Benin Visa Information

Passport/Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes	Yes	No
Australian	Yes	Yes	No
Canadian	Yes	Yes	No
USA	Yes	Yes	No
Other EU	Yes	Yes	No

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

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 General Info).

Visa Note
All visitors over one year of age are required to produce a yellow fever certificate on entry to Benin.

All children of nationals who require a visa, issued with their own passport, do require a visa.

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business. Visas cost £45 for 15 days; £55 for 30 days; £65 for 90 days.

Validity
Visas are valid for a 15-, 30- or 90-day period within three months of date of issue.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

Working Days Required
Callers at the consulate are usually able to obtain visas on the same day.

Warning
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.
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

	Special Precautions	Certificate Required?
Yellow Fever	Yes	1
Cholera	Yes	2
Typhoid and Polio	3	N/A
Malaria	4	N/A

Health Care


Other risks


Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis C occurs. Meningococcal meningitis is a risk, depending on the area and the time of year. Immunization against hepatitis B, diphtheria and meningococcal A and C is sometimes recommended. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchoceriasis (river blindness) exists and precautions are recommended. TB occurs. Haemorrhagic fevers can be a risk in rural areas; rat-contaminated food should be avoided. The hot, dusty, windy environmental conditions in November and December may exacerbate respiratory problems. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

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.

Note
1
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.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Benin. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4
Malaria is a risk all year throughout the country. It occurs predominantly in the malignant falciparum form. Resistance to chloroquine is common and resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported. A weekly dose of 250mg of mefloquine is recommended.



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