Benin Tours & Holidays

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany: Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advance

Please obtain your Benin visa in advance. We advise you to check current visa requirements with your nearest Embassy or Consulate. Australians & New Zealanders will need to apply through the Embassy in London.

Please note however that visas are valid for three months from date of issue. If you send your application by post or courier, it will be returned the same. 

VISITORS WILL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Valid Passport 2. Valid Visa (See below) 3. Yellow Fever Certificate 4. Typhoid and Malaria Protection (Recommended) 

VISAS: Visas may be applied for by post or personal application at the Consulate. Callers at the Consulate will normally be able to obtain visas while they wait. All applications must be accompanied by the following: a. Valid Passport b. Complete application form c. 2 Passport type photographs d. Appropriate fee: 15 days =£50 Postal applications MUST be accompanied with a pre-paid registered or recorded envelope large enough to hold a passport for return. 

OPENING HOURS: The Consulate is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm You will need a letter of invitation to apply for the Benin visa. Please contact Peregrine for a copy of this invitation. Please allow between 2 -3 weeks for the courier and visa issue time.

It may also be possible for most nationalities to obtain a visa for Benin in Accra, Ghana. An express visa in Accra takes 1-3 working days but may be subject to additional fees.

Tipping 10% is customary in most touristy places.

Internet access is fairly sparse outside of the largest city, Cotonou.

Mobile phone coverage is limited outside of major centres. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

Benin’s toilets may be basic. Be prepared for squat toilets, even in major centres.

Credit cards aren’t commonly accepted outside major tourist areas.

ATMs are very uncommon and cannot be relied upon to work. Payment in cash is always preferred.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 10 Jan Vaudoun Day
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 25 May Ascension Day
• 5 Jun Whit Monday
• 25 Jun Korité / End of Ramadan
• 1 Aug Independence Day
• 15 Aug Assumption Day
• 1 Sep Tabaski / Feast of Sacrifice
• 1 Nov All Saints' Day
• 30 Nov The Prophet's Birthday
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Benin go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/benin/public-holidays

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From Canada?

Go to: https://travel.gc.ca/

From the UK?

Go to: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From the US?

Go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.