Before you go to Benin: what to know
Must know
- A visa is required for entry or transit. Apply online at least 7 days before arrival and carry a yellow fever certificate.
- Cash-based economy; cards are mainly accepted by major hotels. Foreign-card ATMs are scarce outside major cities.
Entry and visas
British citizen passport: A visa is required for entry or transit. Apply online at least 7 days before arrival and carry a yellow fever certificate. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Benin e-visa ↗ required
Apply at least 7 days before arrival. · GB visitors, including transit
Passport validity: Valid for the duration of the stay.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, evisa.bj ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Cash-based economy; cards are mainly accepted by major hotels. Foreign-card ATMs are scarce outside major cities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Photographing military sites, government buildings and bridges.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.
Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
Climate
Southern rains: April–mid-July and mid-September–October; northern rains: June–September. Flooding can disrupt overland travel.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- February: Feb: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- March: Mar: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- April: Apr: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- May: May: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- June: Jun: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- July: Jul: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- August: Aug: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- September: Sep: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- October: Oct: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- November: Nov: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
- December: Dec: Regional rain calendars differ; check local road and weather advice.
Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗
What to pack
- Copies of travel documents
- An adapter compatible with your accommodation
- Medicines with their prescription documents
Practical
Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.
Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: dgpr.bj ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.