Benin visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Beninese Visa is not required for South Africans

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • South Africans travelling to Benin can stay for a duration of 90 days without a visa. 
  • South Africans visiting Benin should have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. 
  • Travellers must possess a Passport valid for a period of six months before entry and two blank pages for visa stamping. 
  • South Africans under the age of 18 visiting Benin without their parents must have an original birth certificate as well as a letter of authorisation from their parents or guardian.
  • Intending visitors can get to Cotonou, Benin from international airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Bloemfontein.
  • Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, are some of the carriers that fly from South Africa to Belize.
  • The estimated flight time from Johannesburg to Cotonou is 11 hours, 18 hours 50 minutes from Bloemfontein, and 14 hours 35 minutes from Cape Town.
  • Euros is the easiest currency to convert to West African CFA Franc, at foreign exchange offices, banks or bureaux de change. ATMs are available in most parts of Cotonou.
  • Benin has a hot and humid climate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.
  • Because Benin’s weather can sometimes be intolerable, the best time to visit is from November to February when the temperatures are more pleasant.
  • Benin uses the West Africa Standard Time (GMT+1) making South Africa one hour ahead of Benin.
  • Power sockets and plugs used in Benin are of type E. The standard supply voltage is 220 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz.
  • Benin is home to diverse, multilayered religious beliefs ranging from Muslims to Roman Catholics, Protestants ( Celestial, Methodist, etc), Vodun, and others.
  • There are many historical and natural beauties in Benin that makes it an excellent tourist spot.
  • Getting around in Benin is possible with Bush Taxis, Taxis, Car rentals, etc, all under CFA 350.
  • Beninese are primarily French, Fon and Yoruba speakers, although a vast majority also speak Pidgin English, which is basically a less formal kind of the English language.
  • It would help to pick up a few basic French phrases so as to navigate courteous conversations and show that you are conscious of their existing means of communication.
  • Beninese are very organized people, with rich, and highly interesting cultures evident in their food, mannerisms, clothes, etc. It is important to respect local laws assigned to tourists and visitors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What language is spoken in Benin?

 French is the official language spoken in Benin. Other languages include ‎Fon, Yom, Yoruba, etc.

When is the best time to visit Benin?

The best time to visit Benin is between mid- November and March. At this time the weather is most pleasurable.

What is the climate like in Benin?

Benin has two rainy and two dry seasons. The rainy season is from April to late June while the dry season is from late September to November. 

What is Benin formally called?
During the colonial period and at independence, the country was known as Dahomey. On 30 November 1975, it was renamed to Benin, after the body of water on which the country lies called The Bight of Benin.
Is Benin safe for tourists?

It is also, fortunately, one of the most stable and safe countries of the region for travelling. With its rich history, vibrant culture, protected wildlife, Grand Popo ocean beach, and artisan market in Se, Benin is one of the best-kept tourism secrets in West Africa.