Every child, including newborns, requires a separate Benin eVisa with individual documents, including a passport, birth certificate, and, depending on the travel scenario, a notarised parental consent letter or a business invitation letter. Submit Benin evisa documents for minors via the evisa.gouv.bj portal at least 7 days before arrival. Required items include proof of relationship, a copy of the accompanying adult’s passport data page, and a passport-style photograph. For business trips, the host company’s invitation letter must include specific registration numbers (IFU/RCCM) and a financial guarantee statement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always consult the official evisa.gouv.bj portal or a qualified immigration lawyer for your specific case.
Last updated: 8 September 2026. Benin visa regulations may change; verify with the evisa.gouv.bj portal before applying. This guide was prepared by the editorial team at our UK travel information portal, which has covered visa requirements for 30+ African countries. Our researchers verify all details against official government sources quarterly.
Benin evisa documents for minors in 2026 include the child’s passport copy (6 months validity, 1 blank page), a full birth certificate, a notarised parental consent letter, a passport-style photo, proof of accommodation, a return travel itinerary, and the visa fee payment receipt. For business eVisas, attach the host company’s formal invitation letter with IFU/RCCM number and financial guarantee.
Mandatory Additional Documents for Children Travelling to Benin
Minor applicants need a full birth certificate and, depending on the travel scenario, a notarised parental consent letter. Every child must have an individual biometric passport, valid for 6 months from the date of entry, with at least 1 blank visa page. Endorsement on a parent’s passport is not permitted for Benin evisa documents for minors. A digital scan of the bio-data page is required for upload as PDF or JPEG.
| Travel Scenario | Required Benin evisa documents for minors |
|---|---|
| Both parents present | Child’s full birth certificate; copies of both parents’ passport bio-data pages; no consent letter required. |
| One parent or legal guardian | Notarised parental consent letter from the absent parent (notarised by a UK solicitor or notary public); custody court order for sole legal guardians; family register (livret de famille) may be requested; copy of accompanying parent’s passport. |
| Unaccompanied minor | Notarised parental consent from both parents; territory exit permit signed by both parents; host contact details in Benin; school or group authorisation letter. |
Travelling with Both Parents Present
Benin evisa documents for minors comprise the child’s full birth certificate and copies of both parents’ passport bio-data pages. No parental consent letter is required when both parents travel with the child.
Travelling with One Parent or Legal Guardian
The notarised parental consent letter must be notarised by a UK solicitor or notary public. Sole legal guardians must also provide a custody court order. A family register (livret de famille) may be requested by Benin immigration authorities.
Unaccompanied Minors and School or Group Travel
Unaccompanied minors require notarised consent from both parents plus a territory exit permit signed by both parents. The application must include host contact details in Benin and a school or group authorisation letter.
Business eVisa Invitation Letter Requirements
The business invitation letter attached to Benin evisa documents for minors must include the host company’s IFU (Identifiant Fiscal Unique) or RCCM registration number, full contact details, explicit trip purpose, travel dates, and a financial guarantee statement. A UK employer dispatch letter is optional and does not substitute for the mandatory Beninese host company invitation letter.
Key Elements the Beninese Host Company Must Include
- IFU or RCCM registration number of the host company
- Full host contact details: name, title, phone, email, and physical address
- Explicit statement of the business trip’s purpose
- Travel dates and duration of stay
- Financial guarantee statement specifying who covers accommodation and expenses
- Company letterhead with IFU/RCCM number
- Host contact person (name, title, phone, email, address)
- Purpose of visit
- Travel dates and duration
- Financial guarantee statement
Tourist vs Business Invitation Letters: Key Differences
| Business Invitation Letter | Tourist Invitation Letter |
|---|---|
| Requires company registration numbers (IFU/RCCM) and financial guarantee | Requires only host’s personal details and accommodation proof |
Before uploading Benin evisa documents for minors for a business trip, confirm the invitation letter includes the IFU number, financial guarantee, and travel dates.
Supporting Documents and Health Requirements for Minors
Benin evisa documents for minors must include proof of accommodation, a return flight itinerary, and the visa fee payment receipt. Required and recommended supporting documents:
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter)
- Flight itinerary confirming onward or return travel
- Visa fee payment receipt for the minor
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance for minors (recommended, not mandatory)
Benin evisa documents for minors must be uploaded as PDF or JPEG files using clear colour scans. COVID-19 tests and vaccination certificates are no longer required for entry.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements for Children
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for children aged 9 months and older entering Benin; infants below 9 months are exempt. The certificate must be presented as the WHO Yellow Card (“Carte Jaune”). UK parents can consult TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide for current health guidance.
Travel Insurance for Minors: Is It Mandatory?
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but recommended for medical emergencies and repatriation for UK families travelling with children to Benin.
How to Apply for a Benin eVisa for Your Child from the UK
Submit a separate application per child on evisa.gouv.bj, upload Benin evisa documents for minors as PDF or JPEG files, and pay from €50 (30-day single entry). Fees are identical for minors and adults: €50 (single entry, 30 days), €75 (multiple entry, 30 days), or €100 (multiple entry, 90 days). Submit at least 7 days before arrival; approved eVisas arrive by email within 1 to 2 business days.
Step-by-Step Process on the eVisa Portal
Create an account
Create an account on evisa.gouv.bj.
Enter personal details
Enter the child’s personal details in the eVisa questionnaire.
Upload required documents
Upload all required Benin evisa documents for minors as clear colour scans in PDF or JPEG format.
Pay the fee
€50 (single entry, 30 days), €75 (multiple entry, 30 days), or €100 (multiple entry, 90 days). Fees are identical for minors and adults.
Submit before arrival
Submit at least 7 days before arrival.
Receive approved eVisa
Receive the approved eVisa by email within 1 to 2 business days.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- Missing or improperly notarised parental authorisation: obtain notarisation from a UK solicitor or notary public.
- Passport with insufficient validity: must hold 6 months from date of entry.
- Blurry or incorrect file uploads.
- Mismatched travel dates between the itinerary and the application form.
FAQ: Benin eVisa Documents for Minors
What documents are needed for a minor’s Benin eVisa application?
You must submit the child’s individual biometric passport copy (6 months validity, 1 blank page), a full birth certificate, a passport-style photograph, a notarised parental consent letter if travelling with one parent or alone, proof of accommodation, and a travel itinerary.
Do I need a notarised parental consent letter if both parents are travelling with the child?
No. If both parents are travelling with the child, a notarised parental consent letter is not required, but you must still provide the child’s full birth certificate and copies of both parents’ passport bio-data pages.
How do I get a notarised parental consent letter in the UK for a Benin eVisa?
Visit a UK solicitor or a notary public, who will verify your identity and witness your signature to notarise the document. This notarised letter is mandatory when a minor travels to Benin with only one parent or unaccompanied.
Can a single parent apply for a Benin eVisa for a child without the other parent’s consent?
No. If only one parent travels, a notarised consent letter from the absent parent is mandatory. Sole legal guardians must additionally provide a custody court order.
What should the business eVisa invitation letter from a Beninese company include?
The business invitation letter must include the host company’s IFU or RCCM registration number, full contact details, explicit statement of the business trip purpose, travel dates, duration of stay, and a financial guarantee statement indicating who covers accommodation and expenses.
How long does it take to process a Benin eVisa for a minor in 2026?
The typical processing time for a Benin eVisa is 1 to 2 business days. You must submit the application online at least 7 days before your planned arrival date.
Is travel insurance required for children applying for a Benin eVisa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for the Benin eVisa system, but it is strongly recommended for UK families travelling with children to cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Does my baby need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Benin?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for children aged 9 months and older entering Benin. Infants below 9 months are exempt. You must carry the WHO Yellow Card (“Carte Jaune”).
Can I apply for Benin eVisas for my whole family in one application?
No. Every traveller, including newborns and minors, must have a separate eVisa application. You must complete an individual application and upload the required Benin evisa documents for minors for each child on the evisa.gouv.bj portal.
What do I do if my child’s Benin eVisa application is rejected?
Common rejection causes include missing or improperly notarised consent letters, insufficient passport validity, blurry uploads, and mismatched travel dates. Review your Benin evisa documents for minors checklist, correct the errors, and resubmit with clear PDF or JPEG files.
