Africa
Benin
Small, stable French-speaking coastal country and the birthplace of Vodun: Ouidah, Ganvié and Cotonou's markets suit curious travelers. Few English speakers; the far north borders militant-affected Burkina Faso and Niger.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa57 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyXOFUS$1 ≈ CFA582.98Details
- Price level34%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English1/5RareDetails
- PlugsType C, E220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 117 · Fire 118 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSame-sex acts are not criminalised, but social attitudes are conservative and there is no legal protection; be discreet.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences with an IDP are accepted for short stays; most visitors use taxis or zem motorbike drivers instead.
Where to go in Benin
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Benin
November–March is the best, with dry weather and Harmattan haze December–February. The south has two rainy seasons, April–July and September–November; the north is hottest March–May.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors need an e-visa from the official Benin portal before travel; some nationalities are exempt, so check yours.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required and may be checked on arrival.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; bring accommodation details and an onward ticket.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military, police and government buildings is prohibited
- Drug offences are prosecuted
Etiquette
- Greet people properly before asking for anything
- Ask permission before photographing people or Vodun ceremonies
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Dress modestly outside the beach area
Tipping
Not expected; a few hundred XOF or round-up for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Benin e-visa portal
- Government of Benin
- Speedtest Global Index: Benin
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.