Benin visa requirements for Rwandans
Travel and visa requirements
Beninese Visa is not required for Rwandans
Stay Duration: 90 days
Entry Requirements
- Rwanda citizens travelling to Benin with the intention to stay for 90 days or less do not require a visa.
- Visitors are required to possess a valid passport for six months with at least one blank page for visa stamps.
- Passport should be valid for six months beyond your departure date from Benin .
- One recent 2 x 2 passport photograph, in color, front view and with a plain/light background is required.
- Visitors must also have in possession, a valid yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination). Malaria protection, although not required, is also recommended.
- Visitors must hold a proof of sufficient funds and onward/return travel tickets.
- The Capital of Benin is Port-Novo.
- Benin is a tropical nation, highly dependent on agriculture, and is a large exporter of cotton and palm oil.
- The majority of the Benin population live on the small southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic.
- Benin has both rainy and dry seasons. The principal 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.
- The official language of Benin is French. However, indigenous languages such as Fon and Yoruba are commonly spoken too.
- The largest religious group in Benin is Roman Catholicism followed closely by Islam, Vodun and Protestantism.
- The Benin citizens are known for their Religious Syncretism (the act of practicing the combination of elements from the christian and voodoo religion)
- Benin uses the four major means of transportation (road, rail, water and air).
- The Benin Republic uses the West African Standard time ,thus, the time zone currently is the Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT+1), Benin is 1 hours ahead of Egypt.
- The crime rate in Benin is low, and most disputes are resolved by local leaders. Only a few civilians have access to guns.
- Good manners include taking time to greet people properly, using conventional oral formulas. Upon entering or leaving an appointment, it is appropriate to shake the hand of each person present. People who are well acquainted may greet each other by kissing on the cheeks.
- Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are discouraged, but men frequently walk together holding hands.
- Offering food and drink to visitors is a key element of hospitality, and to refuse is considered as rude.
- Many people eat in the traditional style, using the fingers of the right hand. It is considered wrong to eat with the left hand or offer another person something with it.
- The basic meal is staple starch eaten with a sauce that contains vegetables and meat or fish. Food is prepared at least twice a day: at midday and in the evening. The morning meal may consist of warmed-up leftovers from the previous evening's meal or food purchased from roadside vendors.
- Benin is known to play a key role in the development of the African slave trade and also recognised to be the birthplace of the voodoo arts. These two ingredients are just a small part of the recipe that makes the complex and rich history of this African nation.
- Although, the nation is relatively small and has only a few large cities but Benin provides travelers or visitors with museums, wonderful architecture and markets in abundance for exploration.
- One of the most beautiful spots for a drink is the terrace of the pub in Haie Vive, which is considered to be one of the biggest expat hangouts in town. The Benin republic also has many recreational sites for visitors’ pleasure especially for nightlife activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Homosexuality frowned at in Benin??
Homosexuality is legal in Benin, although, Homosexuality is not universally accepted. One has to be discreet about it.
Do I need any special vaccination to visit Benin?
Yes, you would be required to provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Is Benin safe?
Street crime such as robbery and mugging is common in Benin. Avoid travelling alone. Do not walk on the beach alone at any time of the day
What is Benin famous for?
Under these obas Benin became a highly organized state. Its numerous craftsmen were organized into guilds, and the kingdom became famous for its ivory and wood carvers. Its brass smiths and bronze casters excelled at making naturalistic heads, bas-reliefs, and other sculptures.