West Africa
🇧🇯 Vaccines for Benin
Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Benin
Benin requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry — a firm requirement, not just a recommendation. Malaria is endemic at high risk throughout the country, making antimalarial medication essential for any visit. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and Rabies are also recommended, reflecting the broad range of infectious disease risks across West Africa's meningitis belt, which Benin sits within. The country is known for its Vodun (voodoo) heritage sites, historical significance in the Atlantic slave trade (Ouidah is a major historical site), and wildlife in Pendjari National Park in the north. Healthcare in Cotonou is the best available; elsewhere facilities are very limited.
Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Meningitis belt — recommended.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
Disease risks
- ⚠Malaria (high risk)
- ⚠Yellow Fever
- ⚠Meningococcal disease
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€309
(~$336)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)
💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.