Benin entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is straightforward and entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, you must apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply online at the official Benin eVisa portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $50 USD. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your UK passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. There is no official 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Benin routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Benin does not strictly require proof of funds, but carrying a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds (around $200–$300 for a short trip) can help if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination card (the yellow WHO card) when you arrive. Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport will ask to see it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa takes 3–7 days to process, and there's no official fast-track option. Apply at least two weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €50–€70 depending on processing speed). You'll receive the eVisa by email within 3–7 days.
2
Print or save the eVisa
Once approved, print a paper copy and save a screenshot on your phone. Both are accepted at immigration.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. Go to the immigration desk, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. You'll get an entry stamp — no additional forms needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no arrival declaration required.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.) and sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For UK nationals with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For UK nationals investing at least €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders applying online. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; available on arrival if not pre-applied. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (~$550 USD). | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Benin
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Benin's airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Benin; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine recommended; use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cotonou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Rue du Commerce, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalPorto-Novo
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 558.8 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's no official expedited option, so apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around €50–€70 (about £45–£60), depending on the processing speed you choose. You pay online by credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa from outside the country.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration — carry the yellow card with your passport.
You'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival option for UK passport holders at Cotonou Airport.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Benin. Just your passport, eVisa, and return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.