Benin Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Normal courtesies are appreciated; it is customary to shake hands on arrival and departure. However, religious beliefs play a large part in society and these should be respected. Voodoo is perhaps the most striking and best-known practice, and has acquired considerable social and political power. Only priests can communicate with voodoos and spirits of the dead. If traveling, it is advisable to clear itineraries with district or provincial authorities. Casual wear is acceptable in most places.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The main airline is Air Burkina (website: www.air-burkina.com).

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO) is 5km (3 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: Taxis and limousines are available to the city (journey time – 15 to 20 minutes). Facilities: Duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, post office, business center, 24-hour medical facilities, bank and car hire.

Getting There By Water

Main port:Porto Novo. Several shipping lines run regular cargo services from Marseille to Cotonou. Local shipping from Lagos arrives in Porto Novo.

Getting There By Rail

The railway line from Parakou (via Gaya) to Niamey in Niger, currently under construction, will provide the first rail link into Niger.

Getting There By Road

There are at least three good main roads: one connecting Cotonou with Niamey in Niger; another connecting Lagos with Porto Novo, Cotonou, Lomé and Accra; and a third connecting Parakou with Kara in Togo. Buses and taxis are available.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Benin by persons over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• One bottle of wine and one bottle of spirits.
• 500mL of eau de toilette and 250mL of perfume.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Government airplanes run services between Cotonou, Parakou, Natitingou, Djougou and Kandi. It is also possible to charter two-seater airplanes.

Getting Around By Rail

Benin has about 600km (400 miles) of rail track. Trains run from Cotonou to Pobé, Ouidah and Parakou. Food is available on some services. Upholstered seats are available only in first-class cars and these exist only on the route to Parakou. Children aged under four travel free and children aged four to nine pay half fare. Approximate journey times from Cotonou to Parakou is 12 to 14 hours, to Segboroué is 2 hours 30 minutes and to Pobé is 4 hours.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the right. The roads are in reasonably good condition (although some are poorly lit) and many of those which run from Cotonou to Dassa, and Parakou to Malanville, are paved. There are also continual efforts to improve the roads. Tracks are passable during the dry season but often impassable during the rainy season. Minibus and bush taxi services run along major road routes. Minibuses are cheaper but slower. There is no totally reliable public transportation in Cotonou.

Car hire: A number of local firms are available in Cotonou.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Taxis are widely available in the main towns. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance.