Trip checklist: Benin

For South African passport holders. Last checked 5 October 2026.

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Visa requirement

South Africans don't need a visa for Benin.

Permitted stay

You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Before you go

• Passport validity

  At least 6 months (GSA). FCDO says valid for the duration of the stay.

• How to apply

  No visa needed. For non-exempt travellers, the official e-Visa portal is https://evisa.bj (Government of Benin): 30-day single EUR 50, 30-day multiple EUR 75, 90-day multiple EUR 100; processing up to 96 hours.

• Where South Africans apply

  Not applicable (exempt). e-Visa online at evisa.bj if needed.

• Return or onward ticket

  Return ticket listed.

• Accommodation or invitation

  Letter of invitation and proof of accommodation listed.

• Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

  BENIN: yellow fever certificate REQUIRED for entry. RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA: Benin is on South Africa's yellow fever risk-country list. South African Department of Health / DIRCO rules require every traveller over 1 year old (South Africans included) arriving from a risk country, or transiting a risk-country airport for more than 12 hours, to show a valid yellow fever certificate (vaccine at least 10 days before departure; certificates are valid for life). Without one you may be refused entry or quarantined for up to 6 days.

• Confirm with the embassy

  Rules change. Check the official source before you book.

Where to apply

• Government of the Republic of Benin – e-Visa portal https://evisa.bj/

Research sources

1. 1. Government of the Republic of Benin – e-Visa portal (Official, evisa.bj) https://evisa.bj/
2. 2. UK FCDO (Other government, gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/benin/entry-requirements
3. 3. National Department of Health, South Africa (Other government, health.gov.za) https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Protocols-for-Travellers.pdf
4. 4. DIRCO (South African High Commission, Canberra) (Other government, dirco.gov.za) https://dirco.gov.za/canberra/yellow-fever/
5. 5. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Benin
6. 6. Wikipedia (Reference, en.wikipedia.org) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_South_African_citizens
7. 7. The GSA (South African visa agency) (Commercial, thegsa.co.za) https://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2571-benin-country-guide

From doineedavisa.co.za/benin. Always confirm with the embassy before you travel.