Benin Visa & eVisa – Requirements, Fees, Validity, Extension & Online Guide

1. Choose the correct visa type (tourist/business/transit/visit).
2. Check the visa policy for your nationality (visa‑free, eVisa, embassy visa, or visa on arrival).
3. Prepare documents (passport, photo, itinerary, accommodation/invitation).
4. Submit the form with consistent dates and details.
5. Pay the official fee (plus service fee if using assistance) and keep receipts.
6. Print confirmations for border entry and keep offline copies.

This hub explains Benin visa categories, requirements, fees, processing time, validity vs duration of stay, and extensions. It includes an editable visa policy matrix (by nationality group) and practical travel planning.

Use the keyword pages below for focused answers (tourist visa, business visa, visa extension, online application, status check, and more).

Airports & border entry

List your entry airport or land border in the itinerary and carry printed copies of approvals, hotel/invitation, and onward travel evidence.

Car types for bad roads

City/highway → standard car • Mixed roads → SUV • Remote/seasonal tracks → true 4x4.

This deep guide supports Benin visa and explains how visas and eVisas typically work for travel to Benin.

How to apply

Step 1: choose the correct category. Step 2: confirm your channel (eVisa portal, embassy, or visa on arrival eligibility). Step 3: upload documents. Step 4: pay using the accepted method. Step 5: print confirmations for border entry.

Completeness beats speed. An incomplete file causes more delay than standard processing. Submit a clean, consistent application the first time.

Documents

Upload clear scans. If the passport MRZ line is unreadable, files are often paused for resubmission. Name files clearly (passport.pdf, photo.jpg, hotel.pdf).

Most applications require a passport, photo, form, itinerary, and accommodation proof or invitation. Business trips often need a company invitation letter. Some applicants are asked for proof of funds.

Core concepts

Visa rules depend on nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and the application channel. The safest approach is a checklist mindset: pick the category, confirm eligibility, gather documents, then submit and pay.

Many African countries use mixed systems: embassy visas, visas on arrival, and eVisa portals. Some travelers qualify for visa‑free entry under regional agreements. Always verify the rule for your passport before booking non‑refundable travel.

Treat “online application” as a workflow convenience. Some portals require additional checks or in‑person steps depending on nationality or trip purpose.

Car rental for bad roads

Choose the vehicle for the worst road segment. City and highways → standard car; mixed paved/dirt → SUV; remote/seasonal tracks → true 4x4.

If you plan rural travel in rainy season, a 4x4 is often safer and reduces the risk of getting stuck.

Airports & overland

Overland crossings can take longer. Keep your documents organized and arrive early in the day.

Use the correct entry point in your itinerary (main airport or land border) and carry printed copies of your visa approval, hotel/invitation, and onward travel evidence.

Validity vs duration

Validity is the period when you can enter; duration of stay is the number of days you can remain after entry. Always plan around duration of stay to avoid overstays.

Overstays can lead to fines and future travel complications. Track your permitted stay from your entry stamp and approval conditions.

Extensions

Extensions are not automatic. You may need proof of accommodation, a reason, and fee payment.

Some countries allow extensions at immigration offices; others require exit and a new application. Apply before expiry and keep copies of your entry stamp.

How to write a clean itinerary (copy‑paste style)

Example: “Arrive in Benin, stay 3 nights at Hotel A in the capital; continue to Region B for 4 nights; return and depart.” Keep dates and addresses consistent across the form, hotel booking, and invitation letters.

Informational guide only. Visa policies change; verify official rules for your nationality before travel.