What Nigerians Travelling to Dubai Through Cotonou Go Through

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

In the previous few months, travelling to Dubai from Nigeria which was once very straightforward has abruptly change into a nightmare. To go on this journey, you’ll have to undergo different nations and one of many best being Ghana and the Republic of Benin. It’s because the 2 nations are our closest neighbours.

I’ve learn a number of tales about totally different points folks 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 

Typically this month, A shopper contacted me to assist him course of a 3 months Dubai visa and likewise 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 nicely maintained. That was after I received the shocks of my life. Firstly, the vast majority of the folks going to Dubai from the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport had been Nigerians. 

As we had been driving into the automotive park, I understand the general public doing bureau de change are Nigerians. We modified some cash and headed straight to the departure. 

I met a lot of Nigerians on the ready space. You’ll nearly suppose it’s one other department of Murtala Muhammed Worldwide airport situated in Lagos. Then the worst occurred, as we had been heading in, we noticed 4 Nigerians popping out, at first I assumed they had been coming again. Solely to get to the queue and we had been instructed they had been denied boarding. I received extra curious, on additional investigation, I later received to know that they backdated the date they received in, not figuring out 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 attempting to board with a pretend visa. I cannot imagine somebody would strive to do this. I believe 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 had been rejected both have broken passports or Worldwide passport with an image that’s not clear. The final units of Nigerians that received denied had been individuals who received late to the checking level. 

Listed here are the key the explanation why you could possibly get denied boarding on the Cotonou Airport. 

Also Read Understanding the Nigerian and the Benin Republic Currency

Causes Why Folks 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 automated rejection. Please keep away from any type of injury to your passport. Most people had 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. Pretend visa: Please at all times attempt to affirm the validity of your passport. 
3. Pretend 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 purported to spend 2 weeks minimal on the Cotonou Airport earlier than you’re 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 way of the Republic of Benin 

1. you could spend a minimal of two weeks within the Republic of Benin 

2. To be on the protected aspect, Be sure you stamp in Seme border moderately than Idiroko border, I heard so many individuals are having points at Idiroko after they arrive in Dubai.  

3. Verify your Visa validity on-line.  

4. Get to the airport not less than 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 aware of the route that will help you out. It should prevent a lot of cash in the long term.

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

8. Get aware of the terrain and an English talking cab driver. It should prevent a lot of headache.

Please make sure you comply with all Covid 19 protocols, please attempt to do the appropriate factor as a result of as soon as you’re caught they may make sure you face the regulation. Have you ever had the same expertise? Please share beneath.