Official Import Rules
Benin requires a current rabies vaccination, a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate, and an import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage. Microchip recommended.
All documents must be in French. Arrival through Cadjehoun Airport (COO) Cotonou.
Veterinary inspection on arrival.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip recommended
Rabies vaccination
Apply for import permit
Health certificate (in French)
Government endorsement
Arrive at Cotonou (COO)
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Cotonou is the economic capital and main city. Porto-Novo is the official capital. Basic pet infrastructure exists in Cotonou only. The expat community is small but present, mainly in the NGO sector.
Vets & Common Parasites
Very limited vet care. A few basic clinics in Cotonou. Bring medications and supplies. For serious cases, Accra (Ghana) or Lomé (Togo) may offer additional options. Rabies is endemic.
Find Vets in BeninExit Rules — Leaving Benin
Exit requires a health certificate from an approved vet. Documents in French. Processing takes 2–3 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Benin is Francophone — all veterinary documents must be in French.
Very limited. A few basic clinics in Cotonou. Bring essential medications from abroad.
Basic but manageable. Small expat community, affordable cost of living, tropical climate.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Benin with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.