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Visitor & short-stay visas

Beninese Visa-Free Entry (ECOWAS and Exempt Nationalities)

For nationals of ECOWAS states and certain other exempt countries, who may enter Benin without a visa for short stays.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The specific list of non-ECOWAS visa-exempt countries and their individual stay lengths (e.g. reported 14–90 day allowances) come from secondary reporting and are not individually verified on the official DEI/e-Visa pages; confirm against the official visa-free list before relying on it.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Benin government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa exemption / free movement (exemption de visa)
Route type
Visa-free short-stay entry
Stay
Up to 90 days for ECOWAS nationals; varies for other exempt countries
Non-ECOWAS exempt-country stay lengths and the specific country list are not individually confirmed here
Entries
Multiple, within permitted stay

Who it is for

  • Nationals of ECOWAS member states (free movement)
  • Nationals of other countries with which Benin has a visa-waiver agreement

Requirements

  • Valid passport (or national ID card for ECOWAS nationals) with sufficient validity
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination at the border
  • Entry limited to permitted short-stay purposes (not local employment or study)

What you can do

  • Enter and stay for the permitted visa-free period
  • Undertake tourism, visits and short-term non-work activities
  • ECOWAS nationals also benefit from simplified conditions for longer establishment and work

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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