Last updated: 21 Nov 2023
Benin
About
| A visit to the museum in Abomey, situated about 100km northeast of the capital Porto Novo, is well worthwhile. The museum covers the history of the Abomey kingdoms and contains a throne made of human skulls. You can also pay a visit to the Fetish Temple and the nearby Centre Artisanal where local craft products are sold at reasonable prices. In Porto Novo city, you can see many examples of colonial and pre-colonial art and architecture. The Ethnological Museum is the most notable place of interest for a visitor. See a wide range of wildlife including cheetahs, hippos and crocodiles at Benin's two national parks. Pendjari is normally only open between December and June. The Yacht Club in Cotonou offers sailing excurions, or you can hire a dug-out canoe or motorboat on Nakoue Lagoon. |
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| Capital: | Porto Novo |
| Currency: | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Language: | French. Many local languages are also spoken. English is understood in some areas. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 229 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1, 10; Apr 18; May 1, 3, 26; Jun 6; Jul 10; Aug 1, 15; Oct 8; Nov 1; Dec 25 |
| Side of the Road: | Right. An International Drivers Licence is required. |
| Best Time to Go: | January & February |
| Best for: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Wildlife |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies apply. Benin is a patriarchal society. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality is illegal. Photography of airports, government buildings and military installations is not allowed. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Avoid protests and political gatherings. Currents are extremely strong along the coast and drownings frequently occur. Credit cards have limited acceptance. |
| Duty Free: | Duty Free: The following items may be imported into Benin by persons over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1 bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits. • 500ml of eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume. |
Visa Requirements
No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days for SA passport holders.
They must, however, be in possession of the following:
- An Original valid passport with at least 6 (six)months of validity period.
- Yellow fever vaccination card.
- A letter of invitation and a proof of accommodation.
- Return ticket
Should you require a visa, you can apply online: evisa.bj
SA Representative
SA Embassy
Rue IMP.12.050, Maison Nᵒ 5, Les Cocotiers, Cotonou, Republic of Benin
Tel: +229 21 30 72 17 / 21 30 68 95
Email: rsaembassybenin@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/cotonou
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
