Good news for travelers from Benin! Planning a trip to the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the ancient tanneries of Fes, or the blue city of Chefchaouen has become much easier. Citizens of Benin are eligible for the Moroccan eVisa, and this guide will show you how.
This process is simpler for citizens of Benin than for many other countries. This comprehensive for Morocco eVisa from Benin Citizens, will answer all your questions.
Do citizens of Benin need a visa for Morocco?
Yes, a visa is mandatory for all citizens of Benin holding an ordinary passport to enter Morocco for tourism or business. Morocco does not offer a visa on arrival for Beninese passport holders, so you must secure your visa before you book your flight. Arriving at a Moroccan airport (like Casablanca or Marrakech) without a pre-approved visa will unfortunately result in being denied entry and sent back on the next available flight at your own cost.
Is Benin eligible for the Morocco eVisa?
Yes! This is the most important news. Benin is on Morocco's "Group 1" (or "regular") list of eligible countries. This means you can apply for the eVisa online without needing a supporting visa from the USA, UK, or Schengen Area. This makes the application process much more direct and accessible compared to the "conditional" eVisa required for other nationalities.
Morocco eVisa for Benin: What are the requirements?
Because Benin is a "Group 1" country, the Morocco Visa Requirements are very simple. You only need two primary digital documents to apply:
Your Beninese Passport: A clear, color scan of the main information (bio-data) page. This is the page with your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date.
A Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm) with a white or light grey background. This photo must be recent (ideally within the last 6 months) and clearly show your face.
You will also self-certify during the application that you have sufficient funds (70 EUR per day), a return flight ticket, and a hotel booking, but you do not need to upload proof of these during the initial application. However, you must have them ready to show upon arrival.
What is the Morocco eVisa processing time?
The Morocco eVisa process is designed to be quick, simple, and entirely online. Depending on your travel schedule, you can choose between three convenient processing options to get your visa approved on time.
Every application is carefully reviewed by Moroccan immigration authorities before approval. While most eVisas are issued within the mentioned timeframes, it’s wise to apply for your Morocco eVisa at least 10–15 days before your intended departure to avoid any delays due to weekends, holidays, or document verification.
Why was my Morocco eVisa payment declined?
This is a common and frustrating issue for many international applicants. The most likely reasons are:
Your Bank's Security: Your bank in Benin may automatically block a foreign transaction in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) as a fraud prevention measure. You should call your bank before you pay to pre-authorize the international payment.
Card Type: The payment gateway strongly prefers Visa or Mastercard. Other card types may not be accepted.
Browser Issues: Sometimes, your browser's cache or a security extension can interfere. Try clearing your browser's cache, using an "Incognito" or "Private" window, or using a different web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) to complete the payment.
Type of Passport is required for Morocco eVisa?
You must have an "ordinary" Beninese passport to apply for the eVisa. The system is not designed for diplomatic, service, or other special passports, which follow different entry rules.
Your ordinary passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter Morocco. If your passport is expiring in, for example, four months, you must renew it before you apply. Your application will be rejected if your passport does not have sufficient validity.
I have two passports (dual citizenship), which one should I use?
You must use your Beninese passport to apply for the eVisa. The approved eVisa is electronically linked to the specific passport number you enter in the application.
You must travel with the same passport you used to apply for. If you show up at the airport with a different passport (even if you are a citizen of that country), your eVisa will not be valid, and you will not be allowed to board the flight to Morocco.
Morocco eVisa photo requirements
Your application can be rejected if your uploads are not clear.
Photo: Must be a 3.5cm x 4.5cm passport-style photo. The background must be plain white or light grey. Your face must be centered, with a neutral expression. Do not use a selfie, a photo with a colored background, or a picture where you are wearing glasses that cause a glare.
Scans: Your passport bio page must be scanned in full color. It cannot be blurry, dark, or have any information (like the numbers at the bottom) cut off. All numbers and letters must be perfectly readable. A high-quality photo from your phone can work if it's taken in good light and is perfectly flat, but a scanner is safer.
How will I receive my approved Morocco eVisa?
Once approved, your eVisa will be sent as a PDF document to the email address you used in your application. You must print a physical copy of this document. It is not enough to have it on your phone. The airline at check-in and the immigration officer in Morocco will both ask to see the printed paper copy.
What documents do I show at the airport in Morocco?
When you land in Morocco, the immigration officer will ask to see two primary items:
Your Beninese Passport (the same one you used to apply).
Your Printed eVisa document.
The officer may also ask to see proof of the items you self-certified. You should have these ready in your carry-on luggage:
Your return (or onward) flight ticket.
Your hotel reservation confirmation(s) for your stay.
Proof of sufficient funds (a recent bank statement, a credit card, or cash).
How do I prove 'sufficient funds' and hotel bookings on arrival?
The immigration officer has the right to verify the claims you made on your application.
Sufficient Funds (70 EUR/day): The easiest way to prove this is with a recent (within the last month) printed bank statement. A high-limit credit card or a sufficient amount of cash (in Euros or USD) also works.
Hotel Bookings: Have your hotel confirmation emails printed out or easily accessible on your phone. The officer may want to see that you have a legitimate place to stay.
Do I need a transit visa for a layover in Morocco?
This depends entirely on your flight booking.
If you stay in the international transit area: If you have a single ticket and your bags are checked through to your final destination (e.g., Cotonou to Paris via Casablanca), you do not need to pass through immigration and do not need a visa for your layover.
If you must exit the transit area: If you are flying on separate tickets (e.g., you booked one flight to Casablanca and a separate flight onward), you will have to pass through immigration to collect your luggage and check in again. In this case, you must have a visa. The eVisa is a valid option for this.
How long is the Morocco eVisa valid for? (180 days vs. 30 days)
This is a very important point that many travelers confuse Morocco eVisa Validity. Your eVisa has two different dates:
Validity (180 days): Your eVisa is valid for 180 days (6 months) from the date it is issued. This is the "window" in which you must travel. If you don't use it within these 180 days, it expires, and you must apply for a new one.
Duration of Stay (30 days): Once you enter Morocco, you are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days. Your 30-day "clock" starts on the day you arrive.
What happens if I overstay my 30-day visa in Morocco?
Overstaying your visa is a serious offense. It is not a situation where you can just pay a fine at the airport when you leave. If your visa expires and you are still in the country, you are considered an illegal resident. To leave, you must go to a local police station, explain your overstay, pay a significant fine, and wait for a special exit order, which can be a stressful and lengthy process. You will also likely be banned from re-entering Morocco. The 30-day eVisa is not extendable.
Can I convert my Morocco tourist visa to a work visa?
No. This is not possible. The tourist eVisa is strictly for tourism or short-term business meetings (like attending a conference). You cannot arrive on an eVisa and then look for a job or apply for residency. To work, study, or live in Morocco, you must apply for the correct long-stay visa from the Moroccan embassy before you travel.
What if I make a mistake on my eVisa application?
If you submit your application and then realize you made a mistake (e.g., misspelled your name, entered the wrong passport number or date of birth), you cannot edit it. In most cases, your application will be rejected. You will have to wait for the rejection, and then submit a new, correct application and pay the fee again. This is why it is critical to double-check every single letter and number before you click "submit."
Do children or infants from Benin need their own eVisa?
Yes. Every individual traveler, regardless of age, must have their own separate visa. If you are traveling with your children (even a newborn infant), you must complete a separate eVisa application for each of them. You will need to upload a scan of their Beninese passport and a passport-style photo for each child.
Can my eVisa application be rejected?
Yes. While the process is simple for Beninese citizens, rejections can happen. The most common reasons are:
A blurry, dark, or unreadable passport scan.
A non-compliant photo (e.g., colored background, a selfie, or wearing glasses).
Typos in your name, date of birth, or passport number.
Answering a security question incorrectly.
Always double-check every single piece of information before you submit your application to ensure your best chance of a quick approval.
