France to Benin visa requirements

French ordinary passport holders need an eVisa to visit Benin for tourism. Apply online at the official government portal (evisa.bj) before travel; there is no visa-free or standard visa-on-arrival channel for tourists. Benin is not a visa-free destination for ordinary French passport holders. France's bilateral exemption with Benin applies only to diplomatic/service passport holders (up to 90 days). All ordinary-passport tourists must obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) in advance through Benin's official government platform at evisa.bj, operated by the Direction de l'Emigration et de l'Immigration (Government of the Republic of Benin). The eVisa replaced the old visa-on-arrival system for most travelers. Three options exist: 30-day single entry (EUR 50), 30-day multiple entry (EUR 75), and 90-day multiple entry (EUR 100). Processing is typically completed within 48-96 hours, but applying at least 7-14 days before departure is recommended. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry is required. Benin is in West Africa, not the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to this route. Travelers should also be aware that yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Benin.