Benin Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	No
Australian	Yes	Yes	No
Canadian	Yes	Yes	No
USA	Yes	Yes	No
Other EU	Yes	Yes/1	No

Passports
Passport valid for six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden who do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
(b) those in transit continuing their onward journey within 24 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Visa Note
All children of nationals who require a visa, issued with their own passport, do require a visa.

Nationals traveling through west Africa before arriving in Benin can purchase a visa at the Togo border. There are also embassies in Ghana, Niger and Nigeria.

Exit visas are required by all nationals in the chart above for stays of over 48 hours. An exit visa can be obtained from the Immigration Department.

Types of Visa and Cost
Up to 30 days: US$40 (single-entry); US$45 (multiple-entry). Up to 90 days: US$45 (single-entry); US$50 (multiple-entry).

Validity
Visas are valid for up to 30 or 90 days within three months of date of issue.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

Working Days Required
Two.

Warning
Most visits to Benin are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

There have been outbreaks of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in poultry at a farm in Cotonou and in the villages of Adjara and Akpro-misserete. No human infections or deaths have been reported. In December 2007, outbreaks were confirmed in Porto Novo and Dangbo.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel  

Health

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	Yes*

Health Care
Medical facilities are limited, especially outside the major towns, and not all medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Note
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travelers over one year of age. Risk occurs in all rural areas, but especially in Atakora and Borgou.


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