Security travel advice for Benin

How safe is Benin?

Threat level: Low-Medium
COVID-19 Situation in Benin

here are reported cases of the coronavirus in Benin. To tackle the spread of the virus, Benin's government has taken a series of measures: suspending entry for unnecessary travel, imposing quarantine measures for the travellers who are authorised to enter the country, obliging citizens to respect social distancing, selling protective masks in supermarkets, pharmacies. For advice on preventive measures against the virus, see our healthcare section.

Security in Benin

The current travel advice for Benin is to remain extra vigilant when visiting the country due to the ongoing risks and concerns with the high crime rate and domestic terrorism threat.

Avoid all travels to the Pendjari National Park and the W National Park that shares an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger due to the risk of terrorist attacks in this region.

Recent security risk events
No terrorist attack has taken place in Benin up to this day, however the threat of terrorism remains a concern because of terrorist activities from neighbouring countries that could spillover.

On the 1st of May 2019, two French tourists went missing with their local guide while on safari in Pendjari National Park that borders with Burkina Faso. The guide was shot dead and the two French citizens were rescued during a French military operation in northern Burkina Faso.

Security Risks
There is a threat of terrorism in Benin in the Benin-Nigeria border region, including possible incursions by Boko Haram. General crime and kidnappings are a constant threat.

Benin is one of the world's poorest countries, muggings and robberies are a significant problem, especially in Cotonou. International travellers should take care in all locations and in particular near the port, the railways and beaches and close to the near hotels.

Armed robbery can take place in Cotonou and is most common at night in the north of the country. The bordering areas with Niger and Nigeria are also an issue. There was an international dispute between Benin and Benin's neighbour to the north, Niger. This was over ownership of islands in the Niger River but was settled in 2005.

Demonstrations have been known to turn violent, avoid any large gatherings and monitor the local media.

Benin's International Relations

Benin a former Marxist-Leninist state has particularly strong ties with France, the former colonial power, and also the United States. Benin is dependent on Nigeria for most of its exports. Its economy is primarily based on informal trade with Nigeria.

The U.S. Government continues to aid Benin to help the improvement of living standards. This is a key factor Benin's long term goal of becoming a democratic government with economic liberalization.

Travelling around Benin

Hijackings and carjacking are on the rise throughout the country and as such, movement after dark should be avoided. Driving standards and road conditions in Benin are extremely poor and very unsafe. If possible avoid driving outside the main towns and cities at night, as roads are not lit in anyway.

During the wet season in Benin, many unpaved dirt tracks may become flooded.

There is known piracy in the waters off Benin and nearby countries, and currents can be very strong resulting in many drownings per year. Please take precautions.

Maritime security note:
Maritime insecurity and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea are growing concerns. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 23 of 24 attacks recorded in Benin in 2011-2012 involved chemical or product tankers. All of the recorded attacks involved international vessels, most took place at night and most occurred within 22 nautical miles off the Port of Cotonou.

As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Benin has enhanced its maritime security posture in cooperation with Nigeria, Togo, and international partners including the United States. “Operation Prosperity” conducted jointly with the Nigerian Navy has enabled Benin to maintain a maritime safety record that supports commerce.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Benin

Police emergency:117
Fire emergency: 118

Benin Overview

Capital:Porto-Novo
Largest City:Cotonou
Official languages:French, plus indigenous languages: Fon & Yoruba
Religion:Christianity, Islam and Vodun
Currency: West African franc

Consular information for Benin

U.S. Embassy Cotonou
Rue Caporal Bernard Anani,
01BP 2012,
Cotonou,
Benin
Telephone:+229 21 30 06 50
Emergency Telephone:+229 21 30 06 50, +229 21 30 05 13, and +229 21 30 17 92.
Email: IRCCotonou@state.gov
Email: ConsularCotonou@state.gov
The UK government does not have any permanent representation in Benin but covers it remotely from Ghana.
British High Commission Accra
Osu Link
off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
PO Box 296
Accra
Ghana
Telephone: +233 302 213 250
Email: High.Commission.Accra@fco.gov.uk
Email: consularaccra@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Benin

Visas are required by all visitors unless passport holders from: Algeria, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Côte D'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Taiwan, and Togo.

You can either get a visa before you travel from your national embassy or apply online for an e-visa.

The Government of the US advise all citizens that visit Benin to keep a notarized photocopy of the “photo page” of their passport and visa with them at all times when traveling in Benin.

Health Care and Immunisations

There are cases of the coronavirus in Benin. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is throught preventive measures such as applying good hygiene practices, maintaining social distancing, avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel.

It is advised that visitors to Benin are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is essential that you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever as there is risk of the disease throughout the country. It is an entry requirement that you present a certificate proving your immunisation. This should be completed at least 10 days prior to departure.

It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider a Rabies jab as there is a small risk in some areas of the country. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Malaria is an issue within the whole of the country. Use of antimalarial medication is advised. It is also recommended to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites such as the use of a mosquito net and mosquito repellent spray as Dengue and Zika, two viral infections transmitted by mosquitoes, are also present in Benin.

Lassa fever has been reported in the country. It is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans via contact with food or items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. There is currently no vaccine that protects against Lassa fever, so prevention and good personal hygiene is vital.

There are also reported cases of Cholera and Meningococcal. High-risk travellers (i.e. aid workers & those working in affected areas) should consider getting vaccinated.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. A number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold have come to our attention.