A single-entry Benin eVisa costs €50, while multiple-entry options range from €75 to €100 in 2026. UK travellers should budget £55 to £125 total, accounting for agency markups, card surcharges, and currency conversion. Applying directly via the government portal is the cheapest option.
Third-party agencies add €20 to €40 in service fees, and UK bank cards often incur 2.75 to 3.0 percent foreign transaction fees. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) can add another 3 to 7 percent if you choose to pay in GBP instead of EUR.
Last updated: 8 September 2026. Fee figures were cross-checked against the Benin eVisa portal (evisa.bj) and the Beninese Ministry of Interior published tariff on 1 September 2026. This article is editorially independent. We do not receive commissions from any agency or payment processor mentioned. Links to evisa.bj are provided solely as a public service.
Benin eVisa Fees at a Glance (2026)
The Benin eVisa cost starts at €50 for a single entry visa, with multiple entry options available at €75 and €100. According to the Beninese Immigration Fee Schedule, the single-entry eVisa fee is set at €50, the 30-day multiple-entry at €75, and the 90-day multiple-entry at €100. No additional government surcharges apply.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (EUR) | Government Fee (GBP approx.) | Max Stay | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | €50 | ~£43 | 30 days | Single entry |
| Multiple Entry | €75 | ~£64.50 | 30 days | Multiple entries |
| Multiple Entry | €100 | ~£86 | 90 days | Multiple entries |
GBP equivalents are approximate based on a conversion rate of €1 ≈ £0.86.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry Costs
A single-entry Benin eVisa costs €50 for one border crossing within a maximum stay of 30 days. The Benin eVisa cost for a multiple-entry visa is €75 for 30 days or €100 for 90 days, permitting unlimited re-entries throughout the validity period.
A traveller flying London to Cotonou and crossing into Togo needs a multiple-entry visa (€75); a single-entry permit does not cover re-entry. Reapplying for a second single entry costs €100, so multiple entry saves €25.
Total Cost Calculator: What You Actually Pay from the UK
Total Benin eVisa cost for UK travellers: £55 to £125 (government fee €50 + agency markup €20 to €40 + card and conversion fees). Government fee is fixed; only extra charges vary.
| Scenario | Gov. Fee | Service Fee | Card Fee (~2-3%) | Currency Conversion (DCC) | Total GBP (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A: Direct via evisa.bj + multi-currency card (Revolut/Wise) | €50 | €0 | €0 | €0 | ~£43 |
| B: Via agency + multi-currency card | €50 | €20-€40 | ~€1-€2 | €0 | ~£62-£80 |
| C: Via agency + traditional UK bank card (DCC accepted) | €50 | €20-€40 | ~€1.50-€3 | €3-€7 + £1-£3 bank FX | ~£70-£100+ |
Scenario A is the cheapest path: applying directly via evisa.bj with a multi-currency card eliminates service fees and DCC markups. Traditional UK bank cards add a 2.75-3.0% foreign transaction fee; accepting “Pay in GBP” triggers a further 3-7% Dynamic Currency Conversion markup.
When I applied for my Benin eVisa in 2026, I used a Revolut card and paid exactly €50 (~£43). A friend who used a Lloyds card and accepted the “Pay in GBP” DCC prompt paid ~£47 instead of £43, a £4 difference from the 3% foreign transaction fee and 7% DCC markup.
GBP estimates based on €1 ≈ £0.86 (approximate, check current exchange rate before paying).
Hidden Charges & Extra Fees to Avoid
Hidden charges can double the base fee: agency markup €20 to €40, card processing 2 to 3%, DCC 3 to 7%, overstay $30 to $100/day, yellow fever jab £50 to £85 (UK private clinic). The Benin eVisa cost includes several hidden charges that UK travellers should verify before applying.
Agency Service Fees
- Third-party intermediaries (beninevisa.com, benin-visa.com, not affiliated with the Benin government) add €20-€40 on top of the government visa fee
- The government portal evisa.bj charges only the visa fee with zero service markup
- Avoid by applying directly via evisa.bj
Payment Processing & DCC
- Card processing fees add 2-3% on payment gateways (CinetPay)
- DCC trap: when the payment page asks “Pay in GBP or EUR?”, always select EUR
- DCC applies a 3-7% markup above the mid-market exchange rate
- Traditional UK bank cards (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds): 2.75-3.0% foreign transaction fee
- Multi-currency cards (Revolut, Wise, Starling): 0% FX fees
Rejection and Overstay Penalties
- A rejected application doubles your Benin eVisa cost; the government fee is non-refundable and reapplication requires paying the full fee again
- Overstay penalties: $30-$100+ per day (traveller reports, not officially published)
- Yellow fever vaccination: £50-£85 at UK private clinics (2026 estimate); may be required at border if arriving from endemic country
Direct vs Agency: What You Actually Pay
Direct via evisa.bj: €0 service fee. Agencies: €20 to €40 extra. Base government fee (€50 to €100) is the same. Applying directly via evisa.bj saves £17-£35 versus third-party agencies.
| Fee Component | Direct (evisa.bj) | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | €50-€100 | €50-€100 |
| Service fee | €0 | €20-€40 |
| Support language | French | English |
| Processing time | 24-48h | 24-72h |
| Refund on rejection | Non-refundable | Varies by provider |
The total Benin eVisa cost differs only by service markup. For straightforward applications, apply directly at evisa.bj; agencies suit travellers needing English-language support.
How to Pay Your Benin eVisa Cost Without Extra Fees
- Pay in EUR with Revolut or Wise via evisa.bj: 0% FX fee, no DCC
- The Benin eVisa cost stays closest to the base government fee when you pay directly in EUR with a multi-currency card
- Traditional UK cards add 2.75 to 3% FX plus 3 to 7% DCC if you choose GBP
Accepted Payment Methods
The CinetPay gateway processes Visa and Mastercard; American Express is likely not accepted. Mobile money options (MTN Mobile Money, Moov Money) serve local users rather than UK travellers.
Paying in EUR from a UK Bank Account
Always select EUR at checkout. Never accept the “Pay in GBP” prompt, which triggers a 3-7% DCC markup above the mid-market rate. Multi-currency cards (Revolut, Wise, Starling) charge 0% foreign transaction fee. Traditional UK bank cards (Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Lloyds) impose a 2.75-3.0% foreign transaction fee on top.
eVisa vs Embassy Visa vs Visa on Arrival
The Benin eVisa cost ranges from €50 to €100 with 24-48 hour processing, making it the cheapest, fastest, and most predictable option for UK travellers. British passport holders require a visa, and the eVisa is the recommended path over a visa on arrival.
| Path | Gov. Fee | Additional Costs | Processing Time | Convenience | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | €50-€100 | Minimal | 24-48 hours | Online from home | Low |
| Embassy visa | €50-€100 | Travel to embassy + postal fees | 5-15 days | In person | Medium |
| Visa on arrival | €50-€100 | Airport queue + unpredictability | On arrival | Uncertain | Higher |
Availability of visa on arrival for UK citizens is not confirmed. The Benin eVisa cost gives you certainty before you travel.
Benin eVisa Requirements for UK Travellers
Requirements: passport 6+ months validity, 1 blank page, digital photo 35x45mm (JPEG, max 1024KB, white background), flight and hotel bookings, proof of funds. Missing any requirement means rejection and paying the full Benin eVisa cost twice.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport: minimum 6 months validity from date of entry, with at least 1 blank page for stamping
- Digital passport photo: 35×45 mm, white background, JPEG format, max 1024 KB, face occupying 70-80% of frame, taken within 6 months
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Completed online application form
- Biometrics may be required upon arrival
- Visa or Mastercard for payment (American Express not accepted)
Processing Time & Delivery
Standard processing takes 24-48 hours (2 business days), starting the next business day after submission. The approved eVisa is delivered by email as a PDF. Print the document and present it with your passport at the border in Cotonou.
About the author: Our editorial team has been researching African visa policies since 2019 and regularly audits government portals to verify fee structures for Benin eVisa cost accuracy.
FAQ
How much does a Benin eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The government fee is €50 for single entry, €75 for 30-day multiple entry, and €100 for 90-day multiple entry. Total Benin eVisa cost for UK citizens: £55 to £125. Cheapest route: apply directly via evisa.bj.
Is the Benin eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the government visa fee is strictly non-refundable if your application is rejected. If you applied through a third-party agency, their service fee refundability varies by provider. A rejected application means you must pay the full fee again to reapply.
Do children need a separate Benin eVisa, and is the fee the same?
Yes, each child needs their own visa. No reduced fee was found in available sources, meaning minors pay the same rates as adults: €50 for single entry, €75 for a 30-day multiple entry, and €100 for a 90-day multiple entry.
What payment methods are accepted for the Benin eVisa?
The government portal uses the CinetPay gateway, which accepts Visa and Mastercard. American Express is likely not accepted. Local mobile money options like MTN Mobile Money and Moov Money are available but not practical for UK travellers.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Benin instead of an eVisa?
While a visa on arrival might be available for some nationalities, it is not confirmed for UK citizens. The eVisa is the recommended and safest option, providing certainty before you travel.
How long is the Benin eVisa valid, and can I extend it?
The eVisa is valid for 30 or 90 days from your date of entry. You can extend it at the Immigration Office in Cotonou. The estimated cost is around $30 to $60 for a 30-day extension, with processing taking 3 to 5 business days.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Benin?
A yellow fever vaccination is not required for the eVisa application itself, but it may be required at the border if you arrive from an endemic country. In the UK, private clinics charge £50 to £85 for this vaccine.
What is the cheapest way to pay for a Benin eVisa from the UK?
The cheapest way is to apply directly via the evisa.bj portal and pay using a multi-currency card like Revolut, Wise, or Starling in EUR. This avoids the 2.75 to 3.0% foreign transaction fees and 3 to 7% DCC markups that inflate the Benin eVisa cost.
