Promotion of the Benin destination: obtaining a visa via the internet is now possible

On Monday, April 23, 2018, the e-VISA launch ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Cotonou. The Minister of the Interior, accompanied by three of his colleagues (the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Minister of the Digital Economy, and the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports), officially launched the e-VISA. Foreign nationals (non-Africans) wishing to return to Benin can now remain at home and obtain a visa.

President Patrice Talon, in his government action plan, included Pillar 2 (Undertaking the Structural Transformation of the Economy) to improve the country's economic growth through the use of ICT as a catalyst for economic growth. Thus, the PAG provided for the implementation of electronic management of administrative documents (intranet) to accelerate collaborative work between the central department and the various diplomatic and consular posts in Benin, with the dematerialization of visas and consular cards.

In this regard, the "Smart Administration" (Smart Gouv) program, aimed at computerizing and dematerializing the administration, worked to implement the "e-Visa project" with the aim of making Benin a preferred destination for tourism and business by simplifying administrative procedures for immigration.

Indeed, on Thursday, September 14, 2017, Aurélien Agbénonci, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced during the diplomatic return that visas would be issued online on a digital platform starting January 1, 2018. However, it took until April 23 for this digital platform to be opened to foreigners wishing to travel to the land of Béhanzin, Kaba, and Bio-guerra, without administrative hassle.

The e-visa is for non-African nationals (Africans do not require visas to travel to Benin) who wish to travel to Benin for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days. Through this platform, applicants can have their visa issued within 48 hours.

What types of e-visas are available?

Three types of electronic visas are available to users:

e-Visa, valid for 30 days for a single entry

e-Visa, valid for 30 days for multiple entries

e-Visa, valid for 90 days for multiple entries

How much does the e-Visa cost?

30-day single entry: €50.00

30-day multiple entries: €75.00

90-day multiple entries: €100.00

What is the procedure?

Once logged into the portal, you will need to:

Provide certain personal information (last name, first name, date of birth, etc.),

Choose your e-Visa type, with the option to request an affixing at an embassy or upon arrival in Benin,

Enter information about your trip (dates, duration, accommodation, etc.),

Enter your passport details (number, dates, etc.),

Pay the e-Visa fee online by credit card