Country guide
Benin
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Required
Currency
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 229
Best time to go
January & February
Drinking water
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised.
Travel tips
Currents are extremely strong along the coast and drownings frequently occur. Credit cards have limited acceptance.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
They must, however, be in possession of the following:
An Original valid passport with at least 6 (six)months of validity period.
Yellow fever vaccination card.
A letter of invitation and a proof of accommodation.
Return ticket
Should you require a visa, you can apply online: evisa.bj
Visa requirements
No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days for SA passport holders.
SA representative
SA Embassy
Maison N5, Les Cocotiers, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
Tel: +229 21 30 72 17 / 21 30 68 95
Email: rsaembassybenin@dirco.gov.za
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 8-9; Mar 20; Apr 6; May 1, 14, 25, 27; Aug 1, 15, 26; Sep 5; Nov 1; Dec 25