Benin abolishes short-stay visa for nationals of 31 African countries

Beninese authorities have abolished the short stay visa for nationals of 31 African countries.

The exemption promised by President Patrice Talon, is based on the Rwandan example, and applies to stays of less than 90 days.

Talon announced last August during a visit to Kigali that he was considering the abolition of visas for Africans.

“Based on the experience of Rwanda, I decided that Benin will no longer require visas for Africans. South-South cooperation can make real sense. My hope is that cooperation between Rwanda and Benin can serve as an example,” Talon said.

According to a document of the Consulate General of Benin in Paris, dated January 10, 2017, nationals of 31 countries of the continent are now exempt from visa for Benin, for stays of a duration not exceeding 90 days.

This list of the countries exempt include those from South and East Africa such as South Africa and Kenya.

The short-stay visa is abolished for nationals of 31 African countries in #Benin and #Rwanda included. #Africa pic.twitter.com/yw7FmXhXeV

— RadioTv10_rw (@Radiotv10_rw) February 15, 2017