The Benin eVisa is a new type of visa that may be easily issued online to all eligible travelers. It is intended for those who plan short-term visits to Benin for purposes related to tourism, business, and transit. Once approved, you will be able to spend from 30 days to 90 days abroad.
The Benin Government launched the online visa program in 2018 to simplify the application procedure, speed up formalities regarding visa processing, and encourage more tourists to visit the country.
As for now, there are three types of Benin visa available for international visitors – Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Transit Visa. Apply for a type that will best suit your travel itinerary and planned activities.
The Benin visa online allows you to visit the country once (valid for 30 days) or multiple times (valid for 90 days). The validity period of your visa starts with the day you enter the territory of Benin.
The online application for the Benin visa is effortless and convenient. Not only can you complete all the formalities from the comfort of your home, but you will also be done in less than 15 minutes.
The requirements for the Benin visa application are elementary. All you need is a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the planned travel date and a copy of your biometric passport photo.
NOTE: Although the processing time is usually only a few working days, it is recommended to apply for the electronic visa early so that your visa is on time and you do not have to worry before your trip.
Types of Benin eVisa
Benin authorities offer international visitors a number of different visas online. Depending on your travel plans, you should obtain one of the three available visas to visit Benin hassle-free.
- Benin Tourist Visa – You can apply for a single-entry visa (valid 30 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid 90 days) for travel related to tourism, leisure, and recreation.
- Benin Business Visa – You can apply for a single-entry visa (valid 30 days) or a multiple-entry visa (valid 90 days) for travel related to business, conferences, and negotiations.
- Benin Transit Visa – This special visa type is issued for those who plan on passing through the territory of Benin on their way to another destination abroad.
Keep in mind that once the visa is approved, you cannot change its specification (type, validity, etc.).
Citizens eligible for the Benin eVisa
Below, you can see a list of all countries whose citizens may apply online for a visa for Benin. If you cannot find your nationality, you may be required to visit the Embassy to complete the application.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestinian Territory
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
NOTE: Visa exemption is granted to citizens of Haiti, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. What is more, visa-free entry is also guaranteed for nationals of African Union member states (excluding SADR).
Requirements to obtain a visa to Benin
If you wish to apply for the Benin online visa, it is recommended to check the mandatory visa requirements beforehand. Luckily, as for the Benin visa application form, they are minimal.
Documents mandatory to obtain a visa for Benin:
- Passport with the minimal remaining validity of 6 months
- Biometric passport-like photograph taken by a professional
General requirements to obtain a visa for Benin:
- Active e-mail address you can easily access
- Electronic device with a good Internet connection
- Method of your choice to make the online payment
If any additional documents happen to be required from the Benin visitors, you will be informed.
Application process to obtain a visa to Benin
To buy the Benin eVisa, you need to complete a special application procedure. The online registration is intuitive and convenient, allowing you to buy the required visa without the need to leave your home.
- Application form – Fill in the visa application form with your personal data and passport details. You will also be asked to give information on your travel (departure date, accommodation type).
- Required documents – To proceed with the visa application form, you will be required to upload all the essential documentation. Before the procedure, prepare the files in PDF form.
- Fee payment – To complete the online application for the Benin electronic visa, you must cover the processing fee. Use your credit card, debit card, or an online payment service.
Usually, the waiting time for the visa approval is a few working days. However, you should keep in mind that the processing time may be prolonged depending on the number of queries.
When your visa for Benin is approved, you will receive a message directly to your e-mail inbox. We recommend printing out the visa prior to the journey so it can be easily checked by immigration officers.
Validity period of Benin Visa
The validity period of your Benin visa online starts the moment you cross the border. Depending on the selected visa type, you will be allowed to stay in the country once for up to 30 days or organize a few visits in the span of 90 days.
In emergency situations, you can contact the National Emigration and Immigration Office of Benin to request a visa extension. However, it is not always possible to receive a visa renewal.
FAQ
What is the Benin eVisa and how does it work?
The Benin eVisa is an electronic visa for Benin, which may be obtained through an online application process. It is issued to international travelers for trips related to tourism, business, and transit. Once approved, it allows you to spend up to 90 days abroad.
Who can apply for the Benin Visa online?
The Benin online visa is issued to travelers from all around the world as long as they meet the mandatory visa requirements. Keep in mind that some nationalities can visit Benin visa-free (exemption granted for citizens of Haiti, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and African Union member states).
What documents do I need for the Benin Visa?
The visa requirements for the Benin online application are elementary. Before proceeding with the registration, make sure you have a passport that will stay valid for at least 6 months and a biometric photograph. As for now, no additional documents are required for the procedure.
How do I apply online for the Benin Visa?
The Benin visa can be easily obtained through an online application procedure. All you need to do is fill in the registration form with essential information, upload the documents required for processing, and make the processing fee payment. You will receive the approved visa in your e-mail inbox.
How long does the Benin Visa remain valid?
The validity period of your Benin visa starts from the moment you enter the country. Depending on the visa type you have chosen during the application process, you can stay in the country either for 30 days (for a single-entry visa) or 90 days (for a multiple-entry visa).
What is the processing time of the Benin Visa?
The standard processing time of the Benin visa application is a few working days. However, this time may be prolonged if there are many queries to process in the Immigration Office. We recommend applying for the visa early to obtain it on time.