Benin

Yellow fever vaccination required for entry

Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of where they arrive from. The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after the dose and is valid for life. Plan vaccination at a Swiss yellow-fever vaccination centre well before departure.

CDC / WHO IHR ↗ · Updated 2026

Meningitis belt — seasonal meningococcal risk

Northern Benin lies in the African meningitis belt, where meningococcal disease risk peaks in the dry season (December–June). Vaccination (ACWY) is recommended for travelers to affected areas during this period, for longer stays, or with close local contact.

CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026

Polio — keep immunisation current

Poliovirus has been detected in Benin in the past year. Ensure your polio basic immunisation (per the Swiss BAG schedule) is complete and consider a booster if your last dose was more than 10 years ago.

CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip — per the Swiss BAG schedule. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• COVID-19

Consider only for higher-risk travelers — aid/health workers, those staying in areas with active outbreaks or poor sanitation. Not needed for typical tourist itineraries.

Recommended for all travelers aged 1 year and older. Note for Swiss travelers: Hepatitis A is not part of the routine Swiss BAG childhood schedule, so most adult travelers will need vaccination.

Consider per individual risk and stay duration. Routine in the Swiss childhood schedule since 1998 — younger travelers are usually covered.

ACWY vaccination recommended for travel to the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), for longer stays, or with close contact to the local population.

Rabid dogs are common in Benin. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for long stays, rural or remote travel, cycling/motorbike trips, work with animals, and for children. Post-exposure care can be hard to access locally.

Recommended for most travelers given widespread risk, and especially for those visiting friends and relatives, staying in rural areas, or with longer or adventurous itineraries.

Required for entry AND recommended on health grounds for all travelers aged 9 months and older. Benin is yellow-fever endemic. Administered at a designated Swiss yellow-fever vaccination centre; certificate valid 10 days after the dose and for life.