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 seaside 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 peculiar 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 seasides 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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Benin
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Benin. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Benin: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - 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-stay 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) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to this region. 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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| 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-stay 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) |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to this region. |
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?
A visa is required for Benin. eVisas are available for short stay or multiple entry travellers. Passports must have six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
NOTE: Travellers cannot obtain a visa for Nigeria or Ghana whilst in Benin, these visas must be obtained ahead of travel or through the Togolese Embassy in Cotonou.
Benin Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Benin? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Benin and GOV.UK
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 seasides 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 join 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 trousers 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. Ensure to pack either a raincoat or umbrella to shield you from wet weather.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Benin
If you are in Benin and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Benin, it is served by the British embassy in Ghana:
British High Commission Accra
Julius Nyerere Link, off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
PO Box 296
Accra
Ghana
Telephone: + 233 302 213 250
Emergency Phone: + 233 302 213 250
Fax: + 233 30 2213 274
Contact Form: Click Here
If you have any questions about travelling to Benin or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
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