For more details, consult our various headings.

Geographical situation

Benin is in the extreme west of the African continent, at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It is neighbored to the East by Nigeria, in the West by Togo, the North-West by Burkina-Faso, the North-East by Niger and limited to the South by the Atlantic Ocean.

When to leave?

That depends on what you want to find! The climate of Benin varies from North to South largely. The South has a subequatorial climate with 2 dry seasons and 2 rainy seasons (the seasons of rains go from April to July and October to November). The temperature in the South varies between 18 and 35ºC (65-95ºF). In the North, the climate is of the tropical type, made one season dry and one season of rains (the season of rains goes from June to October). The temperature varies much more in North, reaching 46ºC (115ºF) during the hottest part of the year, namely from March to June.

How to come?

All the large airline companies (in particular Air France and Air Africa) and several charters ensure of the regular air links to Cotonou.

By the road, it is possible to enter Benin by crossing one of the terrestrial borders of Benin with Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso or Niger. As a formality, fill out the preliminary paperwork required for the crossing of these countries.

Formalities

Visas are not necessary for Europeans native of Denmark, of France, of Germany, of Italy and Sweden. There is no Embassy in London, the travellers coming from the United Kingdom must deliver their visas in Paris or elsewhere. If you visited West Africa before coming to Benin, the visa for entry to Benin are available at the borders of Togo. From there, it takes you three hours of voyage by taxi to arrive at Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. Benin has Embassies in Ghana, Niger and Nigeria. If you are from Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, of Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Léone and Togo, you can visit Benin without a visa if you are staying less than 90 days. Others must have visas.

Health

Check and make sure that your vaccinations are up to date, and that you get vaccinated against yellow fever, the required vaccine to enter Benin. Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Bathing in stagnant water is ill-advised. Consult your doctor regarding malaria treatments.

Currencies and changes

The Benin belongs to the zone of the African financial community (CFA). Francs CFA has a fixed parity with Euro (1000 FCFA = 1,524 euros, 1 euro = 655,957 FCFA). Euro Cheque books and bank cards will permit you, if possible to withdraw money in the majority of the banks in Benin. Convert your currencies into francs CFA.

Language and habits

The official language is French, understood by a good part of the population. There are several other dialects. Consult our lexicon and the codes of conduct.

Time shift

The Benin is at GMT+1hour.

Electricity

220 V and catches with two round cards.

Telephone and Internet

Benin area code: 229

The telephone network is rather good quality and you will find everywhere telecentres for your national or international communications, and for sending/receiving faxes. There are five primary cell phone providers in Benin (subscription or chart). There are also many cybercafes for your Internet needs.

Post

The mail service is reliable. Post offices open at 8am to 12h30 and at 3pm to 6h30pm. Complementary services (mail express train, transfer of money) are offered.

Religions

The population consists of Christians, Muslims and animists.

Public holidays

The public holidays are: on January 1, on May 1 (Labour Day), on August 1 (Independence day) and on December 25 (Christmas), the Easter Monday, the Rise, Pentecost and the Assumption, the Muslim festivals, whose dates depend on the Islamic calendar.

Tips and bargaining

In the “modern” restaurants, it is a good habit to leave a tip, but not in the gargotes. We generally don't give a tip to the taxis either, …