DATES AND VENUES OF CELEBRATIONS
From 9 to 11 January 2025, the historic city of Ouidah will vibrate to the rhythms of Vodun art, culture and spirituality.
Around the Door of No Return, with the concert area, the Vodun Days village on the beach and the ephemeral Mami Dan monastery near the cultural arena, the festivities will also extend into the historic centre, enlivening emblematic places such as the esplanade of the Fort français, the Forêt sacrée de Kpassè, the esplanade of the Temple des pythons and Place Maro.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The historic city of Ouidah is located about 40 km from Cotonou and is easily accessible for Vodun Days. Secure parking is available for those arriving by car and VTC services offer a flexible option. In addition, a public transport shuttle will run between Cotonou and Ouidah to make it easier for you to get to the event.
The Vodun Days camping
The Vodun Days campsite offers a practical and immersive solution for experiencing the event to the full. Located close to the activities, it allows participants to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the festivities and create unforgettable memories in an authentic setting.
ouidah
The historic city of Ouidah, steeped in the tradition of Vodun, is an emblematic site of the slave trade, with memorials such as the Door of No Return, the Route de l’Esclave and the Place aux Auctions. Its picturesque architecture and narrow streets offer an authentic immersion in the city’s history. Renowned for its cultural and spiritual wealth, Ouidah is the ideal setting to celebrate and promote its Vodun heritage during the Vodun Days on 9, 10 and 11 January 2025.
COTONOU AIRPORT
With over 500,000 passengers a year, Cotonou’s Cardinal Bernardin Gantin de Cadjèhoun International Airport is a popular hub in West Africa. As the ideal gateway to Benin, it offers optimal connectivity for international Vodun Days participants, facilitating a smooth arrival in Ouidah, some 40km away.
Visas
Benin has a simplified procedure for obtaining an e-visa. You can get your e-visa in just a few hours.
The visa is valid for up to 90 days and covers most reasons for travel, including tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment or study. The cost of visas if you apply yourself:
- e-Visa-30 days – Single Entry: 50 EURO
- e-Visa-30 days – Multiple entry: 75 EURO
- e-Visa-90 days – Multiple entry: 100 EURO
e-Visa
30 days
Single Entry:
50€
e-Visa
30 days
Multiple entry:
75€
e-Visa
90 days
Multiple entry:
100€
Find out more about the countries with which Benin has reciprocal visa waiver agreements.
Health measures
There are no COVID-19 requirements for entry into Benin. Travellers leaving the country must, however, comply with the regulations of their destination. The Vodun Days are held in accordance with current public health guidelines, which may include capacity restrictions and protective measures, as decided by the authorities.