Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.
Benin rewards curious travellers. Ouidah’s Door of No Return and its Vodun temples, Ganvié on Lake Nokoué and the palaces of the Dahomey kings at Abomey tell a deep story. The far north near the borders is off-limits under most advisories.
Did you know? Benin celebrates Vodun with a national holiday every January, with the biggest gatherings in Ouidah.
Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.
Known for
- Ouidah and the Route des Esclaves
- The stilt village of Ganvié
- Royal palaces of Abomey
- Pendjari National Park
Did you know?
Benin celebrates Vodun with a national holiday every January, with the biggest gatherings in Ouidah.
Before you go
- Visas: rules depend on your passport and change often. Check Benin’s official immigration website and see our visa guide.
- Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria. Read our health guide.
- Safety: read your government’s current travel advice for Benin.
Plan your trip
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Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Benin?
Porto-Novo (seat of government: Cotonou).
What currency does Benin use?
West African CFA franc.
What languages are spoken in Benin?
French.
When is the best time to visit Benin?
Nov to Mar.
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