What Nigerians Travelling to Dubai Through Cotonou Go Through

It’s no extra information that for some months, Nigerians can’t journey to Dubai immediately 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 hastily develop 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 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 acquired to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. The Benin Airport is much less rowdy, much less congested and searching nicely maintained. That was once I acquired 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 automotive park, I understand most people 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 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 informed they have been denied boarding. I acquired extra curious, on additional investigation, I later acquired to know that they backdated the date they acquired 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 do this. I feel the individual he paid gave him a pretend visa. He acquired 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 acquired denied have been individuals who acquired late to the checking level. 

Listed here are the key explanation why you would 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 computerized rejection. Please keep away from any type of injury to your passport. Most people have been travelling with the identical passport in Nigeria with none situation. Somebody mentioned they’re doing it to frustrate Nigerians. LOL this I cant confirm but.
2. Pretend visa: Please all the time attempt to verify the validity of your passport. 
3. Pretend stamp: Please make sure you all the time 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 will get the end result on time. 

Issues to notice when visiting Dubai by the Republic of Benin 

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

2. To be on the secure aspect, Be sure to stamp in Seme border fairly 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 not less than three hours earlier than your flight 

5. Do a VIP covid 19 take a look at. You’ll get your end result the identical day.  

6. If you will get an agent that’s conversant in the route that will help you out. It would prevent a lot of cash in the long term.

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

8. Get conversant in the terrain and an English talking cab driver. It would prevent a lot of headache.

Please make sure you observe all Covid 19 protocols, please attempt to do the correct factor as a result of as soon as you’re caught they may make sure you face the legislation. Have you ever had the same expertise? Please share under.