Visit World - French Citizens Traveling to Benin: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

An insurance policy should be issued for the entire period of stay in the country .

A travel insurance policy must meet the following requirements:

Minimum coverage of 50 000 dollars
Cover expenses for medical care, repatriation, loss of luggage, etc.

Visa

If visa-free entry to Benin is available to you, you do not need a visa.

All other citizens should issue an entry visa.

Electronic visa

An electronic visa (e-Visa) for Benin allows its owner to enter the country. This digital visa can be obtained through an online application.

There are 3 types of Benin eVisa :

for one-time entry
for multiple entry (for a stay of 30 days)
for multiple entry (for a stay of 90 days).

A single-entry electronic visa to Benin can be used only once for a maximum stay of 30 days.

The Benin Multiple Entry e-Visa can allow a stay of up to 30 or up to 90 days, depending on the applicant's purpose of entry.

What are the requirements for obtaining an e-Visa to Benin?

Citizens of all countries that are not exempted from the visa regime have the right to obtain an electronic visa to Benin.

Foreign nationals applying for a Benin e-Visa must complete an online application form and submit the following documents:

A valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and one page for affixing a stamp
Current e-Visa email address
A credit or debit card to cover the visa application processing fee.

Once the application is submitted, the approved Benin e-Visa will be delivered to the specified email address within a few working days. It is preferable to apply at least one week before travel, but it is not possible to apply more than 90 days before the planned date of entry into Benin.

Travelers must print a copy of their Benin eVisa to present at border control upon arrival.

Where to apply for an electronic visa?

The application can be submitted on the official website of the Government of Benin: https://evisa.bj.

Is it possible to extend the validity period of the visa?

When your eVisa expires during your stay in Benin, please contact the Emigration and Immigration office to renew it.

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for foreign nationals who are not eligible for an e-Visa and must be requested at the nearest Benin embassy in your country of residence. This visa allows you to travel to Benin for tourism, business or to visit family members. You can choose between a standard visa, which is valid for 30 days, or a short-stay tourist visa, for trips of less than 8 days.

What documents are required for a tourist visa to Benin?

The original passport, valid for six months from the date of submission of the request
Copy of passport page (photo page only)
One original colored photo
The original visa application form, completely filled out
Confirmation of a round trip ticket or itinerary
Hotel reservation confirmation.

If you are traveling to Benin with a minor child, please note the additional documents you will need:

A visa application form for each child and a certified copy of their birth certificate must be completed.
If the child is traveling with only one parent, a letter of consent from the other parent is required for such a trip.
If the child is traveling alone, a letter of consent from both parents is required for such a trip.

A Benin transit visa is required by most foreign nationals for transit through the country.

A transit visa can be obtained through an online application on the website of the Government of Benin: https://evisa.bj.

When entering Benin with animals, you should observe the following rules:

The first step is to microchip your pet with a 15-digit pet microchip .
Although a rabies test is not mandatory for Benin, all pets must have proof of current rabies vaccination at least 30 days prior to entry into the country. A licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Benin shortly before travel. This certificate, as well as the rabies certificate, must be submitted to the consulate for approval.
An import permit is not required when entering Benin with a pet.
Pets must enter Benin at Cotonou Cajehun Airport in Cotonou.
Pets can be brought into Benin in the cabin of an aircraft, as checked baggage or as air cargo.
All domestic animals must be free of signs of disease communicable to humans when inspected at the port of entry.
Benin does not publish a list of prohibited animal breeds for import.

Emergency contacts: dial 117 for the police, 112 for medical services and 118 for the fire department.

For information and advice on Benin customs regulations, visit the official website of the Customs Department: https://douanes.gouv.bj/.

If you are coming from another country, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car in Benin. You have the option of applying for an IDP before you travel or applying for an international driver's license at the airport upon arrival. International driver's license requirements only include a valid local driver's license and at least 18 years of age.

To rent a car, a minimum driving experience of at least 2 years is required.

The minimum age is 21 years (for some types of cars – 25 years).

Representations of Benin in the countries of the world: https://www.embassypages.com/benin.

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