How to Apply for Nigeria Visa in Benin Republic: Embassy Addresses and Direct Contacts
The process for entering Nigeria from the Benin Republic depends entirely on your nationality.
1. ECOWAS Citizens (Visa-Free)
If you are a citizen of the Benin Republic (or any other ECOWAS member state), you do not require a visa to enter Nigeria for tourism or transit purposes.
- Requirements: A valid ECOWAS Passport or an ECOWAS Travel Certificate.
- Duration: You are typically permitted to stay for up to 90 days.
- Note: This exemption does not apply to those seeking formal employment; for work, a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa is still required.
2. Non-ECOWAS Expatriates (Visa Required)
Foreign nationals (e.g., European, Asian, or American citizens) residing in Benin Republic must apply for a visa through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Embassy in Cotonou.
Official Nigeria Embassy Contact Information in Benin Republic
The Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou serves as the primary diplomatic hub for visa processing in the country.
- Physical Address: Lot 196 Boulevard de la CENSAD, Marina, B.P. 2019, Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
- Phone Contacts: +229 62 16 48 48 / +229 60 22 49 49
- Official Website: nigeriaembassybenin.org
- Email: info@nigeriaembcotonou.gov.ng / nigembctn@ymail.com
Mandatory Requirements for Expatriates
To ensure your application is successful, prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Original passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
- Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in the Benin Republic (Carte de Séjour).
- Online Application Printouts: Copies of your completed form, Payment Receipt, and Acknowledgment Slip from the NIS Portal.
- Passport Photographs: Two recent color photos (35/40mm) with a plain white background.
- Invitation Letter: A formal letter from a host in Nigeria. For business, include the host’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate.
- Evidence of Funds: Recent bank statements or proof of income.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: A valid International Certificate of Vaccination is mandatory for crossing the border.
Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
Step 1: Online Application
Visit the Official Nigeria Immigration Portal. Complete the form, select “Cotonou” as your processing center, and pay the visa fee online. Print all generated slips.
Step 2: Submission and Biometrics
Submit your physical documents to the Embassy in Cotonou. You may be required to undergo biometric enrollment and a brief interview with a consular officer.
Step 3: Processing and Collection
The standard processing time is typically 2 to 5 working days. Once approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport for collection.
How to Apply for Nigeria Visa in Benin Republic | FEE
- Single Entry Visa refers to a type of visa that allows a traveler to enter Nigeria only once during the validity period of the visa.
- Fee: US$0
- Multiple Entry Visa is a visa type that allows a traveler to enter and exit Nigeria several times within the validity period of the visa.
- Fee: US$0
- Temporary Work Permit (TWP) is a short-term work visa issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to allow foreign nationals (expatriates) to enter Nigeria for specialized (e.g: Medical Doctors, Engineers), technical, or professional assignments that do not involve long-term employment.
- Fee: US$0
- The Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa is a long-term employment visa issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to foreign nationals who have secured a job, employment contract, or long-term assignment in Nigeria. It is the correct visa for expatriates who will live and work in Nigeria, receiving a salary or employment benefits from a Nigerian employer. NOTE: The STR Visa, historically used as a gateway for long-term employment in Nigeria, is now being largely replaced by a digital process with the introduction of e-CERPAC. Rather than entering with an STR visa and then regularizing manually, companies now apply for the residence permit directly via the e-CERPAC portal, using the new Expatriate Administration System (EAS). This reform simplifies the immigration regularization journey, increases transparency, and reduces paperwork.
- Fee: US$0
- eVisa (Formerly Visa on Arrival Online): The Nigeria eVisa (formerly Visa on Arrival) is a fast, convenient, and fully electronic entry system that allows eligible travelers to obtain visa approval online before traveling and collect their visa at the airport. It is designed for business visitors, expatriates on short visits, and investors who need quick access to Nigeria without embassy processing to allow to stay for maximum of 30 days in NIgeria.
- Fee: Click Here to check the Current eVisa Fee
- eTWP (Online Temporal Work Permit Visa): The eTWP is a short-term work visa issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for foreign nationals entering Nigeria to carry out specialized, project-based, or technical assignments. It is not a long-term employment visa.
- Fee: Click Here to check the Current eVisa Fee
