United Kingdom visa — Benin passport

Documents requested

Visitor visa

• Passport or travel document valid for the entire duration of the stayThe passport must cover the entire stay in the United Kingdom. It is used to prove identity at the visa application centre appointment and is returned the same day.
• Planned travel dates to the United KingdomInformation to enter in the online form.
• Place of accommodation during the visitInformation to enter in the online form: where the traveller will stay during the visit.
• Estimated cost of the tripInformation to enter in the online form: how much the traveller thinks the trip will cost.
• Current home address and length of time lived thereInformation to enter in the online form.
• Parents' names and dates of birth, if knownInformation to enter in the online form, when known.
• Declaration of any criminal, civil or immigration offenceThe online form asks for details of any criminal, civil or immigration offence that the applicant may have committed.
• Proof of identity and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)Conditions and details

  At the visa application centre appointment, the applicant proves their identity with their passport, has their fingerprints and photograph taken and provides the required documents.

Depending on your situation

• Annual income, if the traveller has an incomeInformation to enter in the online form when the traveller has an income.
• Travel history for the last 10 years, depending on the situationRequested depending on the applicant's situation; the page does not specify in which cases.
• Employer's address and telephone numberThe employer's address and telephone number may be requested depending on the applicant's situation.
• Partner's name, date of birth and passport number, depending on the situationThis information may be requested depending on the applicant's situation.
• Name and address of anyone paying for the tripRequested when someone else is funding the trip.
• Name, address and passport number of family members in the United KingdomRequested when the traveller has family in the United Kingdom.
• Certified translations of documents that are neither in English nor in WelshConditions and details

  Each translation must be able to be verified by the Home Office and must include the translator's confirmation of accuracy, the date, the translator's full name and signature and their contact details.
• Evidence of support from a third party (sponsor) who provides travel, maintenance or accommodationConditions and details

  If someone else provides travel, maintenance or accommodation, explain what support is provided, how it is provided and whether it extends to dependent family members. Also show that the sponsor has sufficient means to support themselves and their dependants, explain your relationship with the sponsor and, where applicable, provide evidence of their lawful presence in the United Kingdom.

Student visa

• Valid passport or other valid travel documentConditions and details

  The passport or travel document must establish the applicant's identity and nationality. If an appointment at the visa application centre is required, it is brought and collected the same day; the nearest centre may be in a country other than the country of residence.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, issued by the institutionConditions and details

  An unconditional offer of a place on a course at an institution holding a student sponsor licence is required. Once the offer is made, the institution sends a reference number, the CAS, which is essential before applying for the visa and must be entered in the application. The application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the CAS.
• Proof of identity: "UK Immigration: ID Check" app (UKVI account) or fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centreConditions and details

  The online application includes a proof of identity. Depending on the country of origin and the type of passport, one either scans one's identity document with the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app, which also creates or opens a UKVI account, or has one's fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. The online application indicates which of these two routes applies.
• Payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge with the applicationConditions and details

  The health surcharge is paid in the online application, for the applicant and each person accompanying them: 776 GBP per year for a student. For a partial duration: no surcharge for 6 months or less from outside the United Kingdom; a full year for more than 6 months and less than one year; more than one year and 18 months or less: the year plus half; more than 18 months and less than 2 years: two full years. If the payment is incomplete, UKVI sends a reminder email; the application is refused if the full amount is not paid within 7 working days following that email for an application made from outside the United Kingdom.

Depending on your situation

• Proof of sufficient funds for the course and for living in the United Kingdom, unless exceptions applyConditions and details

  You must have enough to pay for the course for one academic year (up to 9 months), the amount stated on the CAS, and enough to live on: 1 529 GBP per month for a course in London, 1 171 GBP per month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, with an additional amount for each family member who accompanies you. These monthly maintenance amounts apply to applications submitted before 30 November 2026. For an application submitted from 30 November 2026, they rise to 1 570 GBP in London and 1 203 GBP elsewhere, still for up to 9 months. The funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end of this period must fall within the 31 days before the application. A student loan or financial sponsorship is proved by a document from the organisation concerned. Proof of maintenance is not required from a person who has lived in the United Kingdom with a visa for at least 12 months, nor from a full-time student union sabbatical officer. Nationals of around sixty countries and territories on the “differential evidence requirement” list (published on the page) and British nationals (overseas) do not have to provide it, but UKVI may request it after submission.
• Proof of knowledge of English: UK qualification or one taught in English, or a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved providerConditions and details

  It is generally necessary to prove that one speaks, reads, writes and understands English: a level equivalent to CEFR B2 for a course at degree level or above, B1 below that. A higher education institution may assess the B2 level itself for a course at degree level or above. The proof may be a UK school qualification started before age 18 (GCSE, A level, certain Scottish levels), a degree-level qualification taught in English awarded by a UK institution, or, for a foreign qualification taught in English, an Ecctis assessment code, or a SELT test. Exempt are nationals (or graduates of a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree obtained in) Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as nationals of Canada, those coming for a study abroad programme as part of a US degree and those who have already proven their level in a previous visa application.
• ATAS certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme), if the course and nationality require itConditions and details

  The ATAS certificate may be required to study or conduct research on sensitive subjects at RQF level 7 or above (master's and above): the application page asks for it if the course and the student's nationality require it.
• Tuberculosis test certificate, if coming for 6 months or more after living in a listed countryConditions and details

  The test is required if you are coming to the United Kingdom for 6 months or more, have lived for 6 months or more in one of the countries listed by the government, and were living there (or in another listed country) in the last 6 months. It consists of a chest X-ray, possibly supplemented by a sputum sample. If the test is negative, the certificate issued is valid for 6 months from the X-ray; it is attached to the application. Accredited diplomats, UK residents returning after an absence of no more than 2 years, and people coming under a scheme for Ukrainians do not need it.
• Written consent from the financial sponsor, if the course fees and living costs have been funded by a sponsor in the last 12 monthsConditions and details

  If one has received financial sponsorship for the course fees and living costs in the last 12 months, the financial sponsor's written consent must be provided with the application.

Work visa

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number, issued by the approved employerConditions and details

  The CoS is an electronic record, not a paper document: the employer (the sponsor) checks that the employee meets the requirements, then gives it to them with a reference number needed for the application. You must have a confirmed job offer before applying for the visa. The CoS must have been issued no more than 3 months before the application. Where the CoS is linked to a Sponsorship Reference Number, this limit is 90 days, not counting the days during which a change requested by the sponsor in Sponsor a Worker is being considered. The application cannot be submitted more than 3 months before the job start date stated on the CoS. You can ask the employer for a copy if you do not have it.
• Job title, annual salary, 4-digit occupation code, employer name and sponsor licence numberConditions and details

  The application asks for the job title and annual salary, the occupation code for the job, the employer name and their sponsor licence number; this information appears on the certificate of sponsorship. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and paid at least the required minimum salary.
• Valid passport or other document proving identity and nationalityConditions and details

  You need a valid passport, or another document that proves identity and nationality. If an appointment is needed at the visa application centre, you take your passport there and collect it the same day.
• Proof of identity: “UK Immigration: ID Check” app (UKVI account) or fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centreConditions and details

  The online application includes proof of identity. Depending on the country of origin and the type of passport, you scan your identity document with the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app, which also creates or opens a UKVI account, or you have your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre, which may be in another country. The online application states which of these two routes applies; you should allow extra time if an appointment is needed.
• Payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge, in general 1 035 GBP per year of stayConditions and details

  The health surcharge is paid in the online application, for each year of stay, by the applicant and by each member of their family: in general 1 035 GBP per year. For a partial period, there is no surcharge for 6 months or less from outside the United Kingdom; a full year is due for more than 6 months and less than a year; for more than a year and 18 months or less, the year plus half; for more than 18 months and less than 2 years, two full years. Certain health and care jobs fall under the Health and Care Worker visa, without a surcharge.

Depending on your situation

• Proof of English at CEFR level B2: a UK qualification or one taught in English, or a Secure English Language Test (SELT)Conditions and details

  You generally need to prove that you speak, read, write and understand English, at least at CEFR level B2. The proof can be a UK school qualification started before age 18 (GCSE, A level, certain Scottish levels), a bachelor degree taught in English awarded by a UK institution, an Ecctis assessment code for a foreign qualification taught in English, or a SELT from an approved provider. A person who held the visa before 8 January 2026 and is extending or updating it needs level B1 without new proof; a person switching from another visa generally needs level B2. A person switching from a Health and Care Worker visa does not have to provide new proof of English. Exempt are nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. A doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet already assessed by their professional body does not have to retake a test.
• Proof of 1 270 GBP in savings available for at least 28 days, unless the employer covers the costs of the first monthConditions and details

  You must have at least 1 270 GBP in a bank account to prove that you can support yourself in the United Kingdom. This sum must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within the 31 days before the application. Proof is generally required, unless an application to extend or remain is submitted by a person present in the United Kingdom with permission for at least 12 months, or unless their A-rated sponsor certifies that it will if needed provide their maintenance and accommodation until the end of the first month of employment, to an amount of at least 1 270 GBP: the certificate of sponsorship must then confirm this in the “sponsor certifies maintenance” section of the additional data. Spouses and children must also prove their own funds.
• Tuberculosis test certificate, if coming from a listed countryConditions and details

  The test is required if you are coming to the United Kingdom for 6 months or more, you have lived for 6 months or more in one of the countries listed by the government and you were living there (or in another listed country) in the last 6 months. It consists of a chest X-ray; the certificate issued after a negative test is valid for 6 months from the X-ray and is included with the application. Accredited diplomats, returning UK residents absent for at most 2 years and people coming through a scheme for Ukrainians do not need it.
• Criminal record certificate, for certain education, health, therapy or social services jobs, if applying from outside the United KingdomConditions and details

  A criminal record certificate is required from a person applying from outside the United Kingdom who will work in education (teachers, education advisers, inspectors, assistants), health (nurses, doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, dentists), therapy (psychologists, speech and language therapists, counsellors) or social services (social workers, probation officers). Rule SW 16.1 covers every country where the applicant was present for 12 months or more, continuously or in total, during the 10 years before the application, counting only periods from age 18. This 12-month threshold also applies from age 28. Under SW 16.2, a satisfactory explanation may be accepted where it is not reasonably possible to obtain a certificate from some or all of the authorities concerned.
• ATAS certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme), if the employer states that it is requiredA valid ATAS certificate is required if the employer states it because the job involves research on a sensitive subject at PhD level or above.
• UK doctoral degree, or Ecctis reference number for a qualification obtained outside the United KingdomConditions and details

  To benefit from a reduced minimum salary thanks to a PhD relevant to the job, you must provide the UK doctoral degree, or a unique Ecctis reference number where the qualification comes from abroad: the application is then made to Ecctis, which confirms equivalence with a UK doctoral degree.
• Certified translation of documents that are neither in English nor in WelshIf the documents provided are not written in English or Welsh, a certified translation is also required.