Benin
General visa requirements for travelling to Benin. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (Israel Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Israeli citizens can visit Benin visa-free for up to 90 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Israeli nationals
Eligible countries: Israel
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Tourist visa (e-Visa Tourist Single Entry 30 Days)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 days (up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
- Fee
- $60 USD
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
E-Visa applications must be submitted between 7-90 days before travel. Processing typically takes 1-2 days but may extend to 7 days if additional documents are requested. Fast-track processing available for additional fees (6-12 hours or 1-6 hours).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Over 140 nationalities eligible for Benin e-Visa
-
Purpose of visit
Tourism purposes only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: $60 USD
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online application at evisa.bj with personal and passport information
-
Document gathering
Prepare and upload passport biodata page scan and passport photo
-
Fee payment
Pay e-Visa fee online via credit/debit card
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 1-2 days, up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
-
Visa collection
Receive approved e-Visa via email; print and present at port of entry
Tourist visa (Haiti Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Haiti citizens enjoy visa-free access to Benin for up to 90 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Haitian nationals
Eligible countries: Haiti
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Tourist visa (Indonesia Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Indonesian citizens can visit Benin visa-free for up to 90 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Indonesian nationals
Eligible countries: Indonesia
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Tourist visa (Singapore Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 14 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 14 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Singapore citizens can visit Benin visa-free for up to 14 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Singaporean passport holders
Eligible countries: Singapore
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-6 weeks for work permit, 2-6 weeks for visa
- Validity
- 12 months (renewable)
- Entry
- Single entry
Work permit must be obtained before entering Benin; employer initiates process. Work permit valid for 12 months and renewable. ECOWAS citizens can work in Benin without visa under regional free movement protocol. All documents must be translated to French and notarized. Processing times range from 2-6 weeks for both work permit and visa.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Foreign nationals from non-ECOWAS countries requiring work authorization
-
Employment
Valid job offer from employer registered with National Immigration Institute (INM) in Benin
Required status: Job offer from registered employer
-
Purpose of visit
Employment and work in Benin for duration specified in work contract
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
-
Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Secure job offer from Beninese employer; employer must be registered with National Immigration Institute
-
Document submission
Employer submits work permit application to Ministry of Labor and Public Service with required documentation
-
Processing wait
Wait for work permit approval from Ministry of Labor (2-6 weeks)
-
Visa collection
Collect work visa from embassy/consulate and prepare for travel to Benin
Medical visa (Medical Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Approximately 3 weeks
- Validity
- Up to 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Medical visa for treatment in Benin requires confirmation from medical institution and proof of financial capacity. Medical report must be recent (within 6 months). Police clearance required only for stays exceeding 90 days. Sponsor or guarantor must provide detailed financial documentation.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Individuals seeking medical treatment in Benin
-
Purpose of visit
Medical treatment at recognized medical facility in Benin
-
Financial
Proof of financial means to cover medical costs (minimum $10,000 USD or confirmed sponsor)
Minimum funds: 10000
-
Health
Medical documentation supporting need for treatment and fitness to travel
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from medical practitioner or medical institution in Benin confirming available space for treatment
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Sponsor financial
Minimum income: 10000
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain medical report from home country physician (not older than 6 months) and invitation letter from Benin medical institution
-
Document submission
Submit completed application form and all supporting documents to Benin Embassy or Consulate
-
Processing wait
Wait for medical visa processing (approximately 3 weeks)
-
Visa collection
Collect medical visa from embassy/consulate
Tourist visa (African Union Free Movement)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
African Union Free Movement Protocol allows visa-free entry for all African nationals for short-term visits
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All African Union passport holders under open border policy
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Tourist visa (e-Visa Tourist Multiple Entry 90 Days)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 days (up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
- Fee
- $120 USD
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Multiple entry e-Visa valid for 90 days allows unlimited entries. E-Visa applications must be submitted between 7-90 days before travel.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Over 140 nationalities eligible for Benin e-Visa
-
Purpose of visit
Tourism purposes with multiple entries allowed within 90 days
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: $120 USD
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online application at evisa.bj with personal and passport information, selecting 90-day multiple entry option
-
Document gathering
Prepare and upload passport biodata page scan and passport photo
-
Fee payment
Pay multiple entry 90-day e-Visa fee online via credit/debit card
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 1-2 days, up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
-
Visa collection
Receive approved e-Visa via email; print and present at port of entry
Tourist visa (Hong Kong SAR Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 14 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 14 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit Benin visa-free for up to 14 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Hong Kong SAR passport holders
Eligible countries: Hong Kong
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Tourist visa (ECOWAS Free Movement)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days per visit for all member states
Eligibility
-
Nationality
ECOWAS member state citizens
Eligible countries: Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa Multilateral)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Diplomatic and official/service passport holders from Angola, Brazil, Cuba, France, India, Iran, and Macau are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 30 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Diplomatic or official passport holders from countries with visa exemption agreements
Eligible countries: Angola, Brazil, Cuba, France, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Macao
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Tourist visa (Macau SAR Visa-Free Entry)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Macau SAR passport holders can visit Benin visa-free for up to 90 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Macau SAR passport holders
Eligible countries: Macao
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
Transit visa (e-Visa Transit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 days
- Fee
- $60 USD
- Validity
- 24 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
Transit visa required only if leaving the airport during transit. Visa-free transit allowed for up to 24 hours if remaining airside. Typically valid for up to 24 hours.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Travelers from over 140 nationalities transiting through Benin
-
Purpose of visit
Transit through Benin to final destination (leaving airport during transit)
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: $60 USD
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online transit visa application at evisa.bj
-
Document gathering
Prepare passport biodata page scan, passport photo, and confirmed onward ticket
-
Fee payment
Pay transit e-Visa fee online via credit/debit card
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 1-2 days)
-
Visa collection
Receive approved transit e-Visa via email; print and present at port of entry
Student visa (Student Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Validity
- Duration of study program
- Entry
- Single entry
Student visa application must be made at Benin Embassy or Consulate in home country. Processing time ranges from 4-8 weeks. Universities in Benin do not require JAMB score; admission based on academic credentials. All documents must be translated into French where applicable.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
International students from eligible countries
-
Purpose of visit
Full-time study at recognized educational institution in Benin
-
Financial
Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for duration of study
Minimum funds: 5000
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor financial guarantees; Minimum amount: 5000
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
-
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from Benin educational institution and gather academic transcripts
-
Document submission
Submit completed application form and all supporting documents to Benin Embassy or Consulate in home country
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing and approval (4-8 weeks depending on embassy)
-
Visa collection
Collect student visa from embassy/consulate; verify all details are correct
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa China)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Chinese nationals traveling on diplomatic or official/service passports on duty receive visa-free access for up to 30 days
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Chinese diplomatic or official passport holders on official duty
Eligible countries: China
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Tourist visa (e-Visa Tourist Multiple Entry 30 Days)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 days (up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
- Fee
- $90 USD
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Multiple entry e-Visa valid for 30 days allows unlimited entries. E-Visa applications must be submitted between 7-90 days before travel.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Over 140 nationalities eligible for Benin e-Visa
-
Purpose of visit
Tourism purposes with multiple entries allowed within 30 days
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: $90 USD
How to apply
-
Online application
Complete online application at evisa.bj with personal and passport information, selecting multiple entry option
-
Document gathering
Prepare and upload passport biodata page scan and passport photo
-
Fee payment
Pay multiple entry e-Visa fee online via credit/debit card
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 1-2 days, up to 7 days if additional documents requested)
-
Visa collection
Receive approved e-Visa via email; print and present at port of entry
Business visa (e-Visa Business 30 Days)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 days
- Fee
- $60 USD
- Validity
- 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Business letter must include applicant details, employment status/position, nature of business to be conducted, and names/addresses of companies in Benin to be contacted.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Over 140 nationalities eligible for Benin e-Visa
-
Purpose of visit
Business purposes including meetings, conferences, negotiations
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: No; Must include salary: No
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Business invitation letter from Benin company outlining purpose of visit and confirming business arrangements
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis); Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: $60 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from Benin company and business letter from employer
-
Online application
Complete online application at evisa.bj with personal and business information
-
Document submission
Upload passport biodata page scan, passport photo, invitation letter, and business letter
-
Fee payment
Pay business e-Visa fee online via credit/debit card
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing (typically 1-2 days)
-
Visa collection
Receive approved e-Visa via email; print and present at port of entry