US and EU passport holders residing in the UK must obtain a Benin eVisa before travelling. The application is completed entirely online, requiring a valid passport, digital photo, and proof of UK residency. Approval arrives by email within 3 to 7 business days, allowing collection at Cotonou Airport upon arrival.
The Benin eVisa is mandatory for US and EU nationals; neither is on the visa-free list. Applicants must submit a clear colour copy of their passport biometric page, a digital photograph, proof of accommodation, and a flight itinerary to complete the online application form.
Fees for the Benin eVisa start at €50 for a 30-day single-entry tourist eVisa. Applicants should ensure their passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity and one blank page. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Benin, though not required during the online application process.
Benin eVisa for US citizens in UK (2026): US and EU citizens in the UK must apply for a Benin eVisa online before travelling. The process involves six steps: check eligibility, prepare documents (passport valid 6+ months, photo, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, UK residency proof), complete the online form, pay from €50, receive approval by email, and collect the eVisa at Cotonou Airport upon arrival. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days.
Benin eVisa Eligibility and Application Steps for US and EU Citizens in the UK
The Benin eVisa application for US and EU citizens in the UK follows a six-step online process, as no visa-free exemptions apply to these nationalities.
Check eligibility
US, EU, and UK passport holders are not among the 61 exempt countries. Confirm your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page.
Prepare documents
Gather a colour passport copy, digital photo, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, and proof of UK residency (Biometric Residence Permit or digital share code).
Complete the online application form
Submit your Benin eVisa application via the government eVisa portal or a UK-based facilitation service.
Pay the fee
Fees start at €50 for a 30-day single-entry visa, €75 for 30-day multiple-entry, or €100 for 90-day multiple-entry. Processing begins the next business day.
Receive email approval
Processing takes 3 to 7 business days; approval arrives as a PDF with QR code.
Collect at Cotonou Airport
Present the approval at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO) upon arrival.
| Nationality | Benin eVisa Required | UK Residency Proof |
|---|---|---|
| US | Yes | Yes (BRP or share code) |
| EU | Yes | Yes (BRP or share code) |
| UK | Yes | No |
Apply at least 7 to 10 business days before departure. The application window opens 90 days before travel and closes 10 days before. CIBTvisas recommends applying 1 to 2 months ahead.
Online Application Portal
Apply via the Benin eVisa government portal or through UK-based facilitation services: VisaHQ (visahq.co.uk/benin), CIBTvisas (cibtvisas.co.uk), or The Travel Visa Company (thetravelvisacompany.co.uk).
Payment Methods for Benin eVisa
Fees are denominated in EUR and payable by Visa or Mastercard. Check with your card issuer regarding foreign transaction fees. Direct application through the government portal avoids third-party service charges.
Where to Collect Your Benin eVisa
Present the printed or saved email approval PDF at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO) upon arrival. The approval contains a QR code for verification.
Required Documents and UK Residency Proof for Benin eVisa
You need: passport valid 6+ months, digital photo, flight and accommodation details, and proof of UK residency for non-British citizens (e.g. Biometric Residence Permit).
- Passport bio page scan: clear colour copy, at least 6 months validity from arrival in Benin, minimum 1 blank page, showing photo and machine-readable strip without cropping.
- Digital photo: JPEG or PNG, white background, typically 350×450 px, under 2 MB, full face, no glasses.
- Flight itinerary: confirmed return booking.
- Accommodation proof: hotel booking or host invitation with full Benin address.
- UK residency proof (US/EU non-British citizens): Biometric Residence Permit, UKVI digital share code, or utility bill.
- Minors: each child needs a separate Benin eVisa application; carry parental consent letters and birth certificates.
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required for the Benin eVisa application but is mandatory at the border. For health guidance, refer to TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide or the GOV.UK Benin entry requirements page.
Benin eVisa Fees, Processing Time, and Payment Methods (2026)
| Visa Type | Entry Allowance | Maximum Stay | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry (30 days) | Single entry | Up to 30 days | €50 | 3 to 7 business days |
| Multiple entry (30 days) | Multiple entry | Up to 30 days | €75 | 3 to 7 business days |
| Multiple entry (90 days) | Multiple entry | 90 days | €100 | 3 to 7 business days |
Fee Breakdown: Government vs. Service Fees
Government fees: €50, €75, or €100 depending on visa type. Third-party services add charges: The Travel Visa Company (£94.95 all-in for 30-day single entry; phone 01270 904 907, email [email protected]), VisaHQ UK (phone +44 204 577 3307, email [email protected]), CIBTvisas UK (phone 0844 800 4650). Sherpa charges $84.00 USD for a business eVisa.
Benin eVisa Types: Single and Multiple Entry
Single entry (30 days): one entry, up to 30 days, €50. Multiple entry (30 days): unlimited entries within 30 days, €75. Multiple entry (90 days): unlimited entries within 90 days, €100. Tourist and business eVisa categories are available.
Passport Validity, Health Rules, and Entry Points for Benin
All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted as of 2026. Benin eVisa validity starts on the date of arrival in Benin, not the date of issuance.
Where Can You Enter Benin with an eVisa?
The designated entry point for Benin eVisa holders is Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO). Land borders at Sèmè-Kraké (Nigeria) and Hilacondji (Togo) may also accept eVisa holders, but confirm current status before travel.
Applying from the UK as a Non-British Citizen
US and EU residents in the UK must prepare proof of UK residency to support their Benin eVisa application. UK residents regardless of nationality are eligible for the Benin eVisa.
- Accepted proof of UK residency: Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), UKVI digital share code, or utility bill or bank statement showing UK address.
- Requirements may differ slightly by nationality; some nationalities may be exempt from the Benin eVisa requirement.
Dual Nationality: Which Passport to Use?
Dual nationals (US/EU and British) must use the same passport for UK departure and Benin entry to avoid border complications.
Applying for a Benin eVisa for Children
Each minor needs a separate Benin eVisa application. Carry parental consent letters and scanned birth certificates.
FAQ
Can US citizens get a visa for Benin?
Yes. A Benin eVisa for US citizens in UK is mandatory. US passport holders must apply online with UK residency proof (BRP or digital share code).
Do EU citizens need an eVisa for Benin?
Yes. All EU passport holders must obtain a Benin eVisa before departure. Apply online from the UK with required documents and fee.
How can I apply for a Benin eVisa from the UK?
Apply online: check eligibility, prepare documents, complete the form, pay from €50, receive approval by email, and collect at Cotonou Airport. Allow 7 to 10 business days.
How much does a Benin eVisa cost?
Government fees: €50 (30-day single), €75 (30-day multiple), €100 (90-day multiple). Third-party services charge extra.
How long does it take to get a Benin eVisa?
Processing: 3 to 7 business days. Apply 7 to 10 business days before travel; window opens 90 days ahead.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Benin?
Yes. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory at the border, not during the online application.
Can I extend my Benin eVisa inside the country?
Yes. Visa extensions are possible inside Benin through the local immigration office. An additional fee may apply.
What documents do I need for a Benin eVisa application?
Passport copy (6+ months validity), digital photo, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, and UK residency proof for non-British citizens (BRP or digital share code).
When should I apply for a Benin eVisa from the UK?
Apply 7 to 10 business days before departure. The application window opens 90 days before travel. CIBTvisas recommends 1 to 2 months ahead.
Where do I collect the eVisa on arrival?
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO). Print or save the email approval PDF with QR code before departure.
