Travel Vaccines and Advice for Benin
While the country itself is small Benin is a destination full of culture, art and natural attractions.
Known as the birthplace of vodun, or voodoo, there are many festivals and events that take place in Benin revolving around the traditions. In the beach city of Ouidah, travellers can attend the local market, or learn about the history of vodun and the city at the Ouidah Historical Museum.
For travellers looking for unique sights, travelling to Ganvie, known as the ‘Venice of Africa’, might prove worthwhile. All the huts in this village are built on stilts, making them look as if they are floating on water.
From the beaches in the south, the metropolitan architecture in the central region, and the wildlife reserve in the north, Benin offers a range of activities.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
How Safe is Benin?
Travelling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
What Should I Take To Benin?
Canadian Embassy in Benin
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Benin. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Benin: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Incidence of cholera in Benin has reduced significantly since 2001. But, vaccination may be recommended for travellers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Benin |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Incidence of cholera in Benin has reduced significantly since 2001. But, vaccination may be recommended for travellers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Benin |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a high risk of contracting malaria in Benin. Our expert staff will help you identify the key risk factors and suggest the best antimalarial for your health situation.
There is medical care in larger Beninese cities and towns. But the extent of treatment is limited. For those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel far to get to the nearest physician.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination page or book an appointment by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
Canadians must present a passport to visit Benin, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.
Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Benin Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Benin? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Benin and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
Benin tends to have a hot and tropical climate. From January to April, the climate tends to be hot and dry. The rainy seasons lasts from May to July and September to December. The best time to visit Benin is during winter, November through February, when it’s drier.
How Safe is Benin?
While travel within the country is relatively safe, exercise caution during times of political turmoil. Public demonstrations are a common sight, especially on Friday afternoons.
Benin’s beaches are not recommended for swimming as water conditions tend to be dangerous with strong waves and rip currents. The towns along the coastline are dangerous at night, and petty crime targeting tourist frequented spots occurs.
Travellers should keep their bags and belongings close to their bodies, and avoid travelling too far from their lodging at night.
Travelling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
Around 20,000 people inhabit the village of Ganvie in huts that seem to float upon lake Nokoue. Some have even dubbed it the ‘Venice of Africa’.
Travelling from the Cotonou airport to Ganvie takes approximately 20 minutes by taxi. If you are coming from Porto Novo, the capital, travel time increases to one hour. The only way to enter the village is with a travel tour boat as only locals are allowed to board the regular boats going in.
What Should I Take To Benin?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Benin:
- French to English Dictionary – There are many spoken languages in Benin, but French is the official language.
- Lightweight and Sun-Protective Clothing – Heat, humidity and sun are abundant in Benin. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics as they can become uncomfortable in the heat. Long pants and long-sleeved tops will protect you not only from the sun, but from mosquitoes.
- Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes feast at night. Apply repellent whether you’re planning to go out on the town, or stay close to your lodging especially during wet seasons.
- Raincoat – Tropical climate also means plenty of rain. Make sure to pack either a raincoat or umbrella to shield you from wet weather.
Canadian Embassy in Benin
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Benin, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Canadian Consulate Cotonou
04 P.O. 1124,
Cotonou, Benin
Tel.: N/A
If you have any questions about travelling to Benin or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Benin
“My consultant, and “jabber” was a most delightful lady, even when stabbing me. She was personable, knowledgeable about Benin, and friendly. She could even treat chickens. (Like me). Would I return to Passport Health? ABSOLUTELY, particularly if I knew that the same nurse was going to be the one to stab me.”
“Our clinician was very thorough and friendly and took the time to explain in detail what was required for our upcoming travel plans to Benin.”
“Searched the Internet for this service as had previously been assessed at the local health unit a few years ago.We completed the health history form prior to the appointment which saves time and cost.The nurse explained the immunizations required for Benin. She was receptive to our queries.”
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