Benin Republic Trip Guide

Benin Republic was my first trip outside Nigeria. It was a really big step for me, and I will never forget how exciting it felt to leave for another country.

I had been planning this trip for so long, and when it was finally time to go, my joy knew no bounds.

One thing that helped me greatly while I was planning my trip was a guide like this one you are currently reading. So, if you are planning to do something similar, here is a guide to visiting and enjoying Benin Republic from Nigeria or any part of the world. Trust me, I will be providing you with all you need to know to have a safe and adventurous trip.

In this guide, we will talk about how to travel from Nigeria to Benin Republic, places to visit in Benin Republic, and also answer questions like do I need a passport to travel to benin republic from Nigeria or other parts of the world, etc.

There’s a lot to unpack, so come with me as I share my first experience travelling outside my home country, and if you have always dreamed of traveling, this is the kick you need to go for it.

Table of Contents

A Benin Republic Trip Guide – All You Need to Know
Final Thoughts & Advice for Travelers

A Benin Republic Trip Guide – All You Need to Know

I had been planning this trip for many weeks. The plan was to visit Benin, Togo, and Ghana, with Benin Republic being the first place to go.

Here are some of the things you need to prepare for your Benin Republic Trip. I advise you to start preparing at least 2 weeks before your travel date, just to be well prepared.

Note: I have visited Benin Republic twice at the time of writing this post, once in June 2024 and again in June 2025. I visited with my partner both times. We had our honeymoon in Grand Popo in 2025, but only parts of that experience are shared in this article. You can read the honeymoon story here.

What you need for your Benin Republic Trip

While planning your Benin Republic trip, you may feel overwhelmed about what to get and what not to forget. Here are the essentials you need to have:

1. Valid Passport or ECOWAS Travel Certificate

If you’re a Nigerian or from another ECOWAS country, you can travel to Benin Republic visa-free. However, you still need a valid international passport or an ECOWAS travel certificate. Make sure it’s not expiring soon.

You can also visit the Benin Republic with any form of identification, like your National Identity Card.

Lastly, if you are looking to build travel history, I advise you to go with your International Passport so you can be stamped in. Note that you will be made to pay to stamp your passport.

And if it is new, like mine was – because it was my first country outside Nigeria – you will be made to pay more.

Even if you don’t try to stamp in your passport, you will have to pay a bike man to cross you without stamping.

A National Identity Card also works, but to avoid harassment, I will suggest an international passport.

2. Yellow Fever Vaccination Card

This is important for crossing the border. It’s often the first thing officials ask for. You can get vaccinated at a certified health center in Nigeria and receive your yellow card there. Keep it safe and accessible.

Here is how to get a yellow fever card in Nigeria – beware of fraudsters

3. Local Currency (CFA Franc) Exchange and SIM Card

Benin Republic uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). It’s best to exchange some Naira to CFA before you cross the border. You can also change at the border, but rates vary, and you’ll need to bargain.

You can also buy a SIM card from any SIM vendor at the border.

It is easier here because most traders speak English, they have a shop, and you are less likely to be scammed (because I was almost scammed in the Benin Republic – keep reading for the story).

I can’t tell you the current exchange but trust me, the value of the naira has fallen badly. Try to haggle a bit with them, and they may increase the rate a little for you.

You can buy a local SIM card (MTN Benin, Moov, or CelTis). Having internet access makes navigation, translation, and communication easier. If you don’t get it done at the border, you can check out Dantokpa Market.

You can also ask for directions to the city you are going to from the sellers at the border, and they might be willing to help.

4. French Translation App or Phrasebook

Benin is a French-speaking country, and while some people understand English, you’ll navigate more easily with basic French phrases or a translation app like Google Translate. Google Translate was the best for me.

I would type into it, and my host would speak to me with it. I also used it to speak to street vendors.

However, I eventually had to pick up a few popular words, and I learnt some numbers and money in French, which proved to be helpful.

If you are a First Time Traveler, click below for a comprehensive guide to prepare for your first trip.

Travel Ready and Prepared!

5. Travel Light but Smart

When traveling, always check what the weather is like in that country at that time of the month. This will help you know what to pack.

If you are going during the rainy season, ensure to pack:

Sweaters (because Benin Republic can be very cold at night during the rainy season)
Comfortable shoes/sandals

During warm, tropical weather. Essentials include:

Lightweight clothing, but don’t go for exposing clothes if you don’t want to draw unnecessary attention. I still did, though. Lol.

Other things to not forget:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses & hat
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Power bank & universal adapter – The sockets in Benin Republic are not the same as those in Nigeria, so get an adapter.
Basic toiletries

Don’t forget a thing on your next trip. Check out this packing checklist guide!

6. Accommodation: Where I Stayed & Cost

During my stay in Benin Republic, I booked an Airbnb in Cococodji, a small town just outside the main city. The setting felt more like a village than a city neighborhood, with nature all around and a calm atmosphere that made it easy to rest after busy days of moving around.

The people in Cococodji left a lasting impression on me. At first, I felt a bit out of place; the stares from locals were noticeable, but I quickly realized it came more from curiosity than anything else. In fact, many of them were quite friendly and even willing to help translate whenever language became a barrier. That warmth made the environment more welcoming.

In terms of cost, I paid $91.29 for 5 days, which was $18 per night, excluding Airbnb charges. The Airbnb was budget-friendly compared to hotels in Cotonou. It gave me a quiet base to return to each day, and while it wasn’t luxurious, it was worth the price for the peace and authentic experience of staying closer to everyday life in Benin rather than in a tourist-heavy area.

7. Transportation/Moving Around

Know how you’ll move around:

In Cotonou, bike taxis (zemidjans) are common and cheap.
You can also use shared taxis or private hires.
Brush up on price expectations so you don’t get overcharged.

I mostly used bikes while I was there to avoid traffic. It was also easier to get to closer cities via bikes, but for farther routes, public taxis are better and cheaper.

8. Have a Budget

If you are just like me, then you are probably thinking, “How much will it cost me to have a great time in Benin Republic?” Here is my answer.

I will not tell you that you can have a great time with 100,000 naira because that might not be true for you.

Here are factors that will determine your budget:

How long will you be spending?
Places you want to visit
The city you will be staying
How you will be eating (Will you be staying in an Airbnb and cooking, or will you buy food? Where will you buy your food? – At a nearby eatery or a five-star restaurant?)
Your accommodation price (If you are using Airbnb, you will be paying in dollars – so determine how expensive you want your home to be)

Pro tip: A $18 – $20 apartment per day is a great deal, and you will get fine places in the city or rural areas for the price.

9. Border Tips

Be polite, calm, and confident at the border.
Carry a small amount of cash in case of unexpected charges.
Don’t hand over your passport unnecessarily.
If you’re unsure, ask fellow travelers or locals who’ve done it before.

10. Emergency Contacts & Safety Essentials

Share your itinerary with someone back home.
Have emergency cash hidden in a separate place.
Save local emergency numbers and embassy contacts.

Crossing the Seme Border: My Experience

To get to the Seme Border, I started my trip in Lagos and took several buses to Badagry roundabout, from there I took a bike. It’s a pretty long journey. The ride took about 3 hours or so, though the frequent checkpoints along the way can stretch the journey.

The Border Crossing Process: What to Expect at the Nigerian Side

The Nigerian side of the border is often the trickiest part. Immigration officers will ask for your international passport and Yellow Card. You might face repeated checks from different officers, and some may try to demand “extra” unofficial fees. My advice is to get your documents ready, or you will have to pay those extra fees.

What Happens on the Benin Republic Side

Crossing into Benin is strenuous because of the money-grubbing officers; they will charge you some fees and may find other reasons to get money from you. I went for my honeymoon in 2025 and got into an argument with a Benin Republic official because he was trying to extort money from us. He was hostile and unnecessarily authoritative, and also demonstrated an abuse of power.

He also delayed us and refused to stamp out our passports because we spoke out about his extortion; he also has some touts around him who threatened to hit me. We decided not to visit Benin Republic for the time being because the event highly traumatized us, even though we went for such a beautiful occasion.

Tips to Avoid Extortion and Border Scams

Carry only the required documents: your international passport, Yellow Card, and visa if your nationality requires it.
Keep a confident but polite attitude, standing your ground respectfully often discourages harassment.
Have small denominations of cash handy to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

Arriving in Benin Republic: First Impressions

The first thing I noticed after crossing into Benin Republic was the busy but calm atmosphere. The roads varied between smooth stretches and uneven patches, and traffic moved in a lively, almost chaotic rhythm. Around me, I saw a mix of roadside shops, food sellers, and people going about their day, which gave the city an energetic and bustling feel. Security presence was noticeable near the border and on major roads, which made me feel both cautious and reassured at the same time.

Another striking difference was the language. French is the official language in Benin, so everything from signboards to greetings sounded unfamiliar. It felt a little overwhelming at first, but it also gave me the sense of stepping into a completely new culture. I found myself relying on gestures, a few memorized French words, and my translation app to communicate.

How I Navigated the City – Transportation Options in Benin Republic (Bikes)

The most common and fastest way to move around is on the back of motorbikes, locally called zemidjans or kekeno. They’re everywhere, and they help you get through traffic and arrive at your destination faster, especially if you want to explore rural or farther attractions from the city center.

They’re also quite affordable, but ensure to haggle prices very well. It is also important to agree on a price before hopping on.

During my visit, I had an altercation with at least 2 bike men who were trying to swindle me. One of them had carried my partner and me through a longer route, tried to increase the initial price we agreed on, and didn’t want to give us our change. Well, we showed him we were from Nigeria and we collected our change in full!

I was Scammed TWICE in Benin Republic

That brings me to the story I wanted to tell you about how I was scammed in Benin Republic. I also shared the story on my social media.

The first time, it happened at Dantokpa Market, one of the busiest markets in Cotonou. I exchanged cash with a group of elderly men who seemed trustworthy, especially because they spoke my hometown language (Yoruba). I didn’t bother to carefully count the money in their presence. Later that evening, while going over my expenses, I realized a portion of the money was missing. I brushed it off as a mistake on my part, not thinking too much of it.

A few days later, the same situation repeated itself, but this time I was more alert. I counted the cash in front of them and discovered a large sum missing again. When I pointed it out, they acted surprised, recounted the money themselves, and eventually handed me the missing amount with straight faces, as though nothing had happened. It was so smooth and deliberate that I realized this must be a common scam they played on unsuspecting visitors.

It was a crazy experience, I tell you. My advice is you should always count any money you are given and always be at alert. You can be scammed by anyone. Don’t lose guard!

Food Experience in Benin Republic

When it comes to food, my experience in Benin Republic was quite different from what I expected. On my first day, I was served something very familiar, Eko (agidi/pap), a staple I already knew from home in Nigeria, along with an uncooked stew that caught me off guard. The taste wasn’t what I was used to, but I enjoyed trying it.

After that, I started looking for meals I was more comfortable with. I went to the market and got foodstuffs like yams, eggs, and Indomie, which I cooked in our Airbnb and ate while I was there.

I also realized their Indomie noodles aren’t quite the same as Nigerian Indomie. It wasn’t very tasty. I also got rice and stew from a local food seller.

However, as a traveler, one of the things I still struggle with is trying new food. However, I got to do that later when I visited Mexico, and I discovered different types of food I would love to try again.

Places I Visited & Things I Did in Benin Republic

While I may have had several unfavorable encounters in this country, I will not fail to mention that I did enjoy a lot of the attractions I visited, and I also met really kind people who left great memories in my heart, especially in Detour par Gogotinkpon and Lake Ganvie.

Here are the places I visited in Benin Republic and what I experienced in each:

Zinsou Foundation

The Zinsou Foundation was one of the most impressive cultural stops of my trip. It’s a modern art space dedicated to contemporary African creativity, and walking through its galleries gave me a new appreciation for local artists. The building itself felt like a peaceful retreat from the bustle outside, and the exhibitions were colorful, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in African heritage.

Zinsou Foundation is free, and I lowkey felt it shouldn’t be, because it was so well-preserved and beautiful. The artworks are all so meaningful and cultural, too.

Lake Ganvie

Often called the Venice of Africa, Lake Ganvie was unlike anything I had seen before. Entire communities live on stilts above the water, moving from house to house by canoe. Taking a boat ride across the lake felt surreal, watching children paddle to school, women selling goods on the water, and families going about everyday life in this floating village was both humbling and fascinating.

Our kind boat rider became our voluntary tour guide, and he was very kind. He was prepared to show us all the different parts of Lake Ganvie, like the library, school, shops, restaurants, etc. We also got fridge magnets and souvenirs.

You will have to pay for the boat ride and a tour guide (if you think you need one, we didn’t, though). Those people don’t have a standard price, so haggle as much as you can.

Dantokpa Market

Dantokpa Market is one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, and it truly lived up to its reputation. The market was a maze of stalls selling everything from fabrics and jewelry to spices and household goods. It was overwhelming at times; noisy, crowded, and full of energy, but it was also the best place to experience the heartbeat of Cotonou. I also got some clothing materials (African Ankara), and my partner got some shorts.

Amazon Statue

In Porto-Novo, I visited the Amazon Statue, a towering monument dedicated to the legendary Dahomey Amazons, the all-female warriors of Benin’s history. Standing in front of the massive bronze figure was powerful; it felt like a reminder of the country’s rich and fierce past.

This was my favorite of them all. The Amazon Statue is such a powerful creation; its history is even more powerful, and just staring at it made me feel like a powerful woman. That statue did something in me I can’t forget. I love being a woman!

The Colorful Murals

One of the most eye-catching parts of my trip was seeing the colorful murals scattered around the city. Walls were covered with bright paintings that told stories of culture, daily life, and history.

Each mural felt like a piece of art in the open air, giving ordinary streets a burst of personality. Stopping to admire them made me appreciate how much creativity is woven into the fabric of Benin’s urban life. There were funny, captivating, and thoughtful images on the wall, and I had a great time taking it all in. You could spend over an hour here and not feel like leaving.

Cali Cali Beach

Cali Cali Beach was a place to relax and breathe after all the city hustle. The soft sand and gentle waves made it the perfect spot to unwind. I loved how calm it felt compared to the busy streets, a place where I could just sit, listen to the ocean, and let time slow down.

The beach is free, but you won’t be allowed to go in with food, and you will have to buy food or drink from them. You can also take cool pictures here at the swing or climb the Heaven’s Gate wooden stairs.

Fidjrosse Beach

Fidjrosse Beach was another highlight. Here, I found more locals, food stalls, and even music drifting from beach bars. It was the kind of place where you could mingle, try fresh seafood, and enjoy a more social beach experience.

At the beach, you get to explore the abandoned aeroplane for a fee (about 1000 CFA); at the time, it was my first time seeing the inside of a plane.

Python Temple

One of the most unique places I visited was the Python Temple in Ouidah. Here, pythons are considered sacred, and visitors are allowed to hold them if they wish. I had seen many people online carrying the snakes, so I was looking forward to it.

The tour guide at the venue also made us very comfortable with the way he explained every step of the way. The temple is small, but it has a great cultural significance, and I was happy to learn.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Directly opposite the Python Temple is the oldest Catholic church in West Africa, a striking contrast that represents the coexistence of voodoo traditions and Christianity in Benin.

Standing between the two felt symbolic, like seeing two worlds that define the country’s spiritual identity standing side by side. We didn’t take a tour of the church, but you can if you tip some guys at the entrance.

Detour Par Gogotinkpon

I also visited Detour Par Gogotinkpon, a cultural site that offered a mix of tradition and community life. A place I always call my favorite place in Benin Republic. Gogotinkpon is far away from Cotonou but closer to Ouidah. It is an attraction on top of the water. A serene and calm place that showcases the beauty of nature in the vast river and bamboo-constructed huts.

Detour Par Gogotinkpon has so many amazing attractions for tourists. You can swim in the water, take a mud bath (the mud is said to increase weight loss, cleanse the skin, and much more). You also get to dry yourself in a net before finally washing off in the water. If you are there in the evening, you can also watch the beautiful and colorful sunset.

Another activity we did was to zipline across the water. It was a little scary at first, but I soon got used to it and found myself swinging over the river in excitement.

You will also get to drink coconut water and maybe even stay the night if you wish to. We also sat on the longest bench in Africa. There were more activities, but we couldn’t do them all because we arrived late.

It was a cool experience. We met a Nigerian lady who studied tourism and hospitality in Benin Republic University and was interning at the place, she and another lady host were so nice to us. A 10/10 experience.

The Door of No Return

Visiting the Door of No Return in Ouidah was one of the most emotional moments of my trip. This memorial stands on the beach where enslaved Africans were once taken and shipped across the Atlantic. Walking through the arch and facing the ocean brought a wave of reflection; it was a solemn reminder of history, loss, and resilience.

Final Thoughts & Advice for Travelers

Benin Republic is one of the easiest international trips for Nigerians, but it comes with its challenges. If you’re visiting for the first time, keep your passport, Yellow Card, and cash in small notes close by, and be alert at the border or when changing money. A translation app will also go a long way since French is widely spoken.

If you can, pair your trip with nearby countries like Togo or Ghana for a richer experience. Traveling isn’t always smooth, but every journey leaves you with lessons and memories that stick.

Have you been to Benin Republic? Share your experience in the comments, or drop your questions if you’re planning a trip soon.

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