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3,114 mi away
£1 F CFA 760
Today
11:30 am
+1h from you
Travel warning
Parts of Benin, including national parks and border regions, have a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.
Weather & climate
Weather in Benin
Benin
31°
Slight rain showers
Sat
24°
31°
Sun
26°
31°
Mon
26°
31°
Tue
26°
32°
Wed
26°
31°
Thu
26°
30°
Fri
26°
29°
SPF level in Benin
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Benin
What British travellers need to know
You need a visa to enter Benin as a British citizen.
Apply for your Benin visa online at least 7 days before you arrive.
You must have a certificate proving you have had a yellow fever vaccination to enter.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Benin.
You cannot get visas for Nigeria, Ghana, or Togo while you are in Benin.
You will be given your Benin visa when you arrive at Cotonou airport.
Good to know:
Declare all goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax when entering Benin.
If you are a dual national, ensure you have a valid British passport to return to the UK.
Safety in Benin
Tips when travelling
Benin is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks at places like beach resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Street crime like theft and mugging is common, especially in crowded areas and at the Grand Marché de Dantokpa market.
Do not walk on the beach alone at any time due to safety risks.
Strong ocean currents make swimming dangerous without reliable local advice on water safety.
Be alert to carjacking risks, keep car doors locked, and avoid driving after dark.
Bonus tips:
Do not take photos at or near sensitive sites like military installations or the airport.
You may need to show both your UK driving licence and an international driving permit if you plan to drive.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Benin
UK driving licenses are accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Benin drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Benin
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in Benin may be limited. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
It is essential to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to Benin to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, and varicella (chickenpox). Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially from street vendors.
Cards & payments
Credit card acceptance is low, mainly limited to larger hotels, restaurants, and businesses in major cities. Cash is preferred for most transactions.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Benin
Tipping is not as common in Benin as it is in some other countries, but it is becoming more appreciated, especially for good service. While not obligatory, a small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
200-500 XOF per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
200-500 XOF per day, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Benin. It's often more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card.
Local SIM
5 GB for 5000 XOF (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Benin
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Limited, primarily available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes in larger cities.
Average speed
8 Mbps
Wi-Fi access is not widespread. Mobile data is a more reliable option for internet access. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for data.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
118
Fire
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Benin
Country code
+229
00 229 1234 5678
The country code for Benin is 229. When calling from outside Benin, always include the country code. When calling within Benin, you generally dial the local number directly.
Languages in Benin
UK Embassy
British Embassy Cotonou (Non-resident)
The British Embassy in Cotonou is non-resident. For consular assistance, contact the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Benin
Beaches in Benin
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Benin. You should apply for a visa at the Embassy of Benin in your country of residence or online if an e-visa is available. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
While Benin is generally considered safer than some neighboring countries, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime, especially in urban areas. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight. Check travel advisories for the latest information and updates.
The best time to visit Benin is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. During this period, the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid the rainy season (April to October) due to high humidity and potential flooding.
The currency used in Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF). It's advisable to exchange some money into CFA francs upon arrival at the airport or in major cities, as it may be difficult to find exchange services in rural areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so carry sufficient cash.
Be aware of common scams targeting tourists, such as overcharging for goods and services, fake tour guides, and requests for money from seemingly distressed individuals. Agree on prices in advance, use reputable tour operators, and be wary of unsolicited offers of help. Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Benin. Stick to bottled water or ensure that water is boiled before consumption. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are certain it is made from purified water.
Beninese cuisine features staples like corn, yams, beans, and rice, often served with sauces made from tomatoes, peanuts, or palm oil. Try dishes like 'akassa' (fermented corn porridge), 'amala' (yam flour dough), and grilled fish or meat. Be sure to sample local fruits like mangoes and pineapples when in season.
Benin has a rich cultural heritage, and it's important to respect local customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, and be patient and polite in interactions. Bargaining is common in markets.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.