Visa guide · updated October 2026Do Indians need a visa for Benin?
Indian passport holders need a visa for Benin, which is issued online as an e-Visa before travel.
Benin visa options for Indians
| Option | Who it is for | Stay and validity | Official fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa, 30 days, single entry | Tourism and short visits | 30 days | €50 |
| e-Visa, 30 days, multiple entry | Several trips within a month | 30 days | €75 |
| e-Visa, 90 days, multiple entry | Longer or repeated stays | 90 days | €100 |
Benin visa fees
| Option | Official fee |
|---|---|
| e-Visa, 30 days, single entry | €50 |
| e-Visa, 30 days, multiple entry | €75 |
| e-Visa, 90 days, multiple entry | €100 |
Prices are those published by Benin’s Directorate of Emigration and Immigration and are paid online.
Documents required
Official sources do not give a full list for every case; these are the documents applicants are normally asked for. Confirm the exact list when you apply.
- Valid passport
- International certificate of vaccination (yellow fever)
- Travel dates and address in Benin
How to apply
Apply on the official e-Visa site, evisa.bj.
Choose the visa length and number of entries.
Pay online by card.
Print the e-Visa and carry it with your passport and vaccination certificate.
Processing time
The immigration directorate does not state a fixed processing time on the pages we could check; apply several days before you travel.
Best Time to Visit Benin
Benin has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. Planning around the weather is important for travel:
- Dry Season (November to March): The best time to visit Benin with pleasant temperatures of 25-32C. Lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Ideal for exploring Pendjari National Park for wildlife viewing.
- Wet Season (April to October): Heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern coastal areas. Some roads become challenging to navigate. However, the landscape is lush and vibrant. Hotel rates are lower.
- Harmattan Season (December to February): Dusty winds from the Sahara can reduce visibility and cause hazy conditions, particularly in northern Benin. Temperatures are cooler during this period.
- Cultural Events: The Voodoo Festival (January 10) in Ouidah is Benin's most important cultural celebration, attracting visitors from around the world. The Porto-Novo Festival of Arts and Culture takes place in August.
Travel Tips for Benin
Discover the birthplace of Voodoo with these travel tips:
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Cotonou and Porto-Novo but less reliable elsewhere. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels but cash is essential for markets and local transport.
- Transportation: Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO) is the main gateway. Zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) are the most common form of transport in cities — negotiate the fare before riding. Shared taxis and buses connect major cities.
- Language: French is the official language. Fon, Yoruba, and Bariba are widely spoken. English is rarely spoken outside major hotels. Learning basic French phrases is essential.
- Local Customs: Benin is deeply connected to Voodoo traditions (officially recognized as Vodun). Approximately 40% of the population practices Voodoo alongside Christianity and Islam. Photography of ceremonies requires permission.
- Cuisine: Try Pte (corn or cassava dough), Grilled Fish with sauce, Acaraj (bean fritters), and fresh tropical fruits. Palm wine is a traditional drink. Street food is abundant in Cotonou.
- Attractions: Visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey (UNESCO), the Route of Slaves in Ouidah, the Pendjari National Park (part of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex), and the floating village of Ganvi on Lake Nokou.
Visa application centres in India
You apply online on evisa.bj, so there is no visa application centre to visit in India.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026.
Popular places to visit in Benin
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Cotonou by Adoscam, CC BY-SA 4.0; Porto-Novo by Élisée.Adad, CC BY-SA 4.0; Ouidah by US Africa Command, CC BY 4.0; Abomey by Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Frequently asked questions
Indian passport holders need a visa for Benin, which is issued online as an e-Visa before travel.
e-Visa, 30 days, single entry: €50. e-Visa, 30 days, multiple entry: €75. e-Visa, 90 days, multiple entry: €100. Prices are those published by Benin’s Directorate of Emigration and Immigration and are paid online.
The immigration directorate does not state a fixed processing time on the pages we could check; apply several days before you travel.
Apply on the official e-Visa site, evisa.bj. Choose the visa length and number of entries. Pay online by card. Print the e-Visa and carry it with your passport and vaccination certificate.
From the official sources listed at the end of this page, checked on 1 October 2026. Visa rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official site before you apply.
Official sources
The visa facts on this page come from these official pages, checked on 1 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so confirm them before you apply.