Planning a multi-country trip through West Africa can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it's an incredibly rewarding experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visas, border crossings, and managing your budget.
Visa Requirements by Country
Nigeria
Visa Required: Yes, for most nationalities
Application: Online through Nigeria Immigration Service
Cost: $160-180 USD
Processing: 3-5 business days
Duration: 30-90 days
Documents: Passport, photos, invitation letter, hotel booking, return ticket
Ghana
Visa Required: Yes, but Visa on Arrival available for many nationalities
Application: Online or at embassy
Cost: $60-150 USD depending on type
Duration: 30-60 days
Documents: Passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, proof of funds
Benin
E-Visa Available: Yes, at evisa.gouv.bj
Cost: $50-100 USD
Processing: 24-72 hours
Duration: 30-90 days
Documents: Passport scan, photo, hotel booking
Togo
Visa on Arrival: Available at airport and land borders
Cost: $20-40 USD
Duration: 7 days (extendable)
Documents: Passport, photo, proof of accommodation
Côte d'Ivoire
E-Visa Required: Yes, through snedai.com
Cost: $73-100 USD
Processing: 48-72 hours
Duration: 30-90 days
Documents: Passport, photos, itinerary, hotel booking
Understanding ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States allows free movement for citizens of member states. For international tourists:
You still need individual country visas
Immigration procedures at borders are generally straightforward
ECOWAS travel certificate not applicable to tourists
Border Crossing Guide
Nigeria-Benin (Seme/Krake)
Best time: Early morning (7-9 AM)
What to expect: Thorough document checks, possible vehicle search
Tips: Have all documents ready, be patient, small bills helpful
Duration: 1-3 hours depending on traffic
Benin-Togo (Hilacondji)
Best time: Anytime during daylight
What to expect: Quick and efficient
Tips: Both immigration offices close together
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Togo-Ghana (Aflao/Kodjoviakope)
Best time: Weekday mornings
What to expect: Busiest West African border crossing
Tips: Weekend crossings are slower, keep valuables secure
Duration: 1-2 hours
Ghana-Côte d'Ivoire (Elubo/Noé)
Best time: Early morning
What to expect: Moderate traffic, thorough checks
Tips: Ensure Ivorian e-visa is printed
Duration: 1-2 hours
Essential Documents Checklist
Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates)
Passport photos (carry 6-10 extras)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (MANDATORY)
Printed copies of all e-visas
Hotel bookings for each country
Return or onward ticket
Travel insurance documents
Driver's license (if renting vehicles)
Budget Planning
Daily Budget Estimates
Budget Traveler ($40-70/day)
Guesthouses: $15-25
Local food (chop bars): $10-15
Local transport: $5-10
Activities: $10-20
Mid-Range ($100-200/day)
3-star hotels: $50-80
Restaurant meals: $20-40
Private transport/taxis: $20-40
Activities/tours: $30-50
Luxury ($300+/day)
4-5 star hotels: $150-300
Fine dining: $50-100
Private vehicle with driver: $80-150
Premium experiences: $100+
Country-by-Country Cost Comparison
Most Expensive: Nigeria (especially Lagos)
Mid-Range: Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire
Budget-Friendly: Benin, Togo
Money Tips
Cash is King
ATMs available in cities but unreliable in rural areas
Carry USD as backup (new, unmarked bills)
West African CFA franc (XOF) used in Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire
Currency Exchange
Banks offer best rates but long queues
Official forex bureaus are reliable
Avoid street money changers
Cards
Visa more accepted than Mastercard
Inform bank of travel plans
Carry multiple cards from different banks
Health Budget
Yellow fever vaccination: $100-200
Malaria prophylaxis: $50-150 (varies by medication)
Travel insurance: $50-100 (essential!)
Miscellaneous medications: $30-50
Transportation Costs
Intercity Buses
Ghana (Accra-Cape Coast): $5-10
Nigeria (Lagos-Benin City): $10-20
Cross-border buses available
Private Vehicles
With driver (per day): $80-150
Fuel costs vary by country
Domestic Flights
Nigeria internal flights: $100-300
Limited options in smaller countries
Money-Saving Tips
Travel during shoulder season (April-May, October-November)
Book accommodations in advance for better rates
Use group tours for activities
Eat at local "chop bars" instead of tourist restaurants
Negotiate taxi fares before getting in
Use shared transportation when possible
Carry a water bottle and purification tablets
Sample 2-Week Budget
Budget Option (~$1,200)
Accommodation: $350
Food: $200
Transport: $300
Activities: $200
Visas: $150
Mid-Range Option (~$2,500)
Accommodation: $900
Food: $500
Transport: $500
Activities: $400
Visas: $200
Comfort Option (~$4,500)
Accommodation: $2,000
Food: $800
Transport: $800
Activities: $700
Visas: $200
Final Planning Tips
Start visa applications 4-6 weeks in advance
Get yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel
Make copies of all important documents
Share itinerary with family/friends
Book first and last night accommodations in advance
Have emergency cash reserve
Download offline maps for each country
Ready to start planning? Contact Evans Tours for personalized itineraries and expert guidance on your West African adventure!
