IMPACT – HIGH

Benin recently implemented several measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • Travelers entering from countries affected by COVID-19 will be subject to a 14-day quarantine in a hotel. For inbound travelers who are not Benin nationals, the quarantine will be self-financed.
  • For the time being, no new resident permits or entry visas are being issued.

Analysis & Comments: The new measures will impact the movement of people into Benin. Depending on how the COVID-19 situation unfolds, there could be additional restrictions announced in the coming weeks. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Benin has introduced an E-Visa program that will significantly cut down on processing times.

What does the change mean? The program is open to “any foreigner wishing to visit the Republic of Benin” for business, tourism or transit. Applicants may apply for 30- or 90-day visas, the validity calculated from the date of issuance.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Business E-Visas, Tourism E-Visas and Transit E-Visas.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals traveling to Benin for business, tourism or transit.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save travelers processing time because E-Visas will be issued much faster than consular visas. Officials say most E-Visas will be issued within 48 hours if there are no unexpected problems.
  • Next steps: Applicants may apply for visas on this website. An FAQ on the program is available here.

BAL Analysis: The E-Visa program will ease travel procedures for foreign nationals. Applicants will need to determine whether they want to obtain a Business E-Visa, Tourism E-Visa or Transit E-Visa, and BAL will be able to assist travelers in determining which option is best for them. Because visa validity is timed to the date of issuance and because of the quick turnaround time, applicants may wish to apply for their visas relatively close to their anticipated travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in South Africa. For additional information, please contact africa@bal.com.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Benin President Patrice Talon has announced that Benin intends to waive visa requirements for citizens of all African countries.

What does the change mean? Once the waiver goes into effect, citizens of African countries who hold a valid passport will be permitted to travel to Benin without first needing to obtain a visa.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The president announced Benin’s plans for a visa waiver on Aug. 30, but the change has yet to be implemented.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visit visas.
  • Who is affected: Citizens of African countries traveling to Benin.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will save eligible travelers the time it currently takes to obtain a Benin visa.
  • Business impact: The government hopes the waiver will encourage other African countries to initiate similar visa waiver policies.
  • Next steps: The Benin government is expected to announce formal and immediate implementation of the change soon.

Background: Although citizens of some African countries (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Togo) are already permitted to travel to Benin without a visa, Talon’s announcement that travel to Benin will become visa-free for citizens of all African countries is a significant change to Benin’s current immigration policy. Benin joins a list of 13 African countries that have eased, or altogether removed, visa requirements for African travelers.

BAL Analysis: The change has not taken effect yet but, once implemented, will significantly reduce red tape for those that are eligible. Travelers are reminded that the new visa waiver will not cover long-term work activities. Contact your BAL professional if you have questions about what form of visa or permit is best for the activities you plan to conduct.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from six offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.

 

Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP