What Nigerians Travelling to Dubai Through Cotonou Go Through

It’s no extra information that for some months, Nigerians can’t journey to Dubai instantly 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 simple has abruptly turn 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 is because the 2 nations are our closest neighbours.

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

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

The Journey

To chop an extended story quick, on his journey date, we bought to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. The Benin Airport is much less rowdy, much less congested and searching effectively maintained. That was after I bought the shocks of my life. Firstly, nearly all 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 plenty 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 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 bought extra curious, on additional investigation, I later bought to know that they backdated the date they bought 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 making an attempt to board with a pretend visa. I can’t imagine somebody would attempt to try this. I believe the individual he paid gave him a pretend visa. He bought 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 isn’t clear. The final units of Nigerians that bought denied have been individuals who bought late to the checking level. 

Listed below are the most important the explanation why you might 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 isn’t clear, broken on any a part of the info web page is automated 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 difficulty. Somebody mentioned they’re doing it to frustrate Nigerians. LOL this I cant confirm but.
2. Pretend visa: Please at all times attempt to verify 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 speculated to spend 2 weeks minimal on the Cotonou Airport earlier than you’re allowed to journey. 
5. Expired covid 19 take a look at: Please make sure you do your Covid 19 take a look at on time so you may get the consequence on time. 

Issues to notice when visiting Dubai by the Republic of Benin 

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

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

3. Verify 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 take a look at. You’re going to get your consequence the identical day.  

6. If you may get an agent that’s conversant in the route that will help you out. It’s going to prevent plenty of cash in the long term.

7. Keep in a resort that isn’t removed from the airport

8. Get conversant in the terrain and an English talking cab driver. It’s going to prevent plenty of headache.

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