Benin: main airports
Benin has a single international airport: Cotonou Airport, the main gateway to the country and starting point for visiting the royal palaces of Abomey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the lake villages of Ganvié.
Benin: recommended activities
Benin: visa and entry requirements
Benin requires an e-visa for almost all nationalities, including Western ones: it must be applied for online in advance (typically 4-5 working days' wait), valid for 30-90 days depending on the type. A visa on arrival in Cotonou is also possible for eligible travellers, but it is strongly advisable to apply for the e-visa before departure to avoid complications. The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page.
Benin: safety
The main tourist areas (Cotonou, Ouidah, Abomey, Ganvié) are generally safe with the usual precautions. Approaching the northern border with Burkina Faso and Niger (Pendjari park and surrounding areas) is instead not recommended, where the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings is high. Common crime in large cities requires the same attention as any West African urban setting: avoid displaying valuables, move with caution at night.
Benin: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is required for entry into the country. Routine vaccinations plus hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and possibly rabies and meningitis depending on the itinerary are generally recommended. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended: Benin is a malaria risk area across its whole territory. Drink only sealed bottled water. Health facilities are limited even in Cotonou: insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Benin: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with other countries in the region and pegged to the euro at a fixed exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted only at international hotels and a few restaurants in Cotonou: cash remains essential in most situations. There are no widespread Western ride-hailing apps: local motorbike taxis (zémidjan) and car taxis are the main means of transport, generally at an agreed rate. For connectivity, the operators MTN and Moov Africa sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
