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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Location Information > Benin Intercountry Adoption Information

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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Location Information > Benin Intercountry Adoption Information

Benin

Benin
Republic of Benin

National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries as well as individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.  

As noted in our Adoption Notice on National Interest Exceptions for Adoption Visas, in countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited, children being adopted by Americans can qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception. 

These American families should continue the normal adoption process. They should submit visa applications and attend consular interviews. They do not need to take other additional steps to be considered for a case-by-case exception under the National Interest Exception. 

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes
ALL / ALL /

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.

Please note that, effective August 1, 2026, U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, processes immigrant visas for non-U.S. citizens located in Benin.  Additional information concerning immigrant visa processing at U.S. Embassy Abidjan can be found on U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s website: ci.usembassy.gov

For more information, please see the Realignment of U.S. Visa Services in Africa to Regional Hubs.

Contact Information

BENIN’S ADOPTION AUTHORITY:

U.S. Embassy in Benin
Marina Avenue
01 BP 2012 Cotonou, Benin
Main telephone: +229-21-30-75-00
Emergency after-hours: +229-21-30-75-00
Email: [email protected]
Website: bj.usembassy.gov

U.S. Embassy in Cote d’ Ivoire
BP 730 Abidjan Cidex 03
Republic of Cote d’Ivoire
Main telephone: (+225) 27-22-49-40-00
Email: [email protected]
Internet: ci.usembassy.gov

Ms. Evelyne QUENUM
President of the Central Authority for International Adoption
Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance
Phone: +229-1-95 69 85 69
Email 1: [email protected]
Email 2: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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

Last Updated: July 28, 2026

Adoption News

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
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://bj.usembassy.gov/

Benin Map

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Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Benin to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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