

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Benin
While the country itself is small Benin is a destination full of culture, art and natural attractions.
Known as the birthplace of vodun, or voodoo, there are many festivals and events that take place in Benin revolving around the traditions. In the beach city of Ouidah, travelers can attend the local market, or learn about the history of vodun and the city at the Ouidah Historical Museum.
For travelers looking for unique sights, traveling to Ganvie, known as the ‘Venice of Africa’, might prove worthwhile. All the huts in this village are built on stilts, making them look as if they are floating on water.
From the beaches in the south, the metropolitan architecture in the central region, and the wildlife reserve in the north, Benin offers a range of activities.
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Benin. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Benin: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Incidence of cholera in Benin has reduced significantly since 2001. But, vaccination may be recommended for travelers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Benin |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Incidence of cholera in Benin has reduced significantly since 2001. But, vaccination may be recommended for travelers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Benin |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a high risk of contracting malaria in Benin. Our expert staff will help you identify the key risk factors and suggest the best antimalarial for your health situation.
There is medical care in larger Beninese cities and towns. But the extent of treatment is limited. For those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel far to get to the nearest physician.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit our vaccination page or book an appointment by calling or book online now.
Is Cholera in Benin?
There is currently no cholera outbreak in Benin. Cases are rare and can be avoided with some health precautions. Despite the lack of a current epidemic, the cholera vaccine is still recommended before travel.
The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
Travelers cannot obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival in Benin. Visa arrangements must be completed at least a week before departure.
Benin Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Benin? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ![]() |
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Tourist Visa | ![]() |
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Business Visa | ![]() |
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Vaccinations | ![]() |
Sources: Embassy of Benin and U.S. State Department
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
Benin tends to have a hot and tropical climate. From January to April, the climate tends to be hot and dry. The rainy seasons lasts from May to July and September to December. The best time to visit Benin is during winter, November through February, when it’s drier.
How Safe is Benin?
While travel within the country is relatively safe, exercise caution during times of political turmoil. Public demonstrations are a common sight, especially on Friday afternoons.
Benin’s beaches are not recommended for swimming as water conditions tend to be dangerous with strong waves and rip currents. The towns along the coastline are dangerous at night, and petty crime targeting tourist frequented spots occurs.
Travelers should keep their bags and belongings close to their bodies, and avoid traveling too far from their lodging at night.
The U.S. government has more safety travel tips for visiting Benin, if needed.
Traveling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Around 20,000 people inhabit the village of Ganvie in huts that seem to float upon Lake Nokoue. Some have even dubbed it the ‘Venice of Africa’.
Traveling from the Cotonou airport to Ganvie takes approximately 20 minutes by taxi. If you are coming from Porto Novo, the capital, travel time increases to one hour. The only way to enter the village is with a travel tour boat as only locals are allowed to board the regular boats going in.
What Should I Take To Benin?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Benin:
- French to English Dictionary – There are many spoken languages in Benin, but French is the official language.
- Lightweight and Sun-Protective Clothing – Heat, humidity and sun are abundant in Benin. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics as they can become uncomfortable in the heat. Long pants and long-sleeved tops will protect you not only from the sun, but from mosquitoes.
- Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes feast at night. Apply repellent whether you’re planning to go out on the town, or stay close to your lodging especially during wet seasons.
- Raincoat – Tropical climate also means plenty of rain. Make sure to pack either a raincoat or umbrella to shield you from wet weather.
U.S. Embassy in Benin
All Americans visiting Benin should register online with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation
U.S. Embassy Cotonou
Marina Avenue
01 BP 2012 Cotonou, Benin
Telephone: +(229) 21-30-75-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(229) 21-30-75-00
Fax: +(229) 21-30-66-82
Email: ConsularCotonou@state.gov
Visit the U.S. Embassy in Benin before leaving to confirm correct contact information.
If you have any questions about traveling to Benin or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Benin
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Best Service“
“Very Competent and clear, they help me to find the right vaccine for my incoming trip to Benin. I’ll definitely suggested to someone else”
Submitted by: Raoul
★★★★★
“Excellent Service“
“Excellent overview and documentation was presented during my visit. Very professional and thorough explanations were provided on the immunizations and precautions during my visit to Benin.”
Submitted by: Kate
★★★★★
“Very informative session“
“I visited the clinic this afternoon because I am traveling to Benin next month. The staff was very attentive and had an information book ready for me. All of my questions I had and all of the questions I hadn’t thought of were answered. I will definitely recommend the clinic to my friends and family who are traveling abroad.”
Submitted by: Ariela
★★★★★
“Very Informative“
“Nurse walked me through the health issues in Benin and reviewed the precautions to take. Very informative and helpful. Thanks”
Submitted by: Kevin
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Is Cholera in Benin?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
How Safe is Benin?
Traveling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
What Should I Take To Benin?
U.S. Embassy in Benin
“Very Competent and clear, they help me to find the right vaccine for my incoming trip to Benin. I’ll definitely suggested to someone else”
“Excellent overview and documentation was presented during my visit. Very professional and thorough explanations were provided on the immunizations and precautions during my visit to Benin.”
“I visited the clinic this afternoon because I am traveling to Benin next month. The staff was very attentive and had an information book ready for me. All of my questions I had and all of the questions I hadn’t thought of were answered. I will definitely recommend the clinic to my friends and family who are traveling abroad.”
“Nurse walked me through the health issues in Benin and reviewed the precautions to take. Very informative and helpful. Thanks”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Is Cholera in Benin?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
How Safe is Benin?
Traveling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
What Should I Take To Benin?
U.S. Embassy in Benin