Apply for Benin Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Benin.

Citizens of Zimbabwe do not require visas for travel to Benin and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Benin

Benin is a West African country known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Visitors from many countries require a visa to enter Benin, and there are several types of visas available depending on the purpose of your visit. The Benin visa application process varies depending on the type of visa and where you apply.


 You can apply for a Benin visa online (eVisa) or in-person at a Benin embassy or consulate. In this article, we will discuss the different types of Benin visas, the requirements, application procedures, and other important information to help you obtain a Benin visa.

Categories of Benin Visas

There are several types of Benin visas available depending on the purpose of the visit, such as:

  • Benin E-visa: Foreign nationals can obtain a Benin eVisa for transit, tourism, and business purposes. African nationals do not require a visa to travel to Benin, while nationals of other countries are eligible for the eVisa.

  • Benin Tourist Visa: For tourism and sightseeing purposes, you can apply for a Benin Tourist Visa either online or through the embassy/consulate. The validity of a regular Benin Tourist Visa is 30 days after issuance, while a Special Tourist Visa is valid for 8 days only.

  • Benin Business Visa: A Benin Business Visa is issued for foreign nationals who visit Benin for business or economic activities. The visa's validity is either 3 or 6 months from the date of issuance.

  • Benin Resident Visa: The Benin Resident Visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Benin and must be obtained in-person at the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration in Cotonou. A resident card is required for anyone who wishes to settle in Benin. The validity of the Benin Resident Visa varies depending on the type obtained.

  • Benin Courtesy Visa: The Benin Courtesy Visa is issued to diplomatic, official, and service passport holders who are visiting Benin for official duties.

Benin E-visa varies depending on its validity and number of entries:

  • 30-day single entry
  • 30-day multiple entries
  • 90-day multiple entries 

What are the Benin Visa Requirements?

To obtain a Benin visa, the following requirements must be met:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Benin
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation in Benin
  • Return flight ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Benin
  • Vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever

Benin Visa Validity

The validity of a Benin visa varies depending on the type of visa issued. The eVisa options include a 30-day single entry, 30-day multiple entries, and 90-day multiple entries. 

Other types of visas, such as the Benin Tourist Visa and Benin Business Visa, have a validity period of 30 days after the date of issuance. The validity of a Benin Resident Visa varies depending on the type of visa obtained. 

It's important to note that the visa holder must enter Benin before the expiration date, and the duration of stay allowed will be determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Explanation of Online Benin Visa Application Form

The Benin eVisa application can be completed online by providing personal and travel information, uploading a passport photo and a scanned copy of the passport, and paying the visa fee. The processing time is usually between 24-72 hours, and once approved, the visa will be sent via email and must be presented along with the passport at the port of entry in Benin.

How to Apply for a Benin Visa?

There are two ways to apply for a Benin visa - online or in-person. The online application process involves filling out the application form, submitting required documents, and paying the visa fee, while in-person applications require a visit to the embassy or consulate and submission of necessary documents and payment of fees. The requirements and procedures may vary depending on the type of visa or embassy/consulate.

Applying for a Benin visa online (Benin eVisa)

The Benin eVisa is an online application system that allows you to apply for a visa to enter Benin from anywhere in the world. To apply for a Benin eVisa, you need to follow these steps:

  • Visit the eVisa website and fill out the application form
  • Upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit card
  • Wait for your visa application to be processed and approved
  • Receive your Benin eVisa via email

Applying for a Benin visa at an embassy or consulate

You can also apply for a Benin visa at the nearest Benin embassy or consulate in your country. To apply for a Benin visa at an embassy or consulate, you need to:

  • Visit the embassy or consulate with all the required documents
  • Fill out a visa application form
  • Pay the visa fee in cash or by credit card
  • Wait for your visa application to be processed and approved
  • Collect your Benin visa in person or by mail

How long Does it Take to Process a Benin Visa?

The processing time for a Benin visa depends on the type of visa and the method of application. For the eVisa, the processing time is usually between 24-72 hours

However, it may take longer if additional information or documents are required. In-person visa applications at a Benin embassy or consulate may take longer and vary depending on the location.

 It is recommended to apply for a Benin visa well in advance of the planned travel date to allow for sufficient processing time.

Urgent Benin Visa Application

If you need an urgent Benin eVisa, you can request expedited processing during the application process. When filling out the eVisa application form, select the expedited processing option and pay the additional fee. The processing time for urgent eVisa applications is usually within 24 hours.

Benin Visa expired?

To enter Benin, a valid visa is required. If the visa has expired, a new visa application must be submitted, either through the eVisa system or at an embassy/consulate. The process varies depending on the type of visa and the method of application. It's essential to have all necessary documents and meet the eligibility requirements.

Cost of Benin Visa

The fee for a Benin visa depends on factors such as visa type, processing time, and nationality. The applicable fee can be determined by using the fee tool provided on the relevant website. It is important to note that the fee is subject to change without notice, so it is recommended to check before starting the application process.

Benin eVisa vs. Sticker-Visa 

Benin offers both eVisa and sticker-visa options for eligible applicants. The eVisa is an electronic visa that is issued online and doesn't require a physical stamp or sticker to be placed in your passport. The sticker-visa, on the other hand, is a physical visa that is issued by the Embassy or Consulate of Benin and placed in your passport.

Benin eVisa

Pros:

  • More convenient and faster to apply for
  • Can be applied for online from anywhere in the world
  • Can be printed at home or on your phone
  • Valid for 90 days from the date of arrival
  • Can be used multiple times

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than sticker-visa
  • Can only be used for tourism purposes

Sticker-Visa

Pros:

  • Cheaper than eVisa
  • Can be used for all purposes, including tourism, business, and transit
  • Can be applied for at any Benin embassy or consulate

Cons:

  • Can take longer to process
  • Must be picked up in person at a Benin embassy or consulate
  • Valid for 90 days from the date of issue
  • Can only be used once

 

Ultimately, the best type of visa for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are looking for a convenient and fast way to apply for a visa, then the eVisa is the better option. However, if you are looking for a cheaper visa or need a visa for a specific purpose, then the sticker-visa may be a better choice.

Benin Work Visa: Requirements and Process 

To work in Benin, foreign nationals must obtain a work visa by submitting a visa application form, passport, recent passport-size photo, proof of yellow fever vaccination, employment letter, proof of financial means, police clearance certificate, and medical certificate. The application process includes paying the visa fee, attending an interview with a consular officer, and waiting for the visa to be processed, which takes around two weeks. The Benin work visa can be obtained from the Benin embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. 

FAQs about Benin eVisa


 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies