Apply for your tourist visa
Confirm where to apply based on your passport and legal residence, then prepare your documents.
Prepare your application
Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Attend a visa application centre appointment for identity checks, fingerprints, a photo and supporting documents.
Submit through the official channel
Use Standard Visitor visa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Getting started [1]
- 1
Prepare your application
Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Attend a visa application centre appointment for identity checks, fingerprints, a photo and supporting documents.
- 2
Submit through the official channel
Use Standard Visitor visa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
- 3
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Already applied
- 1
Keep your reference
Save your application reference, payment receipt and the email address used to apply.
- 2
Follow up through your application channel
Check the official application service or responsible mission for a decision and any requests for information.
- 3
Wait for the decision
A submitted application or payment receipt does not establish that a visa or authorisation has been granted.
Have approval
- 1
Compare it with your passport
Check your name, passport number and the passport you will actually use to travel.
- 2
Check dates and entries
Read the validity dates, permitted stay and number of entries. These are separate conditions.
- 3
Prepare for the journey
Follow the official instructions for carrying or displaying your permission, and complete the entry checklist below.
Check your stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and processing time
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
- Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
- GBP 135
GOV.UK says the application fee is not refunded if the visa is refused or granted for a shorter period than requested. If you cancel, a refund is available only if the application has not been processed.
Read the official fee guidance [1]Published government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay.
Decisions usually arrive within 3 weeks after you apply online, prove your identity and provide the required documents. Allow additional time to book and attend the visa application centre appointment.
Entry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
No UK landing card is required
Keep your passport and travel documents ready; Border Force may check them and ask why you are visiting. If arriving from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you only need to show documents if stopped. At airports and rail ports, eGate use depends on your passport, age and immigration status.
Official guidance [4]Each family member needs a separate Standard Visitor visa application
Each person must have their own application, pay the fee and attend their own visa centre appointment. You can apply for a partner or child who cannot apply for themselves.
Official guidance [1]Before and during your visit to United Kingdom
Plan a genuine short visit
Visitors must come for a permitted activity, intend to leave at the end of the visit and avoid using repeated or successive visits to live in the UK. These visitor conditions still apply when your nationality does not require a visa.
Follow the visitor work limits
Standard Visitors cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, except for specified permitted paid engagements. Visitors also cannot claim public funds or use repeated trips to live in the UK.
United Kingdom travel essentials
- Capital
- London
- Currency
- GBP
- Calling code
- +44
United Kingdom entry questions
Do citizens of Benin need a visa for United Kingdom?
For tourism in United Kingdom, ordinary passport holders from Benin need a visa before travel. The stay limit is up to 6 months.
How long can I stay in United Kingdom?
The short-visit limit is up to 6 months. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): GBP 135 per person (online application).
How long does a decision take?
Decisions usually arrive within 3 weeks after you apply online, prove your identity and provide the required documents. Allow additional time to book and attend the visa application centre appointment.
What fees apply for a United Kingdom visitor visa?
GOV.UK says the application fee is not refunded if the visa is refused or granted for a shorter period than requested. If you cancel, a refund is available only if the application has not been processed.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm United Kingdom’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open Standard Visitor visa
Apply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Attend a visa application centre appointment for identity checks, fingerprints, a photo and supporting documents.
Check ETA eligibility
Nationality, existing permission and transit exceptions.
Check UK visitor conditions
Allowed activities and whether you need a different visa.
Open Standard Visitor visa
· UK Visas and ImmigrationApply online no earlier than 3 months before travel. Attend a visa application centre appointment for identity checks, fingerprints, a photo and supporting documents.
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visaCheck ETA eligibility
· UK Visas and ImmigrationNationality, existing permission and transit exceptions.
https://www.gov.uk/etaCheck UK visitor conditions
· UK Visas and ImmigrationAllowed activities and whether you need a different visa.
https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor- https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/at-border-control
Entering the UK: At border control
· Border Force
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to United Kingdom with an ordinary Benin passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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