Benin

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 for police
• Dial 112 for ambulance 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist groups

Extremist groups have carried out attacks in Benin, especially in northern Benin near the border with Burkina Faso and Niger, Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent areas.

Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari in northern Benin. U.S. government employees are restricted from personal travel to the following areas:

• Alibori Department
• Atacora Department
• Borgou Department (authorized official travel only)
• Donga Department in the area north of Djougou
• Review our Terrorism page, for more information

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Street crime is a significant problem in cities.

• Thieves and robbers attack people on main streets, in neighborhoods where foreigners live, near popular restaurants and bars, and on beaches close to tourist hotels.
• Most crimes involve people with weapons who use force and cause injuries.
• Some criminals pretend to be police officers.
• Don’t travel to the Dantokpa Market in Cotonou at night or early morning. 

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Benin. Scams are often initiated through internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: 

• Romance or online dating
• Money transfers
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent or relative targeting
• Work permits or job offers

Victims of crime

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou for assistance.

• Dial +229-01-21-30-30-25 or +229-01-21-30-20-11, to report crimes to the local police
• Dial +229-01-21-30-75-00  to contact the U.S. embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
• Review our page on help for U.S. Victims of Crime Abroad.

Those who witness or are victimized by police fraud or corruption can report that by calling the “Green Line” of the Beninese Police at 166 to report what they have experienced.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public wi-fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Benin may restrict certain services or the internet during sensitive political periods.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens are subject to local laws.
• If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession in Benin that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.
• U.S. citizens have been arrested and imprisoned for not paying debts.
• Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

Beninese prisons are generally severely overcrowded. Cells can be cramped, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary.

• A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.
• Detainees in Benin often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Benin. However, lesbian and gay lifestyles and rights are not widely accepted and confined to urban centers.

• Lesbian and gay travelers may face discrimination in both private and public forms.
• The organization of private lesbian and gay events in Benin has no legal restrictions. However, public events of any nature require prior governmental approval.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Benin prohibits discrimination against people with physical disabilities. The law is not regularly enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be very limited to non-existent in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, government offices, medical facilities and general infrastructure.
• Many roads are unpaved and lack usable sidewalks.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad
• Review our information on FBI travel tips.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). It is currently illegal in Benin. The practice is not as common as in the past, but it still occurs in some communities.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Significant human rights issues include credible reports of:

• Arbitrary arrest or detention;
• Serious abuses in a conflict;
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression; and
• Trafficking in persons.

The government took some credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Benin Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment.
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Benin. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine is required along with a WHO “Yellow Card” to document proof of vaccine.

• Visit the World Health Organization for more information on the Yellow Card.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information about obtaining a yellow fever vaccine.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout the country but may be below US standards.

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Be sure to bring enough of your prescription medication (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the entire duration of your trip.
• Check with the Ministry of Interior of the Government of Benin to ensure the medication is legal in Benin.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Benin with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by local courts.
• If you are considering traveling to Benin to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Benin via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who do not follow local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

In Benin, the air quality changes with the seasons. It is typically at its worst December through March. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes;
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Cotonou.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review the Medicine and Health page for general health information

Travel and transportation

Road conditions and safety

Motorcycles and traffic patterns

• Motorbikes and motorcycles are extremely common on the roads in Benin. They appear suddenly or switch lanes.
• Traffic signals are rare and may not work.
• Pedestrians, non-motorized carts, broken-down vehicles, and debris are often present on even the busiest of roads.

Road conditions

• Roads in Benin are generally in poor condition.
• During the rainy season from May to September, dirt roads become blocked. It is recommended that you drive vehicles with 4-wheel drive, full spare tires, and emergency equipment.

Fuel safety

• Gasoline smuggled from Nigeria is widely available in glass bottles and jugs at informal roadside stands throughout Cotonou and across the country. This gasoline is unreliable. It often has water or other contaminants that can damage or break down your vehicle.
• Drivers should purchase fuel only from official service stations.
• Sometimes stations run out of gas, especially in the north of the country where there are fewer service stations.

Night driving restrictions

• The U.S. Embassy prohibits travel by diplomatic personnel outside of cities at night. U.S. citizens should avoid night driving due to road safety and crime concerns.

Traffic laws

• In traffic circles, vehicles inside the circle must yield to those entering.
• Many drivers do not follow traffic laws.
• You will need a valid and current U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car in Benin.
• When stopped by the police, you must have all your vehicle documentation available to present to the authorities.
• Road checkpoints are common in Benin.

Taxis and ride-shares

Many Beninese people rely on bicycles, mopeds, and motorbikes for hire. These are known as “zemidjans.”

• If you use zemidjans, particularly at night, you are much more vulnerable to mugging, assault, or robbery.
• U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from using zemidjans (motorcycle taxis).
• Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are not widely available or used in Benin.

Public and commercial transportation

Cotonou has a limited public transportation system.

• Buses and private taxis offer services in the interior.
• Visit the website of Benin’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Benin’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.
• There is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Benin.

Maritime travel

Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to increase. Pirates and armed groups working in the region often attack vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship property are common.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Benin should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Heavy rainfall

• Benin can experience heavy seasonal rains and flooding from May to Septemberespecially in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and other low-lying cities.

Dry season

• High humidity and temperatures happen inland during the dry season from November to March.

Flooding

• The Niger and Oueme rivers can flood during heavy seasonal rains. This occurs from May to September.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates