Foreign travel advice

Benin

Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Benin.

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Benin鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Benin set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the (in French).

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter or travel through Benin.

For further information on entry requirements, contact the (in French).

Applying for a visa

at least 7 days before your arrival date. You will get your visa when you arrive at Cotonou airport.

Visas for Nigeria, Ghana and Togo

You cannot get entry visas for Nigeria, Ghana or Togo in Benin. For onward travel you must apply for visas before travelling to Benin.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Benin, you must have a certificate to prove you鈥檝e had a yellow fever vaccination.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.