Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
The northern regions of Benin, including:
- The cities of Kandi and Tanguieta
- North from Kandi and Tanguieta to the Niger / Burkina Faso border
- Pendjari and W National Parks, Zones Cynegetique De La Pendjari, De Latakora, and De Djona, and the adjacent hunting zones
- RNIE 7 between Banikora and Segbana
- RN10 between Nikki and Segbana
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, is common in Benin. There is a risk of maritime crime, including violent attacks and kidnapping at sea, in the Gulf of Guinea.
Terrorists continue plotting attacks in Benin. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and could target shop, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Benin.
If you decide to travel to Benin:
Northern Benin – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Extremist 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). Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin.
Extremist groups have also operated 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. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Foreign nationals and residents are at risk of kidnapping in this region.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to the regions described above.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
