet.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is issued for foreigners who are not eligible to apply for an electronic visa. To apply for a Benin tourist visa, the applicant must submit the application form at the nearest embassy or consulate of Benin in their home country. There are two types of tourist visas you can apply for, such as:
- Standard visa (valid for 30 days).
- Short-stay tourist visa (valid for eight days).
To apply for a Benin tourist visa, you must submit these documents:
- A valid passport.
- An accommodation proof.
Important: The tourist visa also applies to those who need a Benin transit visa.
Residence Permit for Benin
There are two types of Residence permits in Benin:
- Short-Stay residence permit.
- Long-Stay residence permit.
Short-Stay Residence Permit
A short-stay residence permit is issued to applicants who want to stay in Benin for more than three months. It is issued for different reasons such as:
- Work.
- Study.
- Medical or humanitarian reasons.
The validity of a short-stay residency permit is one year, but it can be extended for one more year.
Long-Stay Residence Permit
A long-stay residence permit is issued to applicants who have stayed in Benin for two years with a short-stay residence permit. The long-stay residence permit has a validity period of ten years.
Benin Residence Permits, Short and Long-Stay Requirements
Here are all the required documents you need to submit when applying for a Benin residence permit:
- A passport valid for the duration of your stay in the country. The passport must also be valid six months after the return date.
- A photocopy of all the pages of your passport.
- A consular card.
- A medical examination document. You must do the medical examination in Benin.
- Recent passport-sized photos with colors.
- A bank statement document proves that you are financially stable and can financially support yourself while in the country.
- Accommodation proof. A document of your previous place of residence.
- A document showing your previous activities, such as studies or work experience.
Note: All the documents must be original or notarized. You must also keep in mind that any missing document can lead to your residency refusal.
Why Should You Visit Benin?
Here are some interesting facts you should know if you plan to visit the Republic of Benin:
- The Republic of Benin was once known as Dahomey. Since Dahomey was one of the rivals of the country. People often confuse the Republic of Benin for Dahomey.
- The country is known for being home to dozens of snakes.
- The south part of the country was once a ‘slave coast.’ More than 10.000 enslaved people were shipped from Benin to America in a year.
- The voodoo was first created in Benin.
- The Republic of Benin is one of the first African countries who change from a dictatorship to a democratic country.
- The youngest population in the world is in Benin.
- The Republic of Benin was ruled by France for more than 60 years.
- The country has different cultures.
- The cities in the country are very near each other.
- The Beninese people are very kind and make delicious food.