Benin

Översikt

Benin is a medium-risk country. There are no significant concerns over inter-state conflict, insurgency or terrorism owing to its status is one of the most stable democracies in West Africa, with a large number of political parties, a functional civil society and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Nonetheless, given high levels of poverty and economic turmoil, Benin faces notable threats from crime and civil unrest, which pose potential risks to foreign personnel. The primary risks relate to violent crimes such as muggings and carjackings. Benin has a growing tourist sector and foreign travellers are often targeted in acts of petty crime. Since 2010, piracy off the Beninese coastline has also risen sharply, in line with the rest of the Gulf of Guinea.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Benin. Although Benin is relatively developed as compared to many its neighbours, some of the most serious chronic diseases still flourish among the population. Travellers are recommended to have vaccinations prior to travel, take prophylaxis against malaria and use an insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, meningitis, hepatitis, bilharzia, tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.

Travellers are advised to drink bottled water from sealed containers or to boil all drinking water. Ice cubes and raw and undercooked food should be avoided.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entrance into Benin. Travellers are strongly advised to obtain the vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, Polio, hepatitis B, MMR and tetanus-diphtheria. Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis is advised between November and June. Rabies and cholera vaccinations are usually only recommended for those at particular risk, for instance travellers visiting rural areas.

Malaria is a huge problem year round in Benin and affects the whole country. All travellers should take one of the following medications to protect against malaria: prophylaxis with Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline. Insect protection measures are essential. Other precautions – including mosquito nets, using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers – are also strongly recommended.

Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common travel-related ailment. The best way to prevent this is to follow stringent food and water precautions. In most cases the illness is mild, but if symptoms become severe, a medical health professional should be consulted immediately.

The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is estimated to be around 1.2 percent of the adult population.

Medical facilities in Benin are extremely limited. Travellers are advised to obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that covers emergency repatriation services. However, many medical practices may expect payment in cash regardless of insurance policies.

Emergency medical facilities are available through SAMU (Service d'Aide Medicale Urgence). Contact numbers for this service from inside Benin are:

Head Office: 21-304-652
Cotonou: 21-903-002
Porto Novo: 20-212-266

The main hospital in the country is the National University Hospital in Cotonou. 

Pass

Passports are required for all travel into Benin. Passports must be valid for six months from the date of intended departure from the country.

Visitors also need to provide proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination to enter the country.

Visum

Tourist or business visas are required for most travellers to Benin. Nationals of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Visas are not required by the following nationalities: Algeria, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte D'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Taiwan, and Togo.

Visas are valid for three months from their date of issue.

Visas are not routinely available at the airport so it is recommended that visas are obtained prior to travel. These can be obtained by Beninese consular facilities. Since April 2018, short stay single and multiple entry e-visa can be applied and paid online. Successful e-visa will be issued on arrival at the airport in Cotonou. 

Travellers arriving from West Africa through Togo will usually be able to purchase visas at the border. Travellers arriving from Ghana, Niger and Nigeria can obtain visas at the Beninese embassies in these countries.

Travellers leaving the country within 24 hours of arrival, holding onward tickets and not leaving the airport are exempt from visa requirements.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/