Benin
Benin travel guide for Canadians
Canadians need an e‑visa (or visa on arrival) and a yellow‑fever certificate; apply before travel. If you obtain the visa, you can stay up to 90 days, unless a health or security alert changes the rule.
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GuideBenin
Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- e‑visa or visa on arrival (apply online)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days per entry
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Plug type
- Types C & E, 220 V 50 Hz
- Tipping
- Round up, 500–1,000 CFA for guides/porters
- Emergency numbercheck
- Police 117, fire 118
Quick answer
Canadians must obtain a visa before arrival (e‑visa) and present a valid yellow‑fever vaccination card. The visa allows up to 90 days stay; no separate ETA is required.
Entry requirements for Canadian passport holders
Apply for an e‑visa through the official Benin e‑visa portal; processing typically 3‑5 business days. Visa on arrival is also offered at Cotonou airport for short stays, but pre‑approval is recommended.
A yellow‑fever vaccination certificate (valid for 10 years) is mandatory for all travellers arriving from Canada.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date.
- e‑visa fee: approx US$50 (≈ CAD 68) – check current rate
- Visa on arrival fee: US$60 (≈ CAD 82) – check
Canadian embassy contacts
Canada does not have a resident embassy in Benin. The nearest Canadian diplomatic mission is the Embassy of Canada in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Embassy of Canada, Abuja – 9 Wurude, Abuja, Nigeria
- Phone: +234 9 123 4567 (check)
- Email: [email protected] (check)
Cost of a trip to Benin in CAD
A moderate budget of CAD 70–100 per day covers accommodation, meals, local transport and modest entry fees.
| Item | Daily cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel / budget hotel | 30–45 |
| Mid‑range hotel | 60–90 |
| Meals (local restaurants) | 15–25 |
| Transport (zémidjan, taxis) | 5–10 |
| Entrance fees / activities | 5–15 |
Flight from Canada to Benin
There are no direct flights from Canada to Cotonou. Typical routes connect via Paris, Brussels or Istanbul.
Total travel time is 15–20 hours including layovers. Expect round‑trip fares around CAD 1,200–1,600 in economy class (check).
Electrical plugs and voltage
Benin uses European two‑pin plugs (Type C and Type E) with 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and a voltage‑compatible charger.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up bills or give 500–1,000 CFA (≈ CAD 1–2) to guides, drivers and porters.
Emergency numbers
Police: 117
Fire: 118
Medical emergencies: call the police number and ask for ambulance.
Questions people ask
Do Canadians need a visa for Benin?
Yes – you must obtain an e‑visa before travel or get a visa on arrival; a yellow‑fever certificate is also required.
How much does a trip to Benin cost in CAD?
Budget travelers spend about CAD 70–100 per day for hostels, meals, transport and activities; mid‑range travelers may spend CAD 120–150 daily.
Where is the nearest Canada embassy in Benin?
Canada’s nearest embassy is in Abuja, Nigeria. Consular services for Benin are provided from there.
What plug type does Benin use?
Benin uses Type C and Type E plugs, 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a suitable adapter.
Is tipping expected in Benin?
Tipping is not mandatory; rounding up or giving 500–1,000 CFA (≈ CAD 1–2) for guides and porters is customary.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Benin
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