COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Benin (10 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Benin.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit through Benin is allowed.

• Transiting travellers entering Benin to reach another country have to fulfill testing requirements.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All arriving passengers must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing at their expense. Two COVID-19 tests, a TDR rapid test and a PCR test are required upon arrival at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Passengers will be required to leave their passports with Immigration Police for 72 hours until the test results are received. All travellers who stay in Benin longer than 15 days must undergo a third COVID-19 test.

• Travellers staying for less than three days will not required to undergo the second test; however, if the duration exceeds three days but less than 14 days, the travellers have to make own arrangement for the second test before leaving Benin.

• Travellers intending to travel from Benin to any other country must undergo a test before three to four days, so that the result can be received before departure.

• Charges of the testing procedures are exempted for the following categories of passengers:

• Children below the age of five years;

• People in medical emergencies;

• Travellers in any official mission authorized by government or ministries;

• Students with grants from the institutions and are on authorized vacations;

• Any Beninese citizen repatriated to Benin with government approval;

• Any other categories with permission from the Minister of Health.

Test certificate required?

• No with exceptions

• A test certificate is not required as all travellers are subject to COVID-19 test on arrival.

• All departing passengers staying for more than three days in Benin need a COVID-19 negative certificate issued 72 hours prior to the entry at the airport.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• All travellers will undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival and are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days. The government of Benin will hold the traveller’s passport until the test results are confirmed.

• Travellers who test positive will be treated at the COVID-19 care centre or government-designated quarantine centre at the travellers’ expense.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Before arrival or departure, passengers must fill the online declaration form and register in advance for the COVID-19 test available here. Travellers can also pay for their test online.

• Arriving passengers must show the QR code and printed payment receipt to the authorities for initiating screening procedures.

• Departing passengers will also receive an authentication code after completing the payment procedure. Passengers have to call 7016 for an appointment to conduct the test.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open. International and domestic commercial flights are operating.

• Air France, ASKY Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines are some of the airlines operating limited commercial flights. Passengers should check with the airlines directly for the availability of flights.

• Most airlines advise passengers to bring and use face masks throughout the flight duration.

• On arrival at Benin, the passport of the passengers will be retained by the immigration department and will be returned back after completing the health screening measures.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Benin’s land border crossings are restricted except for extreme emergencies and government-approved essential travel.

• The land border with Togo will remain closed until further notice.

• Travellers can apply; check the status or updates regarding e-visa online here.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• Currently, no curfew is in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• The government has prohibited all gatherings of more than 50 people.

• Social distance of 1 meter is mandatory in all public gatherings.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Public transport services have resumed with limited capacity while maintaining safety protocols.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Commercial businesses, such as shops, supermarkets, and stores, are open with strict adherence to social distancing norms.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to open.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and other entertainment spots are allowed to open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Access to beaches is prohibited.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches, mosques, temples have opened with strict health protocols.

Events allowed?

• No

• Sports, political events, and festivities are not permitted.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places as well as in public transport. Violation of the rule can lead to a penalty or confiscation of the vehicle.

Other

• Schools and day cares have reopened.

• Workspaces are permitted to open with health safety precautions.

Aconselhamento

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.