Access
Visa free
FStay 90 days
Policy · BeninPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to Benin
Yes — South Africa passport holders can visit Benin without a visa for up to 90 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 30 days
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Key facts
- Benin lets 61 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is one of them.
- South Africa passports get “Visa free” at 60 of 198 destinations.
- Travel is open both ways: Benin passports also enter South Africa without a prior visa.
Nearby passports travelling to Benin
Open to South Africa passports near Benin
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flight corridor
Connection likely
South AfricaBenin- Typical duration
- 8.3 hours
- From
- JNB · CPT · DUR
- To
- COO
Usual hubs
France · 19 hours
Congo · 8.4 hours
Senegal · 13.7 hours
Duration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Benin
Country profile
Capital
Porto-Novo
Population
13.2 million
Area
112,620 km²
Currency
West African CFA franc XOF
Languages
French
Time zone
UTC+01:00
Foreign-born
418,202 · 2024
Migrant share
2.9%
Ethnic groups · 2013
- Fon and related38.4%
- Adja and related15.1%
- Yoruba and related12%
- Bariba and related9.6%
- Fulani and related8.6%
- Ottamari and related6.1%
- Other10%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type C
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 112 · Ambulance 112
Dialing code
+229
Airports
COO
Highlights
- Royal Palaces of Abomey
- Ganvié
- Ouidah Slave Route
South Africa · Visa free
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for Benin?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa free”. typical stay 90 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 90 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
Benin typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a Benin mission.
What about a Benin passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.