🇬🇧United Kingdom

🇧🇯BeninGB-BJ

United Kingdom to Benin visa requirements

Q: Where do I apply for the Benin e-Visa?

On the official government platform at evisa.bj. Avoid look-alike agency sites that add service fees. The site is in French; use a browser translator if needed.

Q: How much does the e-Visa cost?

The official fee for a single-entry 30-day e-Visa is EUR 50. Multiple-entry options (30 or 90 days) cost more, and agencies add their own charges.

Q: How long does processing take?

Usually 2-5 business days. The UK FCDO recommends applying at least 7 days before your arrival date.

Q: How is the visa issued?

You receive an electronic approval by email. Print it or keep it on your phone; the visa is validated on arrival at Cotonou airport.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?

Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination, and you should carry the certificate with your travel documents.

UK ordinary passport holders need an e-Visa to visit Benin. Apply online at the official evisa.bj portal at least 7 days before travel; the approved visa is finalized on arrival at Cotonou airport. British citizens cannot enter Benin visa-free. Benin is in West Africa (not part of the Schengen area), so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Since 2018 Benin operates an electronic visa system; the only official channel is the government platform at evisa.bj. UK travelers complete the application online, upload a passport scan and photo, pay by card, and receive an electronic approval by email. The UK Foreign Office confirms you should apply at least 7 days before arrival and that the visa is issued/validated at Cotonou's Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport. The standard tourist option is a single-entry e-Visa valid for a 30-day stay; multiple-entry 30-day and 90-day options also exist. The official base government fee for the 30-day single-entry e-Visa is EUR 50; third-party agencies charge more. Passport must remain valid for the whole stay (carriers commonly ask for 6 months). Note that visas for Nigeria, Ghana or Togo cannot be obtained inside Benin, so secure those before arrival if continuing onward.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

e-Visa (electronic visa) - tourist / short visit

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days (single-entry standard option)

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple-entry options available)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 50 official government fee (single-entry, 30 days)

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically 2-5 business days; apply at least 7 days ahead

standard track

Validity

Enter within the validity window; 30-day permitted stay from entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your UK passport is valid for the entire stay; airlines and Benin border officials commonly require at least 6 months validity and a blank page.

· Passport· 6 months recommended

/02

Go to the official portal

Open the only official platform, evisa.bj. Avoid look-alike agency sites that add service fees. The site is in French; use a browser translator if needed.

· evisa.bj· Official only

/03

Complete the online application

Enter personal and passport details, travel dates, accommodation address, and the purpose of visit (tourism). Select single-entry 30-day for a standard short visit.

· Online form· ~15 minutes

/04

Upload documents and pay

Upload a passport bio-page scan and a passport-style photo, attach supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket) if requested, then pay the fee by card.

· Card payment· EUR 50

/05

Receive e-Visa approval

Wait 2-5 business days. The approval/authorization arrives by email. Apply at least 7 days before your arrival date.

· Email approval· Apply 7+ days early

/06

Travel and clear arrival at Cotonou

Print the e-Visa approval (or keep it on your phone). At Cotonou airport present it with your passport; the visa is validated on arrival.

· Print copy· Cotonou airport

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

United Kingdom -> Benin · e-Visa (electronic visa) - tourist / short visit

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RecommendedUK passport valid for the whole stay (6 months recommended)

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RecommendedAt least one blank passport page

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

recommended

RequiredApproved e-Visa printout or digital copy

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredDigital passport bio-page scan for the application

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredRecent passport-style photograph

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RecommendedConfirmed return or onward flight ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RecommendedProof of accommodation / hotel booking

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RequiredPayment card for the online fee

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedVisas for Nigeria/Ghana/Togo arranged before arrival if travelling onward

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesGOV.UK - Benin travel advice: Entry requirements e-Visa Benin - Official visa application platform Benin e-visa for United Kingdom citizens

Application link included: e-Visa Benin - Official visa application platform

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

e-Visa single-entry (30 days)EUR 50Official government fee on evisa.bj

e-Visa multiple-entry (30 days)EUR 75 (approx)Higher-tier option for multiple entries

e-Visa multiple-entry (90 days)EUR 100 (approx)Longer multiple-entry option

Third-party agency service chargeEUR 20-60+Optional; only if using an agency instead of evisa.bj

Total estimateEUR 50 — EUR 110incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Official evisa.bj application

2-5 business days

Apply directly on the government portal at least 7 days before arrival; cheapest and authoritative route.

Expedited agency service

24-48 hours

Third-party agencies offer faster handling for an added fee; not necessary if you apply early.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Benin requires a visa for all UK nationals

There is no visa-free or visa-waiver arrangement; the UK FCDO confirms a visa is mandatory to enter or transit Benin.

High

/02

e-Visa is the standard channel

Benin issues electronic visas via evisa.bj; travelers apply online and the visa is validated at Cotonou airport.

High

/03

Using unofficial agency sites

Many third-party sites mimic the official portal and charge extra; applicants overpay or risk errors.

Medium

/04

Applying too late

FCDO advises applying at least 7 days before arrival; last-minute applications risk missing the trip.

Medium

/05

Missing yellow fever certificate

Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination; travelers without it can be refused entry.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United Kingdom to Benin route verified

Confirmed via GOV.UK travel advice and the official evisa.bj platform that UK ordinary passport holders need an e-Visa (apply 7+ days ahead, EUR 50 single-entry 30 days, validated on arrival at Cotonou).

/09 — The questions