Benin: immigration

How many refugees are there in Benin?

Benin hosted 16,974 refugees and 11,947 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, according to UNHCR population statistics. Most refugees came from Burkina Faso (9,071) and Togo (4,717), followed by the Central African Republic and Niger.

The numbers rose from 16,232 refugees and 6,993 asylum seekers at the end of 2024, mainly with arrivals in the north from Burkina Faso and Niger. UNHCR also counts 27,294 internally displaced people inside Benin at the end of 2025. Figures are end-year counts reported by UNHCR and national authorities.

Official sources: UNHCR: Population statistics, Benin as host (2025) · UNHCR: Refugees in Benin by origin (2025)

How much is a visa for Benin?

A 30-day single-entry e-visa for Benin costs 50 euros when you apply yourself, a 30-day multiple-entry visa 75 euros and a 90-day multiple-entry visa 100 euros, according to the official e-Visa platform of the Government of Benin. Applying through an embassy costs 60, 85 and 110 euros.

Applications are made on evisa.bj, which also lists countries whose citizens can enter without a visa under reciprocal agreements. The fee table was posted in December 2020 and was still shown on the site on 15 October 2026. The Ministry of Health sets the health formalities at entry points, including the yellow fever vaccination check.

Official sources: e-Visa Benin: Visa costs · e-Visa Benin

How many migrants live in Benin?

About 418,000 international migrants lived in Benin in 2024, according to UN estimates published by the World Bank, up from 394,000 in 2020. That is about 2.9% of the population.

The international migrant stock counts people born in another country, so it includes long-settled residents as well as recent arrivals and refugees. In the other direction, UNHCR counts 1,279 refugees and 3,408 asylum seekers from Benin abroad at the end of 2025.

Official sources: World Bank: International migrant stock, Benin · UNHCR: Population statistics, Benin as origin (2025)

How many foreign-born people live in Benin?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Benin was 2.9%, according to the UN Population Division. It was 3.2% in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.2%; Benin is 19th highest of 48. Worldwide: 115th of 193.

What is net migration in Benin?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Benin was -7,847 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -15,135 (2006) to 30,495 (2005). Sub-Saharan Africa median: -5,646; Benin is 29th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 125th of 193.

How many refugees does Benin host?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees in the country in Benin was 16,974 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 190 (2013) to 30,288 (2005). It is 28th highest of 45 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 35,241. World rank, highest first: 86th of 169.

How many refugees come from Benin?

1,279: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Benin for 2025, according to UNHCR. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12,726, and Benin placed 34th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 100th of 189.

How much are remittances to Benin?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Benin at 1.7% of GDP in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.3% of GDP (2009) to 2.9% of GDP (2007). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.9% of GDP, and Benin placed 26th highest of 39. Of 164 countries with 2023 data, 94th highest.