Benin

Use High Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following communes: Cotonou and Karimama

The Republic of Benin is a narrow strip of land running north-south in West Africa. The country is bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with coastline on the Bight of Benin. The capital is Porto-Novo, but the seat of government is in Cotonou, the largest city. The population of Benin is about 9.1 million people. Although the official language is French, Fon and Yoruba are also commonly spoken.

The government of Benin is a democratic republic with a president as both chief of state and head of government. This country is one of Africa’s most stable democracies with many political parties and a strong society. The economy, however, is underdeveloped and with much corruption and poverty, and people depend on subsistence farming.

Benin’s coast was once known as the Slave Coast from where captured people were shipped across the ocean. It was the birthplace of the religion, Vodun, or voodoo, and some aspects of this culture and religion are still present in America.

Visitors to Benin can enjoy the wildlife in national parks, including lions, elephants, and hundreds of species of birds, along with ruins from the days of the Kingdom of Dahomey. Benin is also one of the most stable and safe countries in the region for travelling.

Currency	CRA: West African franc
Language	French
Capital	Porto-Novo
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	June 22, 2021 - Meningitis in Benin

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Benin. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Benin.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Benin.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Benin, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.
Malaria There is a risk for malaria all year long throughout Benin.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Benin.
Meningitis Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Benin during the dry season (December through June).
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever has occurred in Benin
Rabies Rabies occurs in Benin. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Benin. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Cholera Cholera occurs in this country.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Zika Fever Zika fever can occur in this country.
African Tick Bite Fever Sporadic cases of this disease are reported in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Benin.

Yellow Fever Vaccine A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers 1 year of age or more arriving in this country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (but not the WHO or the British NaTHNaC) recommends vaccinations for people 9 months of age or more.
Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Meningitis Vaccine Meningitis vaccination is recommended if travelling in Benin during the dry season from December through June.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Benin.

Anti-malarial Drugs Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers going to Benin. Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Safety and Security in Benin

Emergency Numbers

117

118

Personal Safety

Although the safety and security situation is stable, petty crime and criminal violence do occur in Benin, particularly in tourist areas, near hotels, railroad stations, markets, and beaches. Robbery is common on and around the Cotonou beach areas even in the daytime. Avoid walking alone, day or night. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.

Public transportation is not reliable, road conditions are poor, roads may be unlit and fuel may not be available at times in rural areas. Avoid driving at night.

Very strong ocean currents cause many drownings every year. There is a risk of piracy off the coast of Benin.

There are severe penalties for drug offences.

Homosexuality is illegal in Benin.

Photography is illegal around government buildings, military zones, and/or military personnel.

Areas To Avoid

Cotonou’s shore area is an at-risk area for muggings. In Quidah, avoid roads going to and along the coast. Avoid the Dantokpa market in Cotonou from dusk to dawn.

Avoid areas bordering Nigeria.

Avoid travelling to the W National Park in the commune of Karlmama due to the risk of terrorism.

Political Unrest

Sitata reminds travellers to minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations and the risk that they may turn violent.

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Updated: June 22, 2021