Everything You Need To Know About Benin Visa

Citizens of all African countries do not need a visa to enter Benin. These foreign nationals can enter Benin and can stay inside the country for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa. 

However, all UK nationals need a visa to visit Benin, and it can be obtained both by online and offline means. Benin recently introduced the online system of visa application to make the entire process easier and comfortable for foreign nationals.

Authorities in Benin have classified their visas into several types depending on the purpose and nature of the foreign national’s visit. Please scroll down to know more about the different types of visas offered by Benin.

Benin tourist e-visa

As the name indicates, all foreign nationals can apply for a tourist visa by sitting in the comfort of their home using the e-visa option. The entire process of visa application is very easy, and there is no need to visit the Benin embassy. Please find below the necessary documents that should be submitted to obtain a Benin tourist e-visa.

• In order to get a Benin tourist visa, the foreign national should submit the photocopy of the first three pages of the passport.
• The foreign national should also submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
• The e-visa application form should be completed without any errors.

Once you submit the e-visa application, authorities in Benin will review the submitted documents, and will send you the e-visa within one or two business days. You should carry a printout of this e-visa while traveling to Benin, and should show it to the immigration authorities once you land in the airport.

Benin business e-visa

Business personals planning to visit Benin can apply for a business e-visa. In order to apply for these visas, there is no need to visit the embassy, and all you need to do is submitting the necessary documents to visit the country. Please scroll down to know more about the documents that should be submitted to obtain a business e-visa.

• The applicant should submit the photocopy of the passport. While submitting this copy, always make sure that your passport has a minimum validity of three months after you leave Benin.
• It is necessary to submit a recent photograph of the traveler.
• The business e-visa questionnaire should be completed. If you face any difficulties while filling this application form, do not hesitate to contact Visa Genie, and we will be glad to assist you.

Once your e-visa is sanctioned, authorities will mail this electronic travel authorization to your email. After receiving this email copy, you should take a printout of this document, and should carry it with you during the trip to Benin.

Benin tourist visa

Foreign nationals can also apply for a tourist visa via the conventional means. In order to get these visas, the traveler should visit the Benin embassy, and should submit the necessary documents to obtain the visa. You can also avail the services of entrusted agencies like Visa Genie, and we will be glad to assist you. 

Please find below the necessary documents that are required to obtain a Benin regular tourist visa.

• The original passport of the applicant should be submitted, and it should have six months valifity and two blank pages. The applicant should make sure that he or she has duly signed in the passport.
• The applicant should submit a recently taken photograph. Please make sure that the photograph is taken within the last six months. While taking the photograph, the applicant should ensure that he or she is maintaining a neutral facial expression. The photograph should be taken in a white background, and it should provide the full-frontal view of the applicant’s head with the face centered in the middle.
• The traveler should submit the complete version of the itinerary, that includes onward and return tickets.
• It is necessary to submit the International certificate for vaccination of yellow fever.
• The applicant should complete the visa application form without any errors. There are several previous instances where foreign nationals were denied visa due to errors in application form. If you face any difficulties while filling the visa application form, do contact Visa Genie, and we will be glad to assist you.

Tips to take care while traveling with minors

If traveling with minors, it is necessary to submit the set of additional documents mentioned below.

• The full birth certificate of the minor should be submitted. Please make sure that the birth certificate carries the name of the parents.
• The passport copies of parents should be submitted.
• It is also necessary to submit consent letter from both the parents. If the minor has a legal guardian, a consent letter should be submitted by that respective person.

Benin business visa

Foreign nationals planning to enter Benin for business purposes can apply for a business visa. 

Please find below the necessary documents that are required to get these visas.

• In order to get a Benin business visa, the foreign national should submit a passport that has a minimum validity of six months. The applicant should also ensure that the passport has two blank pages for markings. If your passport has a validity of less than six months or no sufficient blank pages, renew it before sending the visa application.
• It is necessary to submit a passport-sized photograph of the applicant. This recently taken passport sized photograph should be taken in a white background, and it should provide the full-frontal view of the applicant’s head with the face centered in the middle.
• The applicant should submit copy of onward and return ticket.
• It is necessary to submit an employment letter from the traveler’s UK employer. The employment letter should detail the purpose and nature of the visit. The letter should also specify the type and desired validity of the Benin business visa. This letter should also guarantee enough funds for the traveler.
• In order to get a business visa, it is also necessary to submit an invitation company in Benin. This invitation letter addressed to the Consulate of Benin should detail the purpose of the trip, and it should not be more than one month old.

Benin transit visa

Transit visas are not required for British nationals for a stay up to 24 hours in Benin. 

However, while transiting through Benin, the traveler should follow the below mentioned rules.

• The foreign national should have a passport which is valid. It should also have one blank page.
• The traveler should make sure that he or she is not leaving the International transit area of the airport.
• The traveler should hold proof of sufficient funds.
• The foreign national should have proof of onward and return flight tickets.
• The traveler should hold all documents that are required for the next destination.
• The foreign national should make sure that the airline company allows boarding without tickets.