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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Benin

Benin
Republic of Benin
Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reissued to update information on Crime, Terrorism, and Kidnapping. Risks due to Maritime Crime (Other) is removed.

Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and  terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to the below areas of Benin due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping:

  • The city of Kandi and all areas north and east extending to Benin’s borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria.
  • The city of Tanguieta and all areas north and west extending to Benin’s borders with Burkina Faso and Togo.
  • The Pendjari and W National Parks
  • The Pendjari, Atacora, and Djona Hunting Zones
  • Route Nationale Inter-Etats 7 (RNIE 7) between Banikora and Segbana
  • Route Nationale 10 (RN 10) between Nikki and Segbana

Country Summary:
Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups are active in Benin, particularly in areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. Attacks in these areas can occur with little or no warning, and could target shops, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.  Violent attacks are far more likely in the northern areas of Benin than in the southern and coastal areas.

Crimes such as robbery and assault occur in Benin. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas and crowded markets.  

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Benin.

If you decide to travel to Benin:

  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Threads and X.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Benin.
  • Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Level 4: Do Not Travel - Areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara

Violent attacks may occur in these areas with little or no warning. Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups have carried out attacks in areas of southern Burkina Faso, southern Niger, and northern Benin (including near Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones). Foreign nationals and residents traveling in these areas have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari.

Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups are active in the vicinity of Kandi and Tanguieta and in the northeastern border region between Benin and Nigeria, specifically in the border region north of Nikki. Foreign nationals and residents are at risk of kidnapping in this region.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to the areas described above.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes

Hague Convention Information

Benin is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations in 22 C.F.R. 96, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Benin.

The Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for Benin on October 1, 2018. Despite this, international adoptions from Benin have been suspended since May 2014. Benin is still finalizing the Hague adoption processes and no American service providers have been authorized for adoption.  Please check this website for updates. However, the Department cautions U.S. prospective adoptive parents that there may be significant delays in the adoption process while Benin works to implement its new adoption laws, regulations, and procedures.

The Department of State will provide updated information, including information about the adoption process, on this website as it becomes available. Please visit the Benin country information page on travelling to Benin and the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou’s website for information on consular services.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Benin, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Contact Information

BENIN’S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
Ms. Lea Estelle HONFO AKPOVO
President of the Central Authority for International Adoption
Ministry of Social Affairs and Micro Finance
Office: Festival des Glaces building, 3rd floor
Email: lhonfoakpovo@gouv.bj

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov

Last Updated: May 18, 2020

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Cotonou
Marina Avenue
01 BP 2012 Cotonou, Benin
Telephone
+(229) 21-30-75-00
Emergency
+(229) 21-30-75-00
Fax
+(229) 21-30-66-82

Benin Map