Porto Novo is the capital city of Benin and a short ride from Cotonou, Benin's administrative center. The city traces its roots to the Fon Dynasty, and offers a peek into its rich tribal history. Poto Novo is an eclectic mix of museums, culture, and learning; apparent in the self-sustaining learning community at Centre Songhai.
Before you travel to Porto Novo, it pays to be prepared. Use this guide to learn about places to visit, travel tips to keep in mind, and information you may find useful about buying travel medical insurance.
Porto Novo Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Traveling to a far-off location can put you at greater risk of becoming sick or getting injured. In these cases, your domestic health insurance may not be able to provide any useful benefits. It's important to have insurance coverage that you can rely on when traveling internationally. To protect your finances in case of the unexpected, don't go abroad without travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Porto Novo?
Although you are legally permitted to visit Porto Novo without travel medical insurance, it is not advised. A trip to West Africa can put you at greater risk of contracting malaria, dengue fever, meningitis, and cholera. Without proper insurance, the cost of treatment for any illness or injury you suffer in Porto Novo could be your responsibility alone. It's essential to take necessary precautions to safeguard your budget while traveling with proper insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Porto Novo?
The medical facilities in Porto Novo may not be up to the standards you're used to, or able to provide proper care for all medical conditions. There is a very real possibility that a serious situation could require emergency medical evacuation to another location, which can cost a lot of money. Without proper coverage, this could result in a bill that exceeds your annual income. Don't allow yourself to be put in this situation. Get travel medical insurance to protect your budget.
Things to Do for Travelers in Porto Novo
Musée Honmè (Palais Royal)
The former residence of King Toffa, this royal palace has been converted into a museum that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 1996. The museum contains various artifacts like masks, costumes, and instruments from the Yoruba tribe, along with portraits of the royal family.
Da Silva Museum
This is a private museum built in the 19th century by Karim da Silva. The museum stands as testimony to the Afro-Brazilian culture and the Portuguese slave trade that was abolished in the Brazilian colonies in 1888. Karim Da Silva's father was among those who were captured and later returned to this city.
Jardin Place
Jardin Place is a large plaza with landscaped gardens that hold the statue of King Toffa, the first king of Porto Novo. To protect his kingdom against attacks from his rival of Abomey, King Toffa signed a treaty with the French in 1863, establishing the first French protectorate.
Palais de Gouverneur
The Governor's Palace is a 20th-century colonial building constructed by the French, meant to be the residence of French colonial governors. Today, it is the location of the National Assembly of Benin.
The Porto Novo Museum of Ethnography
This museum was established in 1957 by the Dahomey Institute, and houses artifacts of Benin's ethnic groups. The collection includes masks, horns, ritual instruments, carved drums, costumes, and dance accessories.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Porto Novo
Petty crime
Pickpocketing and theft are possible for travelers who aren't careful, so keep an eye on your valuables, and don't flash them in public. It's also a good idea to leave your original passport at the hotel, and carry a color copy instead. To be on the safe side, only carry the cash you need for the day. Steer clear of walking around the city or the beach after nightfall as well.
Avoiding illness
It's possible to contract a food or water-borne illness in Porto Novo. Your chances of this increase if you drink unfiltered tap water, or eat street food that may have been prepared in an unsafe manner. To reduce your chances of an illness, stick to bottled water, and only eat at trusted restaurants.
Vaccinations
To avoid the possibility of contracting a disease such as typhoid, hepatitis, cholera, or malaria, visit your doctor before your trip. Make sure you have all the appropriate vaccinations and boosters to protect your health.
Before You Travel to Porto Novo - Do This
- Prepare for the heat. West Africa can be hot and humid. Carry travel essentials like sunblock, sunglasses, light clothing, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
- If it fits your itinerary, head 10 kilometers north to Adjara Market. The market is open every fourth day, and sells goods ranging from carved drums to voodoo ornaments.
- Be a responsible traveler. Safeguard your bank account before you depart by purchasing travel medical insurance.