Benin

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Benin, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Benin

Capital

Porto-Novo

Main Cities

Abomey, Cotonou, Parakou, Bohicon, Djougou, Save, Godomey, Ketou

Local Languages

French

Currency

West African CFA franc

Climate

Rainy & Humid

General Visa Requirements:

Most nationalities require a visa to enter. Applications can be made online through the official e-Visa portal or at a Benin Embassy

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Passport-size photographs
Proof of accommodation
Return ticket or full itinerary
International Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Letter from production company including Project title, Synopsis, Crew list, Shooting locations

Visa Application Process:

Apply at your nearest Benin Embassy or online through the newly introduced E-visa system

Processing Time:

1-2 working days

Cost:

Between $50 – $200, depending on nationality

Accreditation Requirements:

International crew members must obtain accreditation from the Bureau Béninois des Droits d’Auteur (BUBEDRA).

Required Documents:

• Company letter underscoring the project (to Director General of ADAC)
• Project synopsis / script
• Crew list
• Photocopies of crew passports
• Permit fee payment

Processing Time:

2 weeks after submission

Cost:

$ 300 - $400

Issuing Organization:

To film at airports, harbours, private places, and national heritage sites, you must submit:

Scenario; film permit; substantiating documents (as required). Additional authorizations may be necessary for certain locations.
National Heritage Sites: fixed prices apply
Open places: Cast release forms required, but locations are covered under the film permit

Required Documents:

Shooting program; crew member list; passport copies; cities and dates of filming (in the application to be sent to the ADAC DG).

Processing Time:

4 weeks

Cost:

$200

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

To be arranged by Hoodlum Film Fixers.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

To be arranged by Hoodlum Film Fixers.

Drone Regulations:

Drones can be imported into Benin but are regulated.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Over 25kg: Import authorization is required.
All drones (any size) must be registered, insured, and licensed for operation.
Import clearance is usually processed in parallel with the general film permit.

Permit Issuance:

The National Civil Aviation Agency in Cotonou issues the permits.

Timing:

Activity Permit (short-term use): ~5 working days
Operator Permit (long-term/complex use): ~10 working days
Import authorization is typically submitted together with the film permit.
Hoodlum Benin coordinates the drone + film permit in one process, aligned with ANAC’s ~2-week requirement.

Cost:

Applied alongside the General Film Permit.
Typical range: $500 – $600 (depending on scope, weight, complexity).
Covers both local operation clearance and import authorization from ANAC.

Carnet Status:

Benin is not a carnet country.

Clearance Process for Non-Carnet Country:

Submit a detailed equipment list (with serial numbers + values).
Clearance is covered under the film import permit (so separate customs duty applies only if tied to production).
On arrival, equipment is inspected and temporarily admitted.
Clearance usually handled via SEGUB (Société d’Exploitation du Guichet Unique), the national one-stop customs system.

Required Documents:

Submit an equipment list with serial numbers and values. Covered in the film permit, with no additional costs

Issuing Organization:

Oversight by Customs, with coordination from SEGUB.

Timing:

Clearance can be done in ~24 hours, provided all documents are complete.

Cost:

No additional customs duty if processed under a valid film permit. Crew may only need to pay clearing agent service fees (variable).

General Overview:

Benin is generally a safe country to visit, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty street crime is prevalent, and visitors should exercise caution and take necessary precautions to minimize risk.

Security Requirements:

General requirements:

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Mandatory for entry (must carry an international certificate).
Routine Vaccinations: Strongly recommended (Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, MMR, Polio).

Medical Facilities:

Major hospitals are located in Cotonou (largest city, main entry point).
Facilities are limited compared to international standards; for serious conditions, medical evacuation (Medevac) may be required to Europe or South Africa.
Recommend travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.

On-Site Health Precautions:

Malaria: High risk throughout Benin. Prophylaxis (Malarone, Doxycycline, or similar) is recommended, plus mosquito repellent and bed nets.
Water & Food Safety: Avoid tap water, ice, and street food unless vetted by fixer. Use bottled or filtered water.
Heat & Hydration: Benin is hot and humid; ensure crew stays hydrated and sun-protected.
Portable Medical Kit: Each crew should carry a basic kit (first aid, rehydration salts, insect repellent, sunscreen).

Emergency Services: