🇧🇯Benin Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Africa· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Benin?
It depends on your passport. Out of 196 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 65 enter Benin visa-free and 131 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
Visa-free
65
nationalities
E-visa
131
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Benin tourist e-visa
Benin publishes an online tourist visa. Eligibility depends on your nationality, check your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
Benin eVisa
50-100 EURStay: 90 daysProcessing: 5-7 business days
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (gouv.bj), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
Benin visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Benin applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
Benin visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Benin publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | 7 days | Portal | |||
| Benin eVisa | Short stay | 90 days | 50-100 EUR | 5-7 business days | Portal | |
| Business visa | Business | 90 days | 70-180 EUR | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Work visa | Work | 1 year (renewable) | 70-180 EUR | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Porto-Novo
Population
14,026,034
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF CFA)
Languages
French, Fon, Yoruba
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+229
Timezone
Africa/Porto-Novo
Area
112,622 km²
Government
Presidential republic
National day
August 1 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.bj
About
Benin is a West African country bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It is known for its rich history including the Kingdom of Dahomey and features beaches, national parks, and vibrant markets. It is a stable democracy with an economy based on agriculture and cotton.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Do not display valuables
Terrorism(Medium)
- Monitor alerts at northern borders
- Avoid gatherings
Transport
- Use official taxis
- Wear a helmet on motorcycle
Natural risks(Seasonal flooding and heavy rains)
- Follow weather alerts
- Avoid flood-prone areas
Health(Limited healthcare system, overcrowded hospitals)
- Mandatory vaccines: yellow fever
- Bottled water, anti-malarial measures
Practical tips
- Register with the consulate
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Enhanced Vigipirate security
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Cotonou · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Benin
Min An
Benin
Markus Spiske
Benin
limshig
Benin
Iwaria
Benin
David Iloba
Benin
Iwaria
Benin
David Iloba
Benin
David Iloba
Porto-Novo, Benin
Jérémy Glineur
Porto-Novo, Benin
Marcos Túlio
Porto-Novo, Benin
Jérémy Glineur
Porto-Novo, Benin
Egor Kunovsky
Porto-Novo, Benin
Aaron Porras
Porto-Novo, Benin
Alexjo
Porto-Novo, Benin
Bob Jenkin
Porto-Novo, Benin
Kelly
Porto-Novo, Benin
Egor Kunovsky
Porto-Novo, Benin
Sonny Vermeer
Benin
Torie Roman
Benin
Wilfred Panakkal
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Benin?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Benin across 196 nationalities: 65 visa-free, 131 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Benin visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 50 EUR (Benin eVisa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Is it dangerous to travel to Benin?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate to high risk depending on areas, with urban crime and terrorist threats near northern borders.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Benin?▾
The official currency is West African CFA franc (XOF CFA). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Benin?▾
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo. The main spoken languages are: French, Fon, Yoruba.
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