India e Visa for Benin citizen

For citizens of Benin, India is more than just a travel destination; it is a hub for business opportunities, advanced medical healthcare, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you are traveling from Cotonou to New Delhi for a trade expo, seeking specialized treatment in Mumbai, or simply exploring the Taj Mahal, the first step is securing the right entry clearance.

Gone are the days of long queues at the Indian Embassy. The Government of India has extended its Electronic Visa (e-Visa) facility to Beninese nationals, making the process faster, cheaper, and entirely digital.

This detailed guide answers every question regarding the India e-Visa for Benin citizens in 2025, covering eligibility, mandatory health requirements (specifically Yellow Fever), fees, and expert tips for a smooth application.

Do Benin Citizens Need a Visa for India?

Yes. Citizens of Benin are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Republic of India. Benin is not a visa-exempt country.

However, Beninese passport holders are fully eligible for the Indian e-Visa. This means you do not need to submit your physical passport to the embassy for stamping. You can apply online, receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email, and fly to India.

Is the Visa on Arrival Available for Benin Passport Holders?

No. It is a common misconception that African nationals can get a "Visa on Arrival" in India.

• Visa on Arrival (VoA): This specific facility is not available to citizens of Benin. It is restricted to nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.
• e-Visa: You must apply for and receive your e-Visa before you board your flight. If you arrive in India without a valid visa, you will be denied entry and deported.

What Documents Do Benin Citizens Need to Provide for an Indian e-Visa?

To ensure a successful application, have the following Documents Required for Indian e-Visa or scanned and ready. The government is strict about file formats:

1. Valid Passport:

• Must be a standard Benin passport (Diplomatic/Official passports are not eligible for e-Visa).
• Must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of arrival.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamping.

1. Passport Bio Page Scan:

• Format: PDF.
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 300 KB.
• Content: A clear scan showing personal details and photo.

1. Digital Photograph:

• Format: JPEG.
• Size: Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB.
• Background: Plain white (mandatory).
• Specs: No glasses, no shadows, full face visible.

1. Additional Documents (Category Specific):

• For Medical Visa: A letter from the hospital in India on its official letterhead, detailing the treatment and admission date.
• For Business Visa: A business card and an invitation letter from the Indian company/organization.

What Are the Photo Specifications for an Indian e-Visa Application?

The photograph is the most common reason for rejection. Follow these Indian Visa Photo Requirement rules strictly:

• Format: JPEG image.
• Dimensions: Square aspect ratio (minimum 350x350 pixels).
• Background: Must be plain white. Light blue or grey backgrounds are often rejected.
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.
• Face: Full face, front view, eyes open. The head should be centered.
• Attire: No uniforms. No glasses (spectacles) - glare on lenses is an automatic rejection.

What Are the Restrictions or Conditions for Using the Indian e-Tourist Visa?

While the e-Tourist visa offers freedom to travel, there are strict conditions:

• No Work: You cannot accept employment or earn a salary in India.
• No Journalism: Professional photography, media work, or journalism requires a specific "J Visa".
• No Tablighi Work: Participation in religious missionary activities is strictly banned.
• Protected Areas: You cannot visit restricted zones (like parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, or tribal areas in the Andamans) without a separate Protected Area Permit (PAP).
• Non-Convertible: You cannot convert a tourist visa to a student or work visa while inside India.

What Are the Key Differences Between the 30-Day, 1-Year, and 5-Year Indian Tourist eVisas?

Choosing the right duration is crucial for your travel plans:

Note: For Beninese citizens, the continuous stay limit on 1-year and 5-year visas is generally 90 days, unlike the 180 days granted to US/UK citizens.

What Are the Allowed Ports of Entry into India with an e-Visa?

You can enter India through 29 designated International Airports and 5 major Seaports.

• Popular Airports: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), Ahmedabad (AMD), Kolkata (CCU).
• Seaports: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, Chennai.
• Land Borders: You cannot enter via land (e.g., from Nepal or Pakistan) using an e-Visa. However, you are free to exit via authorized land immigration check posts.

Can an e-Visa Be Extended or Converted Into a Regular Visa?

Generally, the India e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.

• General Rule: You cannot extend a Tourist or Business e-Visa while in India. You must exit and re-apply.
• Medical Exception: If you are on a Medical e-Visa and require more time for treatment, you may apply to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for an extension, provided you have a certificate from a government hospital.

Are There Other e-Visas Besides Tourism, Business, and Medical?

Yes, India offers specialized categories:

• e-Conference Visa: For attending workshops or seminars organized by the Government of India or PSUs.
• e-Ayush Visa: Specifically for treatment under Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy).
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: For family members accompanying a patient (up to 2 per patient).

Which is Cheaper: DIY or Travel Agency?

DIY (Do It Yourself) via the official government portal is the cheapest option as you only pay the government visa fee.

However, many applicants choose to use a travel agency for peace of mind, despite the higher cost.

Are There Any Fees Associated with Using a Travel Agent?

Yes, agents charge a service fee in addition to the government fee.

Why use a service like Agent(india-evisa.it.com)? While you pay a service fee, reputable agents like Agent(india-evisa.it.com) provide value that can save your trip:

• Document Review: They manually check your passport scan and photo to ensure they meet the strict government specs (preventing the #1 cause of rejection).
• Format Conversion: They resize and convert your files to the required PDF/JPEG formats.
• 24/7 Support: They offer assistance if you are stuck or confused by the form questions.
• Correction: They can catch typos (like name misspellings) before the application is submitted to the government.

If you are comfortable with technology and strict file requirements, DIY is cheaper. If you want to ensure your application is perfect and avoid the hassle of rejection, using a service like Agent(india-evisa.it.com) is a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

For citizens of Benin, traveling to India has never been more accessible. Whether you are traveling for a life-changing medical procedure or to expand your business horizons, the India e-Visa is your key to entry.

Remember the golden rules:

1. Apply at least 7 days in advance.
2. Ensure you have your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
3. Upload clear documents with a white background photo.

With these steps complete, you are ready to experience the incredible hospitality and opportunities that India has to offer.