Passport Health logo
VACCINATIONS|FIND A TRAVEL CLINIC|ADVICE
  • Home
    • About
        • Company History
        • Careers
        • Executive Team
        • Contact Us
        • Customer Feedback
        • FAQ
        • Mission Statement
        • Privacy Policy
        • Blog
    • Close
  • Destination Advice
    • Top Destinations
        • Brazil
        • China
        • Costa Rica
        • India
        • Kenya
        • Peru
        • Philippines
        • South Africa
        • Thailand
        • Vietnam
    • Destination Advice
          • Afghanistan
          • Albania
          • Algeria
          • American Samoa
          • Andorra
          • Angola
          • Anguilla
          • Antarctica
          • Antigua and Barbuda
          • Argentina
          • Armenia
          • Aruba
          • Australia
          • Austria
          • Azerbaijan
          • Azores
          • Bahamas
          • Bahrain
          • Balearics
          • Bangladesh
          • Barbados
          • Belarus
          • Belgium
          • Belize
          • Benin
          • Bermuda
          • Bhutan
          • Bolivia
          • Bonaire
          • Bora Bora
          • Bosnia
          • Botswana
          • Brazil
          • British Virgin Islands
          • Brunei
          • Bulgaria
          • Burkina Faso
          • Burma
          • Burundi
          • Cambodia
          • Cameroon
          • Canada
          • Canary Islands
          • Cape Verde
          • Cayman Islands
          • Central African Republic
          • Chad
          • Chile
          • China
          • Christmas Island
          • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
          • Colombia
          • Comoros
          • Cook Islands
          • Costa Rica
          • Cote d'Ivoire
          • Croatia
          • Cuba
          • Curacao
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Democratic Republic of the Congo
          • Denmark
          • Djibouti
          • Dominica
          • Dominican Republic
          • East Timor
          • Easter Island
          • Ecuador
          • Egypt
          • El Salvador
          • Equatorial Guinea
          • Eritrea
          • Estonia
          • Ethiopia
          • Falkland Islands
          • Faroe Islands
          • Fiji
          • Finland
          • France
          • French Guiana
          • French Polynesia
          • Gabon
          • Gambia
          • Georgia
          • Germany
          • Ghana
          • Gibraltar
          • Greece
          • Greenland
          • Grenada
          • Guadeloupe
          • Guam
          • Guatemala
          • Guinea-Bissau
          • Guinea
          • Guyana
          • Haiti
          • Hawaii
          • Honduras
          • Hong Kong
          • Hungary
          • Ibiza
          • Iceland
          • India
          • Indonesia
          • Iran
          • Iraq
          • Ireland
          • Israel
          • Italy
          • Jamaica
          • Japan
          • Jordan
          • Kazakhstan
          • Kenya
          • Kiribati
          • Kosovo
          • Kuwait
          • Kyrgyzstan
          • Laos
          • Latvia
          • Lebanon
          • Lesotho
          • Liberia
          • Libya
          • Liechtenstein
          • Lithuania
          • Luxembourg
          • Macau
          • Macedonia
          • Madagascar
          • Madeira Islands
          • Malawi
          • Malaysia
          • Maldives
          • Mali
          • Malta
          • Marshall Islands
          • Martinique
          • Mauritania
          • Mauritius
          • Mayotte
          • Mexico
          • Micronesia
          • Moldova
          • Monaco
          • Mongolia
          • Montenegro
          • Montserrat
          • Morocco
          • Mozambique
          • Namibia
          • Nauru
          • Nepal
          • Netherlands
          • New Caledonia
          • New Zealand
          • Nicaragua
          • Niger
          • Nigeria
          • Niue
          • Norfolk Island
          • North Korea
          • Northern Mariana Islands
          • Norway
          • Oman
          • Pakistan
          • Palau
          • Palestinian Territories
          • Panama
          • Papua New Guinea
          • Paraguay
          • Peru
          • Philippines
          • Pitcairn Islands
          • Poland
          • Portugal
          • Puerto Rico
          • Qatar
          • Republic of the Congo
          • Réunion
          • Romania
          • Russia
          • Rwanda
          • Saba
          • St. Barthelemy
          • Saint Helena
          • St. Kitts and Nevis
          • St. Lucia
          • Saint Martin
          • St. Pierre-et-Miquelon
          • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
          • Samoa
          • San Marino
          • Sao Tome and Principe
          • Saudi Arabia
          • Senegal
          • Serbia
          • Seychelles
          • Sierra Leone
          • Singapore
          • Sint Eustatius
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Solomon Islands
          • Somalia
          • South Africa
          • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
          • South Korea
          • South Sudan
          • Spain
          • Sri Lanka
          • Sudan
          • Suriname
          • Swaziland
          • Sweden
          • Switzerland
          • Syria
          • Tahiti
          • Taiwan
          • Tajikistan
          • Tanzania
          • Thailand
          • Togo
          • Tokelau
          • Tonga
          • Trinidad and Tobago
          • Tunisia
          • Turkey
          • Turkmenistan
          • Turks and Caicos Islands
          • Tuvalu
          • U.S. Virgin Islands
          • Uganda
          • Ukraine
          • United Arab Emirates
          • United Kingdom
          • United States
          • Uruguay
          • Uzbekistan
          • Vanuatu
          • Vatican
          • Venezuela
          • Vietnam
          • Wake Island
          • Western Sahara
          • Yemen
          • Zambia
          • Zimbabwe
    • Close
  • Travel Medicine
    • Travel Medical Services
        • Vaccines for Travel
        • Travel Health Consulting
        • Travellers’ Diarrhea Kits
        • Dengue Fever Prevention
        • Malaria Medication
        • Chikungunya Prevention
        • Zika Virus Prevention
        • Ebola Virus
        • Coronavirus
    • Close
  • Vaccinations
    • Key Travel Vaccines
      • Typhoid
      • Yellow Fever
      • Hepatitis A
      • Rabies
      • Japanese Encephalitis
      • Drug Identification Numbers (DIN)
    • Other Travel Vaccines
      • Cholera (Dukoral)
      • Hep A/Typhoid Combo (Vivaxim)
      • Hepatitis B
      • Malaria Information
      • Meningitis
      • Polio
    • Routine Vaccinations
      • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
      • Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
      • Pneumonia
      • Shingles
      • Influenza (The Flu)
    • Close
  • Other Services
    • Additional Services
      • TB Tests
      • Physician Referral Program
    • Close
  • For Employers
    • Corporate Wellness Solutions
      • Travel Medicine & Vaccinations
      • Onsite Flu Clinics
      • Onsite Vaccination Clinics
      • Biometric Screenings
      • Vaccine Credentialing
    • Close
  • Locations
        • Ontario
          Barrie Travel Clinic
          Brampton Travel Clinic
          Carlington - Ottawa Travel Clinic
          Downtown - Ottawa Travel Clinic
          Etobicoke Travel Clinic
          Hamilton Travel Clinic
          Kingston Travel Clinic
          Kitchener Travel Clinic
          London Travel Clinic
          Markham Travel Clinic
          Mississauga Travel Clinic
          North York Travel Clinic
          Oakville Travel Clinic
          Richmond Hill Travel Clinic
          St. Catharines Travel Clinic
          Toronto Travel Clinic
          Whitby Travel Clinic
          Yorkville Travel Clinic
        • Alberta
          Chinook - Calgary Travel Clinic
          Downtown Calgary Travel Clinic
          Downtown Edmonton Travel Clinic
          Southeast Edmonton Travel Clinic
          St. Albert Travel Clinic
        • British Columbia
          Burnaby Travel Clinic
          Downtown Vancouver Travel Clinic
          North Vancouver Travel Clinic
          Richmond Travel Clinic
          Surrey Travel Clinic
        • Quebec
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Centre-Ville Montréal
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Laval
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Ville de Québec
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Westmount
    • Close
Mud homes and wildlife are fascinating, but yellow fever isn't. Stay protected with vaccinations and more from Passport Health.

We’ll help keep you safe at home or abroad. Book your visit online today!

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Benin

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.
Nationwide
Travel Health
Services

Yellow fever vaccination, mosquito repellents, netting and other key vaccines can help you stay illness-free.
Yellow Fever
Vaccination
Available

See what vaccinations or medications may be recommended for your specific destination.
Benin
Specific
Advice

Passport Health offers a variety of ways to prevent travellers' diarrhea.
Travellers’
Diarrhea Kits
Available

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, travellers can attend the local market, or learn about the history of vodun and the city at the Ouidah Historical Museum.

For travellers looking for unique sights, travelling 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.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Benin. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Benin: COVID-19, 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.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

  • COVID-19 –
    Airborne –
    Recommended for all travellers
  • Hepatitis A –
    Food & Water –
    Recommended for most travellers
  • 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 travellers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines.
  • Yellow Fever –
    Mosquito –
    Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
  • Rabies –
    Saliva of Infected Animals –
    High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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 Recommended for all travellers
Hepatitis A Food & Water Recommended for most travellers
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 travellers to Littoral, Atlantique, Donga, Borgou and Collines.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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.

Sources: PHAC, WHO and ISTM

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.

Canadians must present a passport to visit Benin, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.

Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Benin Entry Requirements

Do I Need A… For My Trip to Benin?
Passport table check mark
Tourist Visa table check mark
Business Visa table check mark
Vaccinations table check mark

Sources: Embassy of Benin and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

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.

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.

Travellers should keep their bags and belongings close to their bodies, and avoid travelling too far from their lodging at night.

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’.

Travelling 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.

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.

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Benin, the information for the Canadian consulate is:

Canadian Consulate Cotonou
04 P.O. 1124,
Cotonou, Benin
Tel.: N/A

If you have any questions about travelling 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 – 3 reviews
★★★★★
“Excellent, not Cheap“
“My consultant, and “jabber” was a most delightful lady, even when stabbing me. She was personable, knowledgeable about Benin, and friendly. She could even treat chickens. (Like me). Would I return to Passport Health? ABSOLUTELY, particularly if I knew that the same nurse was going to be the one to stab me.”

Submitted by: Thomas
★★★★★
“Great Experience“
“Our clinician was very thorough and friendly and took the time to explain in detail what was required for our upcoming travel plans to Benin.”

Submitted by: Lydia
★★★★★
“Worthwhile appointment“
“Searched the Internet for this service as had previously been assessed at the local health unit a few years ago.We completed the health history form prior to the appointment which saves time and cost.The nurse explained the immunizations required for Benin. She was receptive to our queries.”

Submitted by: Sara

On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Benin?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Benin?
What is the Climate Like in Benin?
How Safe is Benin?
Travelling to the Ganvie, the Village on Stilts
What Should I Take To Benin?
Canadian Embassy in Benin

US - EnglishUS – EnglishCA – EnglishUK - EnglishUK – EnglishRest of World - EnglishRest of World – English
  • About Us
  • Clinical Trials
  • Contact Us
  • PIPEDA Policy and Consent Form
  • Privacy Policy
  • Automatic Data Collection Statement
  • Sitemap
Schedule Your Appointment
Questions? Please call or E-mail Us
Connect With Us:
Passport Health Canada on Facebook
Passport Health on Twitter
Passport Health on YouTube
Passport Health on Instagram
Passport Health on Linked In
Passport Health Feed

Passport Health is an Outlier business Passport Health es una empresa que pertenece al grupo Outlier Passport Health est une entreprise du groupe Outlier Copyright © 2023