Last updated: 8 September 2026. Indian citizens residing in the UK must obtain a Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK before travel. The process is entirely online, requires a valid Indian passport, and costs between €50 and €100 (~£43 to ~£87). Applications can be submitted up to 90 days before travel; processing takes 1 to 10 business days, so apply at least 10 to 14 business days before departure. This informational guide is not affiliated with any government; verify current requirements on the Benin government eVisa portal or gov.uk.
Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK – Eligibility & Visa Types
Indian passport holders need a visa for Benin; the Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK is the online application channel. UK residents of any nationality are eligible (visahq.co.uk). Visa on arrival is not available at any Benin entry point, including Cotonou airport (benin-visa.com). India is not among the 61 visa-exempt nationalities, making a pre-departure eVisa mandatory (gov.uk).
| eVisa Type | Validity | Entries | Government Fee (EUR) | Approx. Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days | Single | €50 | ~£43 |
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 30 days | Multiple | €75 | ~£65 |
| Tourist eVisa | 90 days from entry | Multiple | €100 | ~£87 |
The Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK permits tourism or business stays. GBP figures are approximate and depend on the exchange rate at payment time.
Required Documents for Indian Citizens Applying from the UK
Applicants for the Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK need a valid passport, digital photo, proof of travel, proof of sufficient funds, and a completed Benin eVisa Questionnaire. No documents need to be mailed; the Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK is processed entirely online.
- Passport: Valid for the entire duration of stay (advise ≥6 months; airlines enforce at boarding); at least 1 blank visa page; clear colour scan with the machine-readable strip visible and uncropped.
- Passport photo: Colour, 45 × 35 mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- UK residence proof: BRP or UK eVisa share code (post-2025 digital system); not mandated by the Benin portal but recommended, especially for ILR holders and EU Settlement Scheme participants.
- Supporting documents: Proof of onward/return travel, proof of sufficient funds, and a completed Benin eVisa Questionnaire.
- Yellow fever: Certificate not required for the visa application but mandatory at the border for entry.
Application Steps, Fees & Processing Times
The Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK is completed entirely online in six steps; processing takes 1 to 10 business days with no embassy visit required.
Access the Benin eVisa portal
Verify the correct government portal versus third-party agencies.
Select visa type
Choose tourist or business, select nationality “India,” and enter travel dates.
Fill personal details
Enter exactly as they appear on the Indian passport.
Upload documents
Include passport scan, photo, and proof of onward travel.
Pay the fee
By credit or debit card; note potential foreign transaction fees on UK-issued cards when paying in EUR.
Submit and receive
A confirmation email with a reference number for tracking.
| Source | Government Fee (EUR) | Agency Fee (GBP) | Total Cost (GBP) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benin government portal | €50 / €75 / €100 | £0 | ~£43 / ~£65 / ~£87 | 1 to 10 business days |
| The Travel Visa Company | €50 | ~£52 | £94.95 | 1 to 2 business days |
| Sherpa | €50 | ~£23 | ~£66 ($84 USD) | Within 10 business days |
Government fees range from €50 to €100 depending on visa type. Third-party agencies add surcharges; we are not affiliated with them and recommend using the Benin government portal directly. The Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK should be submitted 10 to 14 business days before departure. Print the approved eVisa PDF before travel.
Health, Transit & Travel Requirements for UK-Based Indian Applicants
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Benin but not for the Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK; Indian passport holders may need transit visas for hub airports.
Indian citizens must present a yellow fever certificate at the border. NHS clinics vaccinate free; private clinics charge £50 to £80. Vaccinate at least 10 days before departure. The FCDO advises against all travel to some parts of Benin and all but essential travel to others, limiting insurance and embassy support. Travel insurance covering medical, repatriation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended. For vaccination guidance, refer to TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide or visit an NHS travel clinic.
| Hub | Transit Visa | Check With |
|---|---|---|
| Paris CDG | Yes | French Consulate |
| Casablanca CMN | Verify | Moroccan Consulate |
| Addis Ababa ADD | Verify | Ethiopian Embassy |
Indian passport holders flying to Cotonou via Paris CDG need an Airport Transit Visa; verify Casablanca and Addis Ababa with embassies before booking. The Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK is issued electronically via email upon approval. Benin eVisa rules can change without notice; always check the Benin government eVisa portal or FCDO travel advice for current requirements.
FAQ
Can Indian citizens get a Benin visa on arrival from the UK?
No. The Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK is the required pre-departure option. Visa on arrival is not available at any Benin entry point, including Cotonou airport. You must complete the application and receive approval before your departure.
How long does the Benin eVisa take to process for Indian applicants in the UK?
Processing takes 1 to 10 business days depending on the portal used. We recommend applying for the Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK at least 10 to 14 business days before departure to allow a buffer for delays.
Do I need to submit my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) when applying for the Benin eVisa?
The Benin eVisa portal does not currently mandate UK residency proof. However, uploading your Biometric Residence Permit or UK eVisa share code is recommended to avoid delays, especially for ILR holders and EU Settlement Scheme participants.
Can I extend my Benin eVisa while in the country?
Extensions can be processed in Benin only through local immigration offices and may incur an additional fee. For work permits or long stays, contact a Benin Embassy or Consulate.
What is the total cost of a Benin eVisa for an Indian citizen in the UK?
The government fee for the Benin eVisa for Indians in the UK ranges from €50 to €100 (~£43 to ~£87) depending on visa type. Third-party agencies typically add £30 to £50 in service surcharges.
Is yellow fever vaccination required to obtain the Benin eVisa?
The yellow fever certificate is not required to obtain the Benin eVisa for Indian citizens in the UK but is mandatory for entry into Benin. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure; NHS or private clinics are available.
Do Indian citizens need a transit visa when flying through Paris to Benin?
Yes, Indian passport holders typically need an Airport Transit Visa when flying through Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Transit visa requirements also apply to other common hubs like Casablanca and Addis Ababa.
What should I do if my Benin eVisa application is refused?
Reapply ensuring all documents meet the stated requirements, such as including the machine-readable strip on your passport scan. If refused repeatedly, contact the nearest Beninese Embassy located in Paris, France.
