Benin visa requirements for Ivorians

Travel and visa requirements

Beninese Visa is not required for Ivorians

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Benin officially the Benin Republic was formerly known as Dahomey. 
  • Citizens of the Ivory Coast can visit Benin without a visa provided they stay for no more than 90 days.
  • They are required to possess a valid passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure from Benin.
  • They are also to tender a certificate showing proof that they have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever.
  • The passports are expected to have blank pages to be used for visa stamps on arrival.
  • Visitors with the national identity card issued to citizens of the Ivory Coast do not need a passport for entry.
  • No airport taxes are levied on visitors upon departure from the airport.
  • There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies, provided they are declared on arrival.
  • Visitors must hold proof of sufficient funds and onward/return travel tickets.
  • Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons. The major rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. 
  • French is the official language in Benin. However, indigenous languages such as Fon, Yom, and Yoruba are considered national languages.
  • West African CFA Franc is Benin’s official currency.
  • Benin’s tropical climate leads it to highly depend on agriculture and it is a large exporter of cotton and palm oil 
  • Christianity is the predominant religion in Benin with Christians constituting about 42.8% of the total population, followed closely by Islam, Vodoo and Protestantism. 
  • Benin is one of the main centers of voodoo practices and that culture remains prevalent.
  • The Benin Republic adopts the use of the West African Standard time (GMT+1) which places it 1 hour ahead of the Ivory Coast.
  • The estimated flight time from Ivory Coast to Benin is 1 hour 31 minutes.
  • Transportation in Benin is made easy via cars, trains, and buses. Car hire is also very common.
  • Photography near sensitive or government sites, like military installations or the airport, is strictly prohibited.
  • Visitors are advised to avoid travelling alone and maintain a high level of vigilance, especially at night and in isolated areas, including beaches.
  • Good manners are valued in Benin therefore, it is appropriate to shake the hand of each person present upon entering or leaving a place. 
  • Offering food and drink to visitors is an important aspect of hospitality and to refuse is considered rude to the Benin people.
  • Many people in Benin eat with the fingers of the right hand. It is considered bad taste to eat with the left hand or offer another person something with the same hand.
  • The power plugs and sockets used in Benin are of Type E. The standard voltage and frequency are 220 V and 50 Hz.
  • Benin cuisine is an exotic mix of African and European cultures.
  • The basic meal in Benin consists of a staple starch, eaten with a sauce that contains vegetables and meat or fish. 
  • Although the nation is relatively small and has only a few large cities, it, however, affords travellers the opportunity to explore its museums, wonderful architecture and markets.
  • Benin culture is the most unique and interesting cultures in Africa, with music being an important aspect of it.
  • Benin also has a lot of tourist sites. Some of them include: Boukoumbe town andBenin's Pendjari National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is Benin safe for tourists?
Benin is considered a peaceful and friendly country. It is one of the few safe and stable places to visit in West Africa. However, visitors should be aware that petty theft, violent crimes, and fraud are rife in the country.

What is Benin's climate like?
Benin has a hot and humid climate characterized by two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The major rainy season is from April to late July, with a shorter less intense rainy period from late September to November. The main dry season is from December to April, with a short cooler dry season from late July to early September. 

When is it best to visit Benin?
The best time to visit Benin is during the harmattan season that brings fresh wind from September through March.