What Nigerians Travelling to Dubai Through Cotonou Go Through

It’s no extra information that for some months, Nigerians can’t journey to Dubai straight from Nigeria. This due to the problems between Emirate Airline, the Nigerian and the UAE authorities. 

In the previous couple of months, travelling to Dubai from Nigeria which was very simple has impulsively change into a nightmare. To go on this journey, you’ll have to undergo different international locations and one of many best being Ghana and the Republic of Benin. It is because the 2 international locations are our closest neighbours.

I’ve learn a number of tales about totally different points individuals have had within the Republic of Benin and Ghana. One of many well-liked tales was shared by Derende right here https://www.nairaland.com/6544747/30-days-sojourn-through-cotonou 

Generally this month, A shopper contacted me to assist him course of a 3 months Dubai visa and in addition to plan his itinerary to Dubai through Benin republic. I processed the Dubai visa, booked the flight, then we headed straight to the Republic of Benin.  

The Journey

To chop a protracted story brief, on his journey date, we received to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. The Benin Airport is much less rowdy, much less congested and looking out properly maintained. That was once I received the shocks of my life. Firstly, the vast majority of the individuals going to Dubai from the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport have been Nigerians. 

As we have been driving into the automobile park, I understand most people doing bureau de change are Nigerians. We modified some cash and headed straight to the departure. 

I met numerous Nigerians on the ready space. You’ll virtually suppose it’s one other department of Murtala Muhammed Worldwide airport positioned in Lagos. Then the worst occurred, as we have been heading in, we noticed 4 Nigerians popping out, at first I believed they have been coming again. Solely to get to the queue and we have been advised they have been denied boarding. I received extra curious, on additional investigation, I later received to know that they backdated the date they received in, not realizing that The republic of Benin had modified their stamp. Unlucky for them, they backdated with the brand new stamp. 

Whereas on the Airport, I additionally noticed one other Nigerian who was arrested on the airport as a result of he was making an attempt to board with a pretend visa. I can’t imagine somebody would strive to try this. I feel the particular person he paid gave him a pretend visa. He received locked up for some days. That is actually painful.   

Then the final set of Nigerians that have been rejected both have broken passports or Worldwide passport with an image that’s not clear. The final units of Nigerians that received denied have been individuals who received late to the checking level. 

Listed below are the main the explanation why you can get denied boarding on the Cotonou Airport. 

Also Read Understanding the Nigerian and the Benin Republic Currency

Causes Why Individuals Have been Rejected

1. Broken passport: Any passport with stains, an image that’s not clear, broken on any a part of the information web page is computerized rejection. Please keep away from any type of injury to your passport. The general public have been travelling with the identical passport in Nigeria with none challenge. Somebody mentioned they’re doing it to frustrate Nigerians. LOL this I cant confirm but.
2. Faux visa: Please at all times attempt to affirm the validity of your passport. 
3. Faux stamp: Please make sure you at all times stamp on the border, don’t pay touts to stamp for you.  
4. Backdated stamp: YOu are presupposed to spend 2 weeks minimal on the Cotonou Airport earlier than you might be allowed to journey. 
5. Expired covid 19 check: Please make sure you do your Covid 19 check on time so you may get the consequence on time. 

Issues to notice when visiting Dubai by the Republic of Benin 

1. you will need to spend a minimal of two weeks within the Republic of Benin 

2. To be on the secure facet, Be sure to stamp in Seme border moderately than Idiroko border, I heard so many individuals are having points at Idiroko once they arrive in Dubai.  

3. Affirm your Visa validity on-line.  

4. Get to the airport at the very least three hours earlier than your flight 

5. Do a VIP covid 19 check. You’ll get your consequence the identical day.  

6. If you may get an agent that’s accustomed to the route that can assist you out. It’s going to prevent numerous cash in the long term.

7. Keep in a lodge that’s not removed from the airport

8. Get accustomed to the terrain and an English talking cab driver. It’s going to prevent numerous headache.

Please make sure you comply with all Covid 19 protocols, please attempt to do the fitting factor as a result of as soon as you might be caught they’ll make sure you face the regulation. Have you ever had an identical expertise? Please share under.