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Benin Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

United States citizens must apply online for a Benin e-visa at evisa.gouv.bj before travel; e-visa types include Tourist and Business with typical processing of 3–5 working days and total costs starting around USD 50 for Tourist visas.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Benin, with at least one blank page in the passport.
  • Specific forms: No DS-160; apply via the online eVisa form at the official portal evisa.gouv.bj; you will be asked to upload your passport data page and a recent passport-style photo.
  • Financial proof: The Benin e-visa portal does not publish a minimum cash requirement; carry evidence of funds for your stay (e.g., recent bank statements or credit card statements) if asked by border officials.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have a hotel reservation or invitation letter and proof of return/onward travel; you may be asked to show these at entry.
  • Photo spec: Provide a recent color passport photo; 51x51 mm (2x2 inches) with a plain white background; upload in the accepted file format (usually JPG/PNG) as required by the portal.
  • Biometrics: No separate in-person biometrics appointment; the e-visa application collects biometric data digitally (passport data and photo) within the online submission.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but highly recommended to have travel health insurance with adequate coverage during Benin stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visa de Tourisme): Official name Visa de Tourisme; Validity up to 30 days per visit; Max stay 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 50 (about XOF 30,000).
  • Business visa (Visa d'Affaires): Official name Visa d'Affaires; Validity up to 30 days per visit; Max stay 30 days; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 100 (about XOF 60,000).
  • Other categories: The online portal primarily supports Tourist and Business e-Visas; for student, work, or other categories, contact Benin's consular services.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/; Steps: 1) Create an account on the eVisa platform; 2) Choose visa type (Tourist or Business); 3) Fill the applicant form with personal data, passport details, travel plans, and upload required documents (passport data page, photo, hotel reservation or invitation letter for business); 4) Pay the visa fee via the portal (fees shown in USD; local currency shown by the portal depending on payment method); 5) Submit your application; 6) Processing time is typically 3–5 business days; you will receive the approved e-visa by email as a PDF; 7) Print the e-visa and carry it with your passport to Benin; present upon arrival.
  • Fees: Tourist USD 50; Business USD 100. The portal will display the current amount in USD and its local currency equivalent during payment.
  • Processing time: 3–5 business days; occasional delays during holidays; no separate visa on arrival after approval; no paper visa is required.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (local currency and approximate USD): Tourist: XOF 30,000 (approx USD 50); Business: XOF 60,000 (approx USD 100).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for e-visa; no third-party service fees beyond the official portal charges.
  • Total cost estimate: Tourist USD 50; Business USD 100 (plus any card processing fees by your bank).
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for Benin e-visa at this time.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants: mismatched passport data (name, date of birth), passport validity shorter than required, uploading an incorrect photo, incomplete forms, or failure to provide required supporting documents; ensure consistency across documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Use the official e-visa portal (evisa.gouv.bj); there is no requirement for a visa appointment at a Benin embassy for the e-visa; avoid third-party services that add extra fees.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Benin before travel; ensure you meet entry conditions and stay updated on safety information for the regions you plan to visit.
  • Extension options inside Benin: Extensions are not guaranteed; if you need more time, you may attempt to extend your stay through Benin immigration or apply for a new e-visa before your current visa expires; in many cases, leaving Benin and re-entering with a new e-visa is the practical option.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.