Benin
United States
United States visa for Beninese citizens
Entry requirement
Beninese citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at bj.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Benin
The United States has 1 mission in Benin, with its embassy in Cotonou.
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%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Benin anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Benin.
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
US citizens travelling to Benin
United StatesBenin e-Visa Benin visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Benin to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Beninese citizens can stay in the United States
How long Beninese citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Beninese citizens apply
In Benin, applications go to the US embassy in Cotonou, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Beninese citizens
Cuba admits Beninese citizens visa-free. Canada and Mexico require Beninese citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Benin
US citizens need an e-Visa for Benin, applied for online before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do Beninese citizens need a visa for the United States?
Beninese citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Benin?
The US embassy in Benin is in Cotonou.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Benin?
US citizens need an e-Visa for Benin, applied for online before travel.
Can Beninese citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Beninese citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.