Africa
Benin
- Capital
- Porto-Novo
- Population
- 14,814,460
- Currency
- West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Calling code
- +229
- Languages
- French
- 33missions
- 22embassies
- 8consulates
- 3honorary consulates
Benin
Embassies and consulates in Benin
embassies in Cotonou
Benin hosts 33 foreign missions from 31 countries: 22 embassies, 8 consulates and 3 honorary consulates. All 22 embassies are in Cotonou, although Porto-Novo is the capital.
Map
All missions in Benin
By country
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Armenia 1 consulate1 -
Belgium 1 embassy1 -
Burkina Faso 1 consulate1 -
Cameroon 1 embassy · 1 consulate2 -
Canada 1 embassy1 -
China 1 embassy1 -
Cuba 1 embassy1 -
DR Congo 1 embassy1 -
Egypt 1 embassy1 -
France 1 embassy · 1 consulate2 -
Gabon 1 embassy1 -
Germany 1 embassy1 -
Ghana 1 embassy1 -
Holy See 1 embassy1 -
Italy 1 consulate1 -
Ivory Coast 1 honorary consulate1 -
Morocco 1 embassy1 -
Netherlands 1 embassy1 -
Niger 1 embassy1 -
Nigeria 1 embassy1 -
Pakistan 1 honorary consulate1 -
Poland 1 honorary consulate1 -
Russia 1 embassy1 -
South Africa 1 embassy1
Show all 31
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Spain 1 consulate1 -
Switzerland 1 consulate1 -
Togo 1 consulate1 -
Turkey 1 embassy1 -
United Arab Emirates 1 embassy1 -
United States 1 embassy1 -
Venezuela 1 embassy1
Visa rules for Benin
Benin visa guide · 5 visa types
Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 61 can enter visa-free and 137 need an e-Visa for Benin.
Visa statistics
Schengen visa applications in Benin
| Year | Applications | Visas issued | Refused | Refusal rate | Multiple-entry share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15,758 | 10,980 | 4,398 | 28.6% | 26.3% |
| 2024 | 15,148 | 11,286 | 3,779 | 25.1% | 33.3% |
| 2025 | 15,364 | 10,757 | 4,611 | 30.0% | 37.7% |
By Schengen state, 2025
| Country | Applications | Visas issued | Refusal rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 13,905 | 9,983 | 28.3% |
| Germany | 730 | 438 | 39.1% |
| Netherlands | 729 | 336 | 53.4% |
Schengen consulates in Benin received 15,364 short-stay visa applications in 2025, and issued 10,757 visas. 30.0% of applications were refused (worldwide: 14.6%). In 2024 it had been 25.1%: the rate rose by 4.9 points. The number of applications was almost unchanged (15,148 in 2024).
Most applications went to France (13,905), Germany (730) and the Netherlands (729).
Among the states with at least 500 applications, the lowest refusal rate was France’s (28.3%) and the highest the Netherlands’ (53.4%).
The numbers include every nationality applying in Benin.
Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, visa statistics for consulates 2023–2025 (© European Union, reused under CC BY 4.0). Short-stay (type C) visas. How these figures are made
US visas issued to citizens of Benin
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 2,162 | 1,647 |
| Student (F, M) | 234 | 85 |
| Exchange (J) | 56 | 45 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 26 | 21 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 6 | 20 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 221 | 204 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 34 | 24 |
| Other | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 2,739 | 2,049 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 61.5% | 64.6% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 2,049 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Benin, the 143rd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 80%, diplomatic and official visas 10% and student visas 4%. That is 25% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (2,739).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Benin received 403, 56% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 64.6% for citizens of Benin in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 61.5%).
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
Benin’s own missions abroad
Benin itself has 43 missions abroad, in 29 countries. Its largest networks are in France (7), Germany (3), Turkey (3), Belgium (2) and Brazil (2).
Upcoming closures
Public holidays in Benin
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National Day
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Christmas Day
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St. Stephen's Day
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New Year's Day
Good to know
Where the embassies are
All 22 embassies are in Cotonou, although Porto-Novo is the capital. Cameroon has the most missions in Benin, 2, followed by France (2).
Travel advice for Benin
Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Benin: the US State Department rates Benin at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 6 January 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to parts of Benin (updated 15 December 2025) and the German Foreign Office has a partial travel warning (Teilreisewarnung) for parts of Benin (updated 13 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has the most consulates in Benin?
Cameroon, with 2 missions, followed by France (2).
Do I need a visa for Benin?
Of 198 passports, 61 can enter visa-free and 137 need an e-Visa for Benin; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.
When are embassies in Benin closed?
On Benin’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is National Day on Monday 30 November 2026.