¡Hola, viajero! A cultural pasteurization, a history, a spiritual richness, the Republic of Benin is a more and more popular attraction. The ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, the transatlantic slave trade, and the colorful culture of Voodoo all contribute to the fact that Benin is a very rich experience that nothing like that can be encountered in South America.
Being a Colombian citizen, the country provides you with an easy transit to this West African paradise, which is the electronic visa (eVisa) system. This guide will serve as your guidebook to the road, all the details including documentation needed, payment, and time taken will be included in this guide. With this attention to the specific steps and the pitfalls that you should avoid, you will be able to actually grant your entry authorization and concentrate on your unbelievable trip.
Do Colombian Citizens Require a Visa for Entry into Benin?
The simple answer is yes, the Colombian citizens with passports should obtain a visa prior to traveling to the Republic of Benin.
Luckily, Benin has made the modernisation of its entry process and the traditional trip to an embassy is no longer needed in most short term visits. The Benin eVisa enables the eligible nationalities (such as Columbians) to fill out the application, submit the documents and obtain the official travel authorization fully online. This is an electronic document that is supposed to be locked before traveling and one who is supposed to have it when reaching Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO).
Understanding the Benin eVisa System: Tourist vs. Multi-Entry Options
The Benin eVisa simplifies travel planning by offering a few flexible options tailored for short stays, based on whether you plan a single trip or multiple excursions:
- 30-Day Single Entry: Ideal for typical tourist trips, this visa permits a maximum stay of 30 continuous days and can only be used for one entry.
- 30-Day Multiple Entry: Perfect for Colombian travelers who might combine Benin with neighboring countries like Togo or Nigeria and need to cross the border multiple times within a 30-day window.
- 90-Day Multiple Entry: Designed for extended stays, business travelers, or those planning comprehensive West African routes, this option allows multiple entries and a total stay of up to 90 days.
All eVisa options are applied for and paid for online, providing an approved electronic authorization that is mandatory for boarding your flight.
How to apply for a Benin eVisa for Colombian Citizens?
The Benin e-visa application process is entirely digital and highly efficient. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth submission:
- Select Visa Type: Carefully choose the required visa duration (30 or 90 days) and entry type (Single or Multiple) that best matches your travel plans.
- Fill the Application Form: Accurately enter all personal details (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.), ensuring they perfectly match the data in your Colombian passport.
- Upload Documents: Upload the required digital copies (passport scan and photo) in the specified formats (usually JPG or PDF).
- Pay the Fee: Complete the online payment using a valid credit or debit card. The fee varies based on the visa type selected (e.g., the 90-day multiple-entry option is typically the highest cost).
- Receive Confirmation: Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. The approved eVisa document will arrive in your inbox after processing.
Beninese visa requirements for Colombian citizens
While the documentation for the Benin eVisa is minimal, attention to detail is crucial for a quick approval:
- Valid Colombian Passport: A high-quality scanned copy of your passport bio-data page. The passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Benin and contain at least one blank page.
- Digital Passport Photo: A recent (usually taken within the last six months), color, passport-style photograph (often 3x4cm or 4x5cm). The background should be plain white, and your face must be clear and centrally aligned.
- Active Email Address: Essential for receiving updates, the official eVisa document, and any correspondence regarding your application.
- Credit/Debit Card: Required for immediate online payment of the visa fee.
Note on Additional Requirements: Unlike some other African countries, Benin typically does not require flight bookings, hotel reservations, or bank statements for the standard tourist eVisa. However, having these Document requirements For Benin Visa.
Benin e-Visa types, Fees, and Processing Times
The Benin e-Visa system offers flexibility in terms of duration and number of entries to accommodate various travel itineraries.
What are the types of Benin visas available?
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Ideal For |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days from arrival | Single | Short visits and cultural exploration. |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry | 30 days from first entry | Multiple | Extended stays or visits to neighboring countries. |
| 90-Day Multiple Entry | 90 days from first entry | Multiple | In-depth exploration or frequent travel. |
Benin e-Visa Fee Structure
The total cost of Benin eVisa is the sum of two main components. Note that actual costs depend on the visa type and may vary by nationality.
Total Cost=Government Fee + Service Fee
| Fee Component | Description |
| Government Fee | The mandatory charge imposed by the government for the official issuance of the visa. |
| Service Fee | An additional fee charged by the visa processing service for handling the application. |
How many days is Benin e-Visa processing?
Applicants can select one of three processing speeds, with faster options incurring an additional charge.
| Processing Option | Processing Timeframe | Additional Fee | Ideal For |
| Standard Processing | 1 – 2 Days | No additional fees | Planning ahead and cost-effectiveness. |
| Urgent Processing | 6 – 12 Hours | Incurs additional charges | Last-minute travelers or imminent departures. |
| Super Urgent Processing | Guaranteed 1 – 6 Hours | Highest additional charges | Emergency situations where time is critical. |
Troubleshooting: Common Benin eVisa Rejection Issues for Colombians
While the online system is reliable, rejection can occur due to preventable errors. Focus on these points to ensure approval:
- Inaccurate Personal Data: The most common cause of rejection. Your name, passport number, and date of birth must be identical to your passport. Do not use nicknames or omit second last names unless your passport does so.
- Low-Quality Scans: Submitting blurry, cropped, or obscured images of your passport or photo. Ensure the scanned image of the passport bio-page is in full color and legible.
- Expired Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that will expire in less than six months from your arrival date.
- Incomplete Form: Leaving any mandatory field blank.
Remember that any fees paid for a rejected application are often non-refundable. Precision is paramount.
What Happens with Your Approved Benin eVisa?
After approving your application, the eVisa document will be forwarded to you through e-mail. You are also supposed to print a hard copy of this document, this is your entry authorization.
On arrival to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO):
- Immigration Queue: Head to the Immigration counter and not to the VOA (Visa On Arrival) counter as you already have the necessary document.
- Current Documents: Show your Colombian passport, printed eVisa authorization and your further/return ticket.
- Entry Stamp: The immigration office will ensure that he/she verifies your information and apply the relevant stamp and grants you access into the Republic of Benin.
How can I extend my Benin e-visa? Options for Long-Term Residency
When you stay in Benin as a Colombian nation, more than 90 days long, whether it be work, studies, or to stay with the family, the tourist eVisa is not the right option.
To spend long-term, you have to request a Long-Term Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) at the closest Beninese Embassy or Consulate and leave Colombia. It is a much more complicated procedure that demands further records (a letter of invitation, evidence of accommodation, and police records) and can be accompanied by an interview. The Beninese diplomatic office can always be relied on to determine specific requests on long-stay visas.
Beyond Benin Visa: Essential Travel Tips for Colombian Visitors (Health and Currency)
The successful eVisa is only the beginning. The following are some of the main travel components of a Colombian traveler:
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Benin is among the risk countries of yellow fever. Entry will require a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate that will be verified by health officials upon entry.
- Currency: The official currency is West African CFA Franc (XOF). The most convenient currency to trade in the airport and banks is Euros (EUR). It is difficult to accept credit cards outside of major hotels in Cotonou.
- Safety: Although safe, exercise common sense, especially when places are crowded. Always avoid walking late in the night alone and keep valuables at a safe place.
Your Takeaway: Unlocking the Wonders of Benin
The Republic of Benin provides a strong relationship to the past and vivid modern culture. The eVisa procedure is an easy online journey to the door to this experience by the Colombian citizens.
Keep in mind the following three steps:
- Valid Passport: 6 months and above to arrival date.
- Choose the Visa Type: Single or Multiple Entry depending on your itinerary in the region.
- Apply Early: Have the two weeks it is recommended to relax early.
You have your eVisa in hand, and you are about to see the beautiful heritage sites of Abamey and the vibrant stilt village of Ganvié. ¡Disfruta tu viaje!