Covid management 19 in Benin: Expensive tests for travelers

More than a year after his interference in the lives of Beninese, the pandemic linked to covid19 has prompted the authorities to take a number of measures, in particular that consisting in testing travelers leaving from Benin or arriving. Tests that some travelers consider very expensive.

51.125 FCFA, this is the average amount paid by ordinary travelers upon arrival in Cotonou for the Covid PCR test. The latter would have to pay the same amount if he had to leave this city a few weeks later.. This tariff, recently set by the Government of Benin, seems to be on the rise compared to some countries in the sub-region., and even from the mainland according to some travelers.

Indeed, for passengers coming from a foreign country, regardless of the geographical location of the said country and also the diplomatic relations between the two nations, they must pass PCR tests when they get off the plane. This measure, which helps to fight against the spread of the pandemic, is also well applied to those who want to go to a neighboring or distant country. "This health protocol is of great importance both for the health authorities of Benin, but also for us passengers ready to embark or disembark. In Gabon, we pay 20.000 FCFA for the same test ", says Jérémie, adding "Given the current conditions, it is normal to take the tests to get an idea of ​​your state of health, but when the bill is too high, it discourages those who want to travel. In many African countries, the test is less than 30.000 FCFA why not here ? ».

Just like the latter, Nadine, a Beninese woman living in Ivory Coast and the country for several months says she wanted to join her family near Abidjan for three months, but given the price to pay for the test and its current scholarship, she was forced to wait longer. " In Ivory Coast, we disburse 25.000 FCFA for the tests but we are surprised that here in Benin we have to pay twice that amount, ”she said. "If to come and see the parents in the country, we have to spend so much, the best is to take all this money and send it to them ”says Robert. For this Beninese living abroad and returning to his country to visit relatives “A one-way trip today is almost worth a return trip and with that the authorities must help those who want to come. revitalize the country by reviewing the price of tests ». Several countries of the continent and especially of the sub-region of which Benin is a part, recently revised the prices for Covid tests, thus allowing people wishing to come and leave the host country to avoid spending too much.

Harmonization of the price of PCR tests of ECOWAS member countries, an emergency…

During the fifty-eighth ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held by videoconference on 23 January 2021, the different countries had undertaken to harmonize the price of PCR tests to 50 us dollars either 27.750 FCFA to facilitate travel in the ECOWAS region for nationals of member countries during this pandemic period. If in some countries this collectively taken measure is being applied, this is not yet the case in Benin. What pushes some Beninese to launch an appeal to the Beninese government which since the appearance of this disease shows fascinates by its organizational sense. "We encourage the Beninese authorities to continue this fight against Covid19 as they have been able to do well. But it is urgent that they think of travelers when reviewing the cost of the tests ", launches Anicet. Robert for his part invites the government to apply the decisions of the Conference of Heads of State of ECOWAS "We must close ranks and truly harmonize the tariffs as is the case in the countries of the sub-region. We are counting on the good faith of our authorities ”he said..

Reviewing the prices of Covid tests in Benin for travelers is therefore a necessity, this will allow people wanting to travel, especially the Beninese, to be able to move without too much to empty their pockets in this period of health crisis but also of economic gloom..

Firmin KASSAGA