Benin Travel Guide

Passports

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

A valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Valid yellow fever certification and typhoid and malaria protection are also required.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following: 
(a) 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 Important Addresses).

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

Single entry: 15 day, £50: 30 day, £60: 90 day ,£70. Double entry: 30 day, £70: 90 day, £80. Triple entry: 90 day, £90.

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 Important Addresses.

Working Days Required

Visa can be issued on the spot when application is made in person. By post expect two days.

Travel Warnings

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 is no formal British representation in Benin. In case of an emergency you should contact the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. There is a Community Liaison Officer in Benin, but this should be used for consular emergencies only.

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 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.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	Yes*

Special Notes

* 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.