Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Benin?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Benin
Benin has concluded reciprocal visa exemption agreements with a number of countries, allowing their nationals to enter without a visa. Travellers should verify their eligibility through the official immigration authority at dei.gouv.bj before travel.
Last checked 5 months ago (18 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Benin for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Benin entry requirements →
Abomey
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Benin
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Benin
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Plan a trip of 90 days or fewer. Beyond that, Benin needs a different permission and this page does not cover it.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 18 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Updated 2025-12-15
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Benin
No. South African citizens can enter Benin without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 18 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Benin uses XOF. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 18 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →