Eligibility quiz
Do you want to visit Benin for family reasons?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Benin
A resident card lets you settle in Benin.
An ordinary card lasts 3 years, and a privileged card lasts 10 years; both can be renewed.
Enjoy equal rights
In Benin, residents generally have the same rights and freedoms as Beninese citizens.
This does not automatically grant citizen-only rights, public services or exemptions, which have their own conditions.
Own property
You can own property in Benin, though other laws may restrict or prohibit ownership in some cases.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Fill in the tourist or visit visa application online.
Find the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online for a Benin tourist or visit visa?”
Submit your application
Submit your tourist or visit visa application online with the required documents.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online for a Benin tourist or visit visa?”
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt.
Find visa fee paymentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fee for a Benin tourist or visit visa?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for a decision on your tourist or visit visa application.
See how to checkSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the decision on my Benin tourist or visit visa application?”
Receive your visa
Receive your visa online. If you travel to Benin, take your passport, visa and supporting documents with you, and travel within the visa's validity period.
Find your visaSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Benin tourist or visit visa online?”
Complete border control
If you travel to Benin, complete border control when you arrive and follow any identification procedure the authorities require.
Find arrival requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What border control procedures apply when entering Benin with a tourist or visit visa?”
Get an identification certificate
If you hold a stay visa and stay in Benin for more than 90 days continuously, or for more than 90 days in total over several stays, obtain a foreigner personal-identification certificate.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain a foreigner personal-identification certificate in Benin?”
Apply to renew
If you want to renew your visa, apply before it expires and allow enough time for processing. State your reason, pay the renewal fee and attach the receipt; if your stay has exceeded 90 days, also attach your foreigner personal-identification certificate.
Find renewal instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I renew a Benin tourist or visit visa?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Copy of your passport
Provide a copy of your passport or equivalent travel document. It must be valid for more than six months from the date you apply.
Proof of accommodation
Provide a hotel reservation, an invitation letter from an organisation in Benin, or a hosting certificate. A hosting certificate can come from a Beninese citizen living in Benin or a foreign citizen resident in Benin.
Application form
This is your application for a tourist or visit visa. If you renew your visa, include your reason for renewing.
Foreigner identification certificate *
Include your foreigner personal-identification certificate with your renewal application.
* Only if you are renewing your visa and your stay has exceeded 90 days.
Departure travel ticket *
Provide a transport ticket showing that you will leave Benin, or equivalent evidence of your departure.
* Only if you are not driving your own vehicle into Benin.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Resident card renewal
You must renew your card when it expires: after 3 years for an ordinary card or 10 years for a privileged card.
Residence can end
If renewal is refused, you must leave within 3 days unless you challenge it in court.
File within 3 days of notice or, if no decision arrives, of the decision deadline.
The challenge pauses departure or expulsion, and the court must decide within 45 days.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Bénin expats
Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese visas (English & French)
Join on FacebookExpat au Bénin
French Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese local life
Join on FacebookBénin expat
French Facebook group for people living in Benin interested in Beninese local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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