The Benin single entry evisa cost is €50 in 2026, valid for one entry and up to 30 days. The 30-day multiple entry costs €75, and the 90-day multiple entry is €100, converting to approximately £43, £64, and £86 for UK travellers.
Payment is processed in EUR. UK cards may incur 0-2.99% foreign transaction fees plus a 1-2% Dynamic Currency Conversion surcharge if you opt to pay in GBP at the gateway. Government fees are statutory, set by the Benin Directorate of Emigration and Immigration; total cost depends on whether you apply directly via the evisa.gouv.bj portal or use a third-party facilitation service.
Benin Single Entry E-Visa Cost & Three-Way Comparison
The Benin single entry evisa cost is €50 in 2026, compared to €75 for the 30-day multiple entry and €100 for the 90-day multiple entry. Third-party services add €0-€50 depending on the application channel; applying directly on evisa.gouv.bj incurs no service fee.
| Feature | 30-Day Single Entry | 30-Day Multiple Entry | 90-Day Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee (EUR) | €50 | €75 | €100 |
| Estimated service fee* | €0-€50 | €0-€50 | €0-€50 |
| Total cost range (EUR) | €50-€100 | €75-€125 | €100-€150 |
| Total cost in GBP** | ~£43-£86 | ~£64-£108 | ~£86-£129 |
| Entries allowed | 1 border crossing | Unlimited within validity | Unlimited within validity |
| Maximum stay | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days |
| Best for | Single holiday, one-stop trip | Short trip with side visits to Togo or Ghana | Extended stay, repeated business travel |
*Service fee varies by provider; €0 if applying directly on evisa.gouv.bj. **GBP figures at ~1 EUR = 0.86 GBP (September 2026).
At 1 EUR = 0.86 GBP (September 2026), the Benin single entry evisa cost converts to £43. Single entry permits one border crossing within a 30-day stay; multiple entry allows unlimited crossings within the validity window.
Break-Even Analysis & GBP Costs for UK Travellers
The Benin single entry evisa cost at €50 makes multiple entry cheaper for two or more crossings within 30 days: two single entries total €100 versus one 30-day multiple entry at €75, saving €25.
| Scenario | Single Entry Approach | Multiple Entry Approach | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 trip, 30 days | 1 × €50 = €50 | 30-day multiple €75 | Single saves €25 |
| 2 trips within 30 days | 2 × €50 = €100 | 30-day multiple €75 | Multiple saves €25 |
| 2 trips within 60-90 days | 2 × €50 = €100 | 90-day multiple €100 | Same cost, more flexibility |
| 3+ trips within 90 days | 3 × €50 = €150 | 90-day multiple €100 | Multiple saves €50 |
At 1 EUR = 0.86 GBP (September 2026), €50 converts to £43, €75 to £64, and €100 to £86. Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion if the gateway offers to let you pay in GBP; accepting DCC adds a 1-2% surcharge. With Monzo or Starling (0% foreign transaction fee), the Benin single entry evisa cost is £43. With Barclays or HSBC (2.99% fee), it rises to £44.30; accepting DCC on top brings the total to approximately £45.20. Exchange rate based on mid-market rate as of September 2026; your bank may apply a different rate.
Understanding Visa Types, Validity & Application Steps
The Benin single entry evisa cost corresponds to a permit allowing one border crossing within a 30-day validity window; the 30-day multiple entry (€75) and 90-day multiple entry (€100) permit unlimited crossings within their respective periods. All three process within 24-48 hours, with no express tier available.
The Benin single entry evisa cost covers one crossing only. Validity window starts from issuance; stay duration starts from entry. Travellers planning side trips to Togo or Ghana should consider multiple entry.
UK applicants apply online via the external portal at evisa.gouv.bj before departure. The form takes under 5 minutes to complete:
Enter name and email
Receive a secure validation link.
Complete the application form
Provide passport and travel details.
Pay the government fee
Payment in EUR via card or bank transfer.
Receive the approved e-visa
Delivered as a PDF attachment by email within 24-48 hours.
Print the e-visa
Carry it to border control.
UK passports must hold at least 6 months validity from the arrival date and contain at least 1 blank page for stamping (2 pages recommended for multiple entry). Required documents: return or onward ticket, accommodation proof (hotel booking or invitation letter), and a digital passport photo (35×45 mm, white background, JPEG, max 1024 KB). A printed paper copy of the e-visa is required at border control in Cotonou. COVID-19 vaccination or PCR test is no longer required as of 2026. Permitted travel purposes: tourism, business, short-term family visits, and transit.
Visa on Arrival, Refundability & Hidden Surcharges
E-visas guarantee pre-approval; government fees are non-refundable. Traditional stamped visas are no longer issued; all applicants use the e-visa system via evisa.gouv.bj. The Benin single entry evisa cost starts at €50, matching the approximate visa-on-arrival fee at Cotonou airport, yet the e-visa guarantees approval before departure while the visa on arrival involves queues and carries no pre-approval guarantee.
UK travellers should apply at least one week before travel to accommodate the 24-48 hour processing window. The Benin single entry evisa cost and the €75 and €100 multiple entry fees are all-inclusive with no additional VAT or local tax added at checkout. No age-based fee reduction is published; standard fees apply to all applicants, including children. Government fees are strictly non-refundable even if an application is rejected.
Benin E-Visa Costs and Fees FAQ
Do UK citizens need a visa for Benin in 2026?
Yes. British passport holders require a visa before arrival. No visa-free entry for UK citizens. All travellers must use the electronic visa system at evisa.gouv.bj to obtain travel authorisation prior to their trip.
What is the Benin single entry evisa cost for children?
No age-based fee reduction is published on evisa.gouv.bj. The standard Benin single entry evisa cost of €50, and the €75 and €100 multiple entry fees, apply to all applicants, including children and minors. No discounts are available.
Is the Benin e-visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
Government fee: non-refundable. Third-party service fee: varies by provider, typically non-refundable. Ensure all documents are correct before submitting to avoid losing the fee.
How much does a Benin e-visa cost in total with bank fees?
The Benin single entry evisa cost of €50 converts to ~£43; with 2.99% foreign transaction fee, ~£44.30; DCC adds 1-2% on top.
Can I extend my Benin visa after arrival?
Yes, at the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration in Cotonou. Extension fee is not publicly listed; contact the directorate directly for current cost and requirements.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for the Benin e-visa?
Not for the visa application. May be required at the border if arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, per the WHO list. Check your travel route before departure.
Is there an expedited or urgent processing option?
No express tier exists. Standard processing is 24-48 hours. Apply at least one week before travel with complete documentation to ensure eVisa approval within the standard timeframe.
What payment methods does the Benin e-visa portal accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, and bank transfer. Payment is processed in EUR. Gateway operated by CinetPay, which also supports West African mobile money options.
Are the published e-visa fees inclusive of VAT or local tax?
Yes. The €50, €75, and €100 government fees are all-inclusive. No additional VAT or local tax is added at checkout.
When does the 30-day validity period start: date of issue or date of entry?
Validity starts from issuance; stay duration starts from entry.
