Dear traveller, welcome to the beautiful Republic of Benin! This stunning country in West Africa is a perfect destination for those looking for a unique and diverse travel experience. From its lush rainforests and pristine beaches to its bustling cities and friendly people, Benin is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Entry requirements
Nigerians need a valid international or ECOWAS passport to cross the Benin Republic land border. You can get an ECOWAS passport at any immigration office for N45,000 and you can get it in under 4 to 6 weeks or if you can pay N75,000 to get it in two weeks. You will also need to pay an extra N2,000 – N4,000 to have your passport stamped at both the Nigerian and Benin borders.
You will also need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination cards to pass through immigration. To get your Yellow Fever vaccination first register and pay N4,000 online and print the payment confirmation. Take the payment confirmation and a printed copy of your passport bio page to the nearest Port Health Services office where you’ll be administered the vaccine and given the vaccine card.
Please research before traveling because entry requirements are constantly changing.
Means of transportation
There are two ways to get to Benin republic from Nigeria and that`s by road and flight.
By Road: There are two land borders in Lagos – Idi-Iroko in Ogun State and Seme – Krake 30 minutes from Badagry. You can use any border close to your point of departure. So, keep this in mind when planning your trip.
To get to these borders, you can either go by public or private transport. Private transport is best in a group but could cost upwards of N70,000 for a one-way trip.
On the other hand, if you’re departing from Lagos mainland, you can get a shared vehicle at Mile 12 to the Seme border for N40,000 and below.
Private vehicles, give you the luxury of being dropped off at the doorstep of your Benin Republic accommodation. Unlike public transport where you are dropped off at the border and have to find your way into Benin.
Public transport is more of a hassle but significantly cheaper if you’re travelling solo.
Also, transport companies like God is Good (GIG), Chisco, ABC Transport, and GUO frequently travel these routes, check they websites for prices and travel times.
The journey from Lagos mainland to the Seme border takes about 3-4 hours (sometimes longer) and another hour from the border to Cotonou mainly because of the bad roads and multiple police stops.
By Flight: Traveling to Benin republic, you will fly into Cotonou international airport which is the main airport in Benin republic. flight from Lagos to Benin cost N200,000 and above depends on when you book.
Where to stay
In Benin Republic, you can find every type of accommodation for all budgets like
- La casa cielo, a boutique hotel located in cotonou cost $117 a night
- Casa del papa beach resort in Ouidah costb$107 a night
- Natura luxury lodge Ouidah cost $80 a night
- Dolce ouidah lodge cost $1,000 a night.
Getting around
It’s very easy to get around in Benin. The ride-share app Gozem is widely used, safe, and affordable (costing anywhere from 1000 CFA upwards) with multiple vehicle options like motorcycles, and taxis. For public transportation, there are public taxis or buses for intercity trips and zémidjans (motorbikes) within a city.
Things to do
There are so many things to see and do in Benin Republic! Here are some highlights:
– Explore Cotonou, the country’s bustling capital city, and check out the markets, museums, and restaurants.
– Visit the historical city of Ouidah, a major center of the transatlantic slave trade.
– Soak up the sun on the sandy beaches of Grand Popo and Akplokpokpo.
– Spot wildlife in the wild at the Parc National de la Pendjari.
– Discover Benin’s rich cultural heritage at the Abomey Historical Museum.
– Discover the charming town of Porto Novo, Benin’s de facto capital.
– Sample the local cuisine, which combines African, French, and Arabic flavors.
РTake a cruise on Lake Nokou̩, the largest lake in Benin.
– Hike up Mont Sokbaro, Benin’s highest mountain, for stunning views of the country.
– Shop for traditional Beninese handicrafts at the Grand Marche de Dantokpa, one of the largest markets in Africa.
In terms of food to try
Beninese cuisine is a delicious mix of French, West African, and indigenous influences. Staples of the diet include rice, cassava, plantains, and yams, as well as chicken, fish, and beef. Popular dishes include:
- Akara, a savory fritter made with black-eyed peas.
- Atcheke, a cassava dish served with peanut sauce.
- Attiéké, a grated cassava dish.
- Fufu, a dough made from cassava or yams.
- Mafé, a peanut-based stew.
- Pâte, a cornmeal dish.
- Yassa, a chicken or fish dish served with onions and lemon.
- Alloco, fried plantains served with tomato and onion sauce.
- Dibi, grilled beef And more.
And of course, no meal in Benin is complete without a side of attiékékoutou, a spicy sauce made from hot peppers and ginger. Don’t forget to wash it all down with some bissap, a refreshing hibiscus drink, or palm wine, a traditional fermented drink made from the sap of palm trees.
Here’s a financial guide to Benin, designed to help you get the most for your money while exploring this beautiful country.
The West African CFA Franc is the local currency, and the exchange rate is N1,000 – CFA 724.
You’ll get the best rates in Cotonou (not at the Benin border). Transfers are worth more than cash so if you can, don’t change too much Naira in cash because you’ll be losing money.
Some top tips for travelers visiting Benin Republic are:
- The best place to change your money is in the city (not at the border because the notes could be fake). Transferring money will get you a lot more than changing cash.
- Get a local SIM card on your first day so you are always connected to the internet.
- The electrical sockets in Benin are not the same as Nigerian plugs. They are European rounded two-pin plugs, so pack a universal adapter.
- Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated.
- Learn some words and phrases in French and have Google Translate handy to communicate with the locals.
- For 4 days, you should have at least N70,000 in spending money for food & souvenirs.
- Dress conservatively, especially when visiting places of worship and sacred sites.
- Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered inappropriate in Benin.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Haggling is a way of life in Benin, so be prepared to bargain for goods and services.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in busy markets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Benin is a fascinating and diverse country with a lot to offer travelers. From its bustling capital city to its pristine beaches, historic cities to lush national parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the culture is rich and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Benin is the perfect destination. Bon voyage and merci beaucoup for choosing to visit Benin!
Thanks for reading our travel guide to Benin Republic. I hope it’s given you a taste of what this beautiful country has to offer. If you have any questions or feedback do let us know.