Benin
Benin travel guide for Britons
Britons must obtain an e‑visa before travel (or a visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days); apply online, pay the fee, and bring a yellow‑fever vaccination card. If you already have a valid Schengen visa, you can skip the e‑visa, but confirm the latest rules.
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GuideBenin
Key facts
- Visa type
- e‑visa (online) or visa on arrival for ≤90 days
- Visa feecheck
- ≈ £30 (2026 estimate)
- Yellow‑fever card
- Required for entry
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months on arrival
- Maximum stay
- 90 days per visit
Entry requirements for UK citizens
Apply for an e‑visa on the Benin e‑visa portal before you travel; the process takes 3–5 business days. A visa on arrival is available at Cotonou airport for stays up to 90 days, but the online option is faster and cheaper.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
A certified yellow‑fever vaccination card is mandatory for all travellers entering Benin.
British diplomatic representation
The United Kingdom does not have an embassy in Benin. The nearest British embassy is in Abuja, Nigeria.
Contact details (check before travel):
British High Commission, Abuja – Phone: +234 9 461 8000 – Email: [email protected]
Trip cost in GBP
Airfare from London to Cotonou (round‑trip) averages £600–£850 depending on season.
Accommodation ranges from £15 per night for budget guesthouses to £80 for mid‑range hotels.
Meals cost £3–£8 per person per day at local restaurants.
Local transport (zémidjan motorbike rides) is about £0.30 per kilometre.
| Item | Typical cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight | £600–£850 |
| Budget hotel (per night) | £15 |
| Mid‑range hotel (per night) | £80 |
| Meal (local restaurant) | £3–£8 |
| Zémidjan (per km) | £0.30 |
Practical information
Main international airport: Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO). Flight time from London is about 6 hours non‑stop (when available).
Plug type: C and E, 220 V, 50 Hz – bring a European‑style adapter.
Tipping: not expected; rounding up the bill or leaving 500–1,000 CFA for guides and porters is customary.
Emergency numbers: Police 117, Fire 118 (check local listings).
Tipping customs
Tipping is not expected in Benin; rounding up the bill or leaving 500–1,000 CFA for guides and porters is customary.
Emergency numbers
Emergency numbers: Police 117, Fire 118 (check local listings).
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Benin?
Yes – you must obtain an e‑visa before travel or a visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days. The e‑visa costs about £30 and is the recommended option.
How much does a trip to Benin cost in GBP?
A typical budget trip (flight, accommodation, meals, transport) runs £1,200–£1,500 for two weeks, with flights £600–£850, hotels £15–£80 per night and meals £3–£8 each.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Benin?
The UK has no embassy in Benin; the nearest is the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria (contact details above).
What is the flight time from London to Benin?
The flight from London to Cotonou takes about 6 hours non-stop when available.
What plug type is used in Benin?
Benin uses plug types C and E, 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a European-style adapter.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Benin
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