Maximum Alerts / Benin

BeninLevel 2/4

Level published by the State Department on 06.01.2026 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily

Benin — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.

Four official readings
United StatesState Departmentsource ↗Our reference level — the one shown across this site
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
Level 2/4 — “Exercise Increased Caution”levels 1 and 2 are advice to be careful, not travel restrictions
FranceFrance Diplomatiesource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: red or orange AREAS
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country+ red areas
our reading: some areas are classified red (formally advised against)
United KingdomFCDOsource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: travel statuses
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country+ parts of the country
our reading: all travel advised against to parts of the country · all but essential travel advised against to parts of the country
source reviewed 15 December 2025
SwitzerlandFDFAsource ↗Advisory cited by the Maximum policy
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country+ parts of the country
our reading: Switzerland’s FDFA advises against travel to certain regions
advice published 01.05.2026
The four readings on record agree: no restriction on the whole country — France still flags red areas; the United Kingdom still flags parts of the country; Switzerland still flags parts of the country.Our comparison reading: 27 September 2026

All 207 countries compared, advisory by advisory →

How we read these four advisories

Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?

An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.

The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.

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Regional map…

2 recorded incidents (UCDP)hover, click to open it in the briefing

Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution Checked on 13 October 2026 · U.S. State Department
Country briefing
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Where are you right now in Benin?

Hospitals and clinics — Porto-Novo
+Clinique Rapha2.0 km24/7
emergency department2.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Hôpital Musulman2.4 km24/7
emergency department2.4 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique Louis Pasteur de Djassin2.5 km24/7
emergency department2.5 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre Hopitalier Universitaire Départemental de l'Ouémé-Plateau2.7 km24/7
emergency department2.7 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+ONG action prospérité et bien être social4.8 km24/7
emergency department4.8 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
66086767Directions
+Clinique centrale de l'oueme "Clinico"5.0 km24/7
emergency department5.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Cabinet de soins le bon secours5.3 km24/7
emergency department5.3 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
97442699Directions
+Clinique St Nicolas5.5 km24/7
emergency department5.5 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique d'accouchement Sainte Cécile6.0 km24/7
emergency department6.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Zone sanitaire 3A6.5 km24/7
emergency department6.5 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
67670785Directions
+Cabinet médical "ab santé life plus"6.8 km24/7
emergency department6.8 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Voudoun R Gemy6.9 km24/7
emergency department6.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
97538909Directions
+Grisseur des os7.0 km24/7
emergency department7.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé Communal adjarra I7.4 km24/7
emergency department7.4 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre De Sante Communal Adjarra 17.4 km24/7
emergency department7.4 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé d'Adjarra ll7.5 km24/7
emergency department7.5 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé Communal adjarra dispensaire7.5 km24/7
emergency department7.5 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé d'Akpro-missérété7.6 km24/7
emergency department7.6 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique fingnon7.9 km24/7
emergency department7.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
65538484Directions
+Ong enantche7.9 km24/7
emergency department7.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
97225444Directions
+Ong cœur a cœur8.2 km24/7
emergency department8.2 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
66051878Directions
+Centre de Santé Djeregbe8.3 km24/7
emergency department8.3 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé de Zougame8.4 km24/7
emergency department8.4 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique Dieu fera8.6 km24/7
emergency department8.6 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
97677933Directions
+Centre de santé de mededjonou10.4 km24/7
emergency department10.4 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Maternité11.0 km24/7
emergency department11.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre de santé de tchakou11.7 km24/7
emergency department11.7 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Centre santé Tokpota0.1 km
0.1 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+ONG FADD1.9 km
1.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Infirmerie2.2 km
2.2 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique saint laurent4.3 km
4.3 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
96150674Directions
+Tasly Monde Benin4.9 km
4.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique "Santé Plus"5.9 km
5.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique Saint Joseph de Missérété6.9 km
6.9 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
+Polyclinique The New life7.0 km
7.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique NOVANIUM7.2 km
7.2 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
97404345Directions
+Clinique Tabita7.6 km
7.6 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+CENTRE DE SANTÉ HUMANITAIRE DE SEDO7.7 km
7.7 km from the centre of Porto-Novo · Sedo
66460610Directions
+Centre Médical Saint Camille D'Adjarra8.0 km
8.0 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+St Michel8.2 km
8.2 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
+Clinique Saint Espoir9.7 km
9.7 km from the centre of Porto-Novo
Google MapsDirections
✈️ Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin GantinCOO28.7 kmNearest evacuation airport from Porto-Novo — unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation included.
💱 Currency: XOF Fr · 🗣 Language: French
In an emergency from Porto-Novo, your reflex remains +41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client area.

Country dial code: +229

OpenStreetMap list read on 13.10.2026, straight-line distances. In an emergency: +41 22 ••• •• ••.

Doctors — Porto-Novo8
DrORL/OPHTAMO/STOMATO/Optique-Luneterie2.7 km

ophthalmology

Google MapsDirections
DrAntonio2.8 km
Google MapsDirections
DrMédécine Générale2.8 km

near Rue de l'Inspection

Google MapsDirections
DrLes Oliviers2.9 km
Google MapsDirections
DrSt. Nom de Jesus3.3 km

near Boulevard du Cinquantenaire

Google MapsDirections
DrCentre Medico Social "Salem"4.0 km
Google MapsDirections
DrMaternité de HONVIE5.9 km
Google MapsDirections
DrMédecine Traditionnelle7.6 km
Google MapsDirections
Pharmacies — Porto-Novo26
+Les Palmiers1.2 km
Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Dowa1.2 km

near Boulevard Lagunaire

20245805Directions
+Pharmacie Tokpota1.4 km
Google MapsDirections
+PHARMACIE DONA1.5 km
Google MapsDirections
+PHARMACIE BOULEVARD DJASSN2.1 km

near Boulevard Djassin

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Djassin2.1 km

near Boulevard Djassin

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie gbodje2.2 km

near Boulevard du Cinquantenaire

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie de la place cachi2.3 km

near Rue 40 RNIE 1 bis

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Houinmè ADJIBADE2.5 km

near Avenue du Chemin de Fer

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie de l'unité2.6 km
20248271Directions
+Pharmacie du Cinquantenaire2.6 km

near Boulevard du Cinquantenaire

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Oganla2.9 km
Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie CRISTAL DODJI3.0 km
Google MapsDirections
+PHARMACIE PLACE BAYOL3.3 km

near Rue Victor Ballot

Google MapsDirections
+Nouvelle pharmacie3.3 km

near RNIE 1 bis

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Adjara Docodji3.3 km
Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Le prestige du pont3.5 km

near Avenue Liotard

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Kountouge3.8 km

near RNIE 1 bis

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie vakon4.2 km
Google MapsDirections
+Grâce Divine de Agata4.9 km

near RNIE 1 bis

64104379Directions
+Pharmacie Agata Grace divine4.9 km

near RNIE 1 bis

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie Agbokou5.0 km

near Rue 40

Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie KPEDETIN5.8 km
65670526Directions
+Pharmacie Centrale d'adjarra6.9 km
65649671Directions
+Pharmacie PM Malanhoui6.9 km

Mo-Su 07:00-00:00

95391253Directions
+Adounl7.6 km
Google MapsDirections
Official — Porto-Novo2
Consulates and embassies 1
AFondation Alexis Milido6.3 km
Google MapsDirections
Town halls 1
AMairie d'Adjarra7.6 km
Google MapsDirections
Police — Porto-Novo7
PCommissariat d'Arrondissement de DODJI2.9 km
Google MapsDirections
PBrigade Anti-Criminalité antenne de Porto-Novo3.9 km

244

Google MapsDirections
PDirection générale de la police nationale4.4 km
Google MapsDirections
PBrigade Territoriale D'ADJARRA5.7 km

near RNIE 1 bis

Google MapsDirections
PPolice républicaine6.4 km
Google MapsDirections
PCommissariat7.6 km
Google MapsDirections
PDirection Générale de la police républicaine7.8 km
Google MapsDirections
Transport — Porto-Novo3
Stations 1
TPorto-Novo2.8 km

near Avenue du Chemin de Fer

Google MapsDirections
Bus 2
TGare Ouando1.2 km
Google MapsDirections
TKpobe la Gare2.8 km

near Avenue du Chemin de Fer

Google MapsDirections

The next 7 days around Porto-Novo Africa/Porto-NovoMET Norway ↗read 13.10.2026

Wed 14 Oct25–29°showers · 7.3 mm
Thu 15 Oct25–31°showers · 3.1 mm
Fri 16 Oct25–31°showers · 6.3 mm
Sat 17 Oct25–30°showers · 3.9 mm
Sun 18 Oct25–30°rain · 2.8 mm
Mon 19 Oct24–31°heavy rain · 6.6 mm
Tue 20 Oct25–32°showers · 3.5 mm

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026

10-13 0.8 · 10-14 1.0 · 10-15 1.5 · 10-16 1.8 · 10-17 1.9 · 10-18 1.6 · 10-19 1.2 m³/s

Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.

No geolocated event in this country at this reading.

2 incidents recorded in the country, all pinned on the map above (zoom out) — the 2 closest to Porto-Novo are listed here, nearest first.

  • 545.7 km · 7 March 2026 · Pendjari Lodge
    Benin March 2026;#Benin;Bénin ;Bénin 🇧🇯 | [Suite];Footage;JNIM · 1 deaths
    Crisis Watch;@fabsenbln;@Wamaps_news;@Wamaps_news;@BrantPhil
  • 615.2 km · 4 March 2026 · Kofouno village
    Jihadists stage deadly attack on Benin troops: source;Ce que nous savons de l'attaque qui a coûté la vie à 15 soldats au Bénin;Benin March 2026;15 sol · 19 deaths
    Agence France Presse;BBC;Crisis Watch;Vanguard;@Wamaps_news;

Source: UCDP — GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv. Closed period, Clear coding, precise location.

Country notices, with no street coordinate

Now
Level 2 - Global Polio
Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan,…
Now
Level 1 - Global Measles
Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghanistan, Benin, Cameroon, Central African…

The country feed →

National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.

Recommended vaccines and medicines13

Routine vaccinesCDC ↗

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles

COVID-19CDC ↗

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information.

CholeraCDC ↗

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Hepatitis ACDC ↗

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Benin. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Hepatitis BCDC ↗

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Benin.

MalariaCDC ↗

CDC recommends that travelers going to Benin take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Transmission areas All Drug resistance 1 Chloroquine Species P. falciparum  (primarily) P. malariae ,  P.

MeaslesCDC ↗

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

Meningococcal diseaseCDC ↗

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of Benin  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season (roughly December to June).

MonkeypoxCDC ↗

Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…

PolioCDC ↗

In Benin, poliovirus has been identified in the past year. Travelers to Benin are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

RabiesCDC ↗

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Benin. If rabies exposures occur while in Benin, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

TyphoidCDC ↗

Recommended for most travelers. Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .

Yellow FeverCDC ↗

CDC recommendations:  Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old. Country entry requirements:   Vaccine is required for all arriving travelers ≥9 months old Updated April 23, 2025

CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026

Diseases without a vaccine — how they spread

Avoid contaminated food and water
  • Leptospirosis — Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud Drinking water or eating foo
  • Melioidosis — Contact with contaminated fresh water, mud, or soil, especially after heavy rains   Drinking contaminated water Breathing in contaminated dust or water droplets, especially during severe weather
  • Schistosomiasis — Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.
Avoid bugs
  • African Tick-Bite Fever — Tick bite
  • Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever — Tick bite  Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
  • Dengue — Mosquito bite
Airborne & droplet
  • Hantavirus — Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents Bite from an infected rodent Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus
  • Lassa Fever — Breathe in air or eat food contaminated with the urine or droppings of infected rats Touch the body fluids of a person infected with Lassa virus or objects contaminated with infected body fluids
  • Tuberculosis (TB) — Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Risks in figures

Tuberculosis — cases per 100,000
Benin40 2024
Switzerland5 2024
France8 2024

Moderate incidence: nothing special for a short stay.

Children vaccinated against measles (%)
Benin44 2024
Switzerland96 2024
France95 2024

Coverage too low to stop the virus circulating: check your two MMR doses before leaving.

Malaria — cases per 1,000 people at risk
Benin354.2 2024

Strong transmission: discuss preventive treatment with a doctor before leaving; bed net and repellent on site.

World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

The official advice, in full

Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).

In brief
  • Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center at least 8 weeks before your trip for health assessments and recommended vaccinations.
  • Carry all necessary medications in their original packaging with an international common name prescription, and verify their legality in Benin.
  • Ensure your French vaccination schedule is up-to-date, especially for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and measles; a vaccination booklet may be requested upon arrival.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Benin and is now valid for life; obtain it from an approved center before departure.
  • Medical facilities in Benin are poor, especially in rural areas, and serious medical treatment requires evacuation; ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
  • Take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing long clothing, using repellent, protecting your accommodation, and eliminating stagnant water sources.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 13.10.2026

FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French

Medical care

Les soins médicaux de base ne sont assurés que partiellement. Les hôpitaux exigent une garantie financière avant de commencer un traitement (carte de crédit ou paiement d’avance). En cas de maladie ou de blessure grave, il est recommandé de retourner en Suisse pour se faire soigner. Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. N’oubliez toutefois pas que l’importation de médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (p. ex. méthadone) ou l'importation de substances utilisées pour traiter des troubles psychiques est soumise à des prescriptions spéciales dans de nombreux pays. Le cas échéant, renseignez-vous à ce sujet, avant le départ, auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez, entre autres, de plus amples informations sur ce thème ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages

France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Recommandations pour la santé

Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.

Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .

Vaccinations

Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.

Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :

  • Fièvre jaune : l a vaccination contre la fièvre jaune est obligatoire pour entrer au Bénin. Le vaccin est désormais valide à vie. Il est impératif de se faire vacciner avant le départ dans un centre agréé ;
  • Hépatite A : en fonction des conditions et de la durée de séjour ;
  • Fièvre typhoïde : en fonction des conditions et de la durée de séjour ;
  • Méningite ACWY : en cas de séjour pendant la saison sèche (habituellement hiver et printemps) ;
  • Tuberculose : chez les enfants de moins de 15 ans en cas de séjours fréquents ou prolongés ;
  • Rage : notamment enfants en bas âge, séjour en milieu rural ou éloigné des villes principales ;
  • Hépatite B : en cas de séjours fréquents ou prolongés.

Veiller à avoir avec soi son carnet de vaccination et à garder une copie à distance facilement récupérable par voie électronique, en cas de perte ou détérioration. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé pour vérification à l’arrivée dans le pays.

Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.

Maladies transmises par les moustiques

Chikungunya

La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.

Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .

Dengue

La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.

Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .

Fièvre jaune

Il s’agit d’une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont variables, allant du syndrome pseudo-grippal (fièvre, frissons, douleurs musculaires, maux de tête…) à des formes plus graves (vomissements de sang, jaunisse, convulsions, coma…)…

Autres maladies

Choléra

Le choléra est une infection digestive bactérienne qui se transmet par ingestion d’aliments mal cuits (fruits de mer, par exemple) ou souillés (fruits et légumes) et/ ou ingestion d’eau contaminée. Cette maladie, dite « des mains sales », se traduit par des troubles digestifs sévères (diarrhée liquide abondante, crampes abdominales, vomissements), un état de faiblesse générale et parfois de la fièvre.

La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect des règles d’hygiène alimentaire (se laver régulièrement les mains, ne consommer que de l’eau en bouteille, peler les fruits et légumes, manger de la nourriture cuite ; utilisation des installations sanitaires). Les personnes présentant les signes de la maladie doivent consulter un médecin en urgence.

Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site Santé publique France et le site du ministère de la Santé .

Des cas de choléra sont régulièrement signalés durant la saison des pluies, notamment dans les zones marécageuses du Bénin.

Fièvre de Lassa

La fièvre de Lassa est une maladie hémorragique virale, semblable à Ebola. La maladie se transmet aux humains par contact avec l’urine ou les excréments des rongeurs infectés ou par ingestion de nourriture contaminée. La transmission interhumaine est également possible par voie sexuelle et par contact direct avec les liquides et sécrétions humaines. Souvent asymptomatique, la maladie peut être grave et potentiellement mortelle. La durée d’incubation est de 2 à 21 jours après l’infection. Les principaux signes et symptômes sont : fièvre, vomissements, nausées, douleurs abdominales, céphalées, douleurs musculaires et articulaires, fatigue intense. Dans les cas sévères peuvent apparaitre des saignements et des atteintes neurologiques (encéphalite). Il n’existe aucun…

Mesures générales de prévention des piqûres de moustiques
  • Porter des vêtements longs et couvrants ;
  • Appliquer des produits répulsifs cutanés sur les zones découvertes du corps ;
  • Protéger son logement (moustiquaires imprégnées d’insecticide, diffuseurs électriques, serpentins à l’extérieur, climatisation, etc.) ;
  • Détruire les sites potentiels de reproduction des moustiques (récipients d’eau stagnante comme les soucoupes sous les pots de fleurs, les gouttières, les pneus, etc.).

Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .

Règles d'hygiène alimentaire
  • Se laver les mains régulièrement avec de l’eau et du savon ou des solutions de lavage hydroalcooliques, surtout avant et après les repas et le passage aux toilettes ;
  • Veiller à la qualité des aliments et surtout à leur bonne cuisson ;
  • Éviter la consommation de produits alimentaires (poisson, viande, volaille, lait) crus ou peu cuits ;
  • Peler les fruits et légumes ou les laver soigneusement (à l’eau saine) ;
  • Éviter les crudités, coquillages, plats réchauffés et buffets froids ;
  • Ne boire que de l’eau ou des boissons encapsulées ou de l’eau rendue potable (filtration, ébullition ou à défaut produit désinfectant).

Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .

Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Health — Foreign Office

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 118 and ask for an ambulance.

Outside Cotonou, there may not be an emergency response. You are likely to have to get local advice and arrange transport to the nearest medical centre.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

  • check the latest vaccine recommendations for Benin
  • see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Benin , including:

  • yellow fever
  • malaria
  • dengue
HIV

The 2022 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 72,000 adults aged 15 or over in Benin were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Benin

Medical facilities are poor, particularly in rural areas. Emergency medical facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation is necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Benin where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

TravelHealthPro ↗ · CDC ↗read 10.10.2026

Level 2 - Global PolioCDC ↗read 10.10.2026Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan,…

Level 1 - Global MeaslesCDC ↗read 10.10.2026Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghanistan, Benin, Cameroon, Central African…

Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.

The comparator

What is your current insurance?

The verdict
No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
Exact wording (official French text): « Des Voyages vers des pays où Votre gouvernement a conseillé de ne pas voyager » — general exclusion n° 11, applying to ALL travel covers.
Line by line
Cover
With your Amex Platinum
Territorial exclusion at this level
No territorial exclusion at this level — the clause targets countries your government advised against travelling to
Covered — the core of the Maximum contract
Medical expenses cap abroad
€2M — but 10% deductible (€150–500), insurer's prior approval, trip paid with the Card
CHF 1.5M emergency medical expenses
Hospital deposit before admission
Advance possible — prior approval required before care
Direct payment guarantee: the insurer settles the hospital
Trip duration covered
Maximum 90 consecutive days per trip
12 months, unlimited trips
Visa certificate (incl. Schengen)
Not provided
Official named certificate, issued on payment

Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).

Where to go, where not to

The country is not uniform: 3 regions advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading. Porto-Novo is not one of them.

In brief
  • Avoid all travel within 50 km of borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria north of Nikki town, and along Togo border west of Boukoumbé-Tanguiéta axis due to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping risk. Global Affairs Canada
  • Avoid non-essential travel to Atacora and Alibori departments due to terrorism and kidnapping threats. Global Affairs Canada
  • Avoid all travel to Parc du W National Park, Pendjari National Park, Mékrou and Djona hunting zones, and areas within 5 km of Burkina Faso border due to terrorist attacks and kidnapping risk. Foreign Office
  • Avoid all but essential travel to the area between Interstate Highway 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and Nigeria border due to increasing criminality. Foreign Office
  • France advises against travel to Burkina Faso and Niger border zones, both national parks, Banikoara town, northwest Togo border, and northeast Nigeria border until Nikki area. France Diplomatie
  • France advises against except for pressing reasons: Atacora department centre including Tanguiéta, Natitingou, Boukoumbé, Kouandé with confirmed Western kidnapping risk, and zone from Kandi to Tchaourou including Nikki. France Diplomatie

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Porto-Novo (Ouémé) is in no region these official readings advise against; check that it is not in one of the areas quoted below.The red dot on the map. Change the city at the top of the page to read the map from another point.
Alibori — Advised against — all but essential travelBorgou — Advised against — all but essential travelPlateau — Country-wide vigilanceCollines — Country-wide vigilanceOuémé — Country-wide vigilanceAtakora — Advised against — all but essential travelDonga — Country-wide vigilanceZou — Country-wide vigilanceKouffo — Country-wide vigilanceMono — Country-wide vigilanceAtlantique — Country-wide vigilanceLittoral — Country-wide vigilanceAliboriBorgouAtakoraPorto-Novo
Advised against — all but essential travelCountry-wide vigilancePorto-NovoSynthesis of the readings: Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office, France Diplomatie. Where they differ, the colour keeps the strictest reading; the official text, quoted below region by region, prevails. Boundaries: Natural Earth. The areas quoted without a region are not drawn: they do not follow regional boundaries.
Advised against — all travel — areas, not drawn6
Global Affairs Canada — Within 50 km of the border with Burkina Faso
Global Affairs Canada — Within 50 km of the border with Niger and all the area north of the Interstate 7 motorway
Foreign Office — FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The…
Foreign Office — The area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
Foreign Office — The Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
Foreign Office — All other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso
Advised against — all but essential travel3
Alibori — the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of…
Atakora — the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of…
Borgou — the whole region (France Diplomatie)
Country-wide vigilance
the rest of the country, including Porto-Novo

“(France Diplomatie)”: the level comes from its text, in French, quoted below region by region.

So:

the trip stays outside the advised-against regions. Any move into a red or orange region calls for a new, written decision. The areas quoted without a region (border, routes, localities) call for the same decision.

US06.01.2026
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
FR21.04.2026
Red areas in the countrySome areas of the country are formally advised against.Your region (Ouémé): not covered
GB15.12.2025
Some areas: no travel2 regions covered, fully or partly.Your region (Ouémé): not covered
CA24.09.2026
Exercise a high degree of caution3 regions covered.Your region (Ouémé): not covered
CH01.05.2026
Some regions advised againstSwitzerland’s FDFA advises against travel to certain regions.

The official text, region by region

Advised against — all but essential travel3 regions

AliboriCAGBFR

Global Affairs Canada
Avoid non-essential travel to the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

Foreign Office
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments.

France Diplomatie (in French)
une bande allant de la ville de Kandi à Tchaourou comprenant la ville de Nikki, dans les départements de l’Alibori et du Borgou.

AtakoraCAGBFR

Global Affairs Canada
Avoid non-essential travel to the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

Foreign Office
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments.

France Diplomatie (in French)
le centre du département de l’Atakora, y compris les villes de Tanguiéta, Natitingou, Boukoumbé et Kouandé, où le risque d’enlèvement visant les Occidentaux est avéré ;

BorgouCAFR

France Diplomatie (in French)
une bande allant de la ville de Kandi à Tchaourou comprenant la ville de Nikki, dans les départements de l’Alibori et du Borgou.

Global Affairs Canada
within 50 km of the border with Nigeria, north of the town of Nikki in Borgou Department

Official passages not placed on the map12

Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all travel
within 50 km of the border with Burkina Faso

Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all travel
within 50 km of the border with Niger and all the area north of the Interstate 7 motorway

Foreign Office — Advised against — all travel
FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park.

Foreign Office — Advised against — all travel
the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger

Foreign Office — Advised against — all travel
the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds

Foreign Office — Advised against — all travel
all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso

Foreign Office — Advised against — all but essential travel
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality.

France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
les zones frontalières du Burkina Faso et du Niger ;

France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
la totalité des parcs nationaux de la Pendjari et du W, les zones mitoyennes à ces parcs ;

France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
la ville de Banikoara et ses environs immédiats ;

France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
la frontière nord-ouest avec le Togo ;

France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
la frontière nord-est avec le Nigéria jusqu’aux environs de la ville de Nikki.

Maximum does not exclude these areas.The VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there. Still enforceable: sanctions and embargoes, and a country already at war at departure. Extraction and security belong to the VIP Pack Extreme, upon eligibility. See My cover

Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (21.04.2026) · Natural Earth

No located event in this reading.

Last change: FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of the Alibori and Atacora departments. FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel and all travel to other areas in Benin (‘Warnings and insurance’ page

Benin - Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionState Department ↗updated 06.01.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Updated 06.01.2026

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

Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso ; Niger ; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi , Niger , and Kwara due to crime , terrorism , and kidnapping .

Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Benin are not allowed to travel to the following areas without Ambassador approval due to safety risks:

  • Alibori Department
  • Atacora Department
  • Borgou Department in areas north, east, and west of Parakou
  • Donga Department in the area north of Djougou
  • Official travel in Borgou Department north, east, and west of Parakou as well as official travel in Donga Department north of Djougou is authorized for day trips only.
  • Safety risks prevent emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.
  • There are no safety risks in Benin that would stop the U.S. government’s ability to offer routine or emergency services, except in the identified areas of concern.

Crime

Most coastal and southern areas of Benin are safe. However, violent crime can occur in remote locations. These crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery.

Stay aware of your surroundings in:

  • Urban areas and crowded markets.
  • Areas near roadblocks, which may be manned by armed groups. Armed groups are present throughout the country.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Benin. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist and armed groups have attacked areas near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. There have also been kidnappings for ransom in areas of the Alibori and Borgou Departments near the Nigerian border.

Terrorists may target:

  • Places frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
  • Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • Schools
  • Places of worship
  • International diplomatic missions
  • Local security forces

Unrest

There have been instances of military activity and civil unrest that resulted in violence in Benin. This type of…

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026

10-13 0.8 · 10-14 1.0 · 10-15 1.5 · 10-16 1.8 · 10-17 1.9 · 10-18 1.6 · 10-19 1.2 m³/s

Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.

Where, exactly?

What the national level does not tell you

The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.

  • U.S. State Department — the full advisory details the regions concerned and the reasons (crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest) (read the advisory)
  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (United Kingdom) — the United Kingdom advises against all travel to PARTS of the country and advises against all but essential travel to parts · reviewed 15 December 2025
    Last announced change : « FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of the Alibori and Atacora departments. FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel and all travel to other areas in Benin (‘Warnings and insurance’ page » (read the advisory)
  • France Diplomatie — France classifies SOME AREAS of the country as red (travel formally advised against) — the advisory is geographic, check it for your exact destination (read the Security advisory)

No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.

What happened, and where

Over 1 January 2026 → 30 June 2026, UCDP (Uppsala University) recorded 2 geolocated violent incidents in this country, for 20 documented deaths.

Most affected areas
Alibori department 1 · Atacora department 1

Most recent incidents

  • 7 March 2026 · Atacora department · Pendjari Lodge
    Benin March 2026;#Benin;Bénin ;Bénin 🇧🇯 | [Suite];Footage;JNIM · 1 death (range 0–6)Source: Crisis Watch;@fabsenbln;@Wamaps_news;@Wamaps_news;@BrantPhil · 6 April 2026 · JNIM; army source; local sources · UCDP #623517 ↗
  • 4 March 2026 · Alibori department · Kofouno village
    Jihadists stage deadly attack on Benin troops: source;Ce que nous savons de l'attaque qui a coûté la vie à 15 soldats au Bénin;Benin March 2026;15 sol · 19 deaths (range 19–26)Source: Agence France Presse;BBC;Crisis Watch;Vanguard;@Wamaps_news; · 5 March 2026 · JNIM; military source; army spokesman · UCDP #620403 ↗

Source: UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (Uppsala Conflict Data Program), file GEDEvent_v26_01_26_06.csv, CC BY 4.0 licence. We keep only incidents UCDP codes as "Clear" and whose location is precise enough to be placed — about 58% of the dataset. An incident may be revised, moved or withdrawn by UCDP in a later release: these figures describe a closed period, not a live situation.

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Benin1.1 2017
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Benin26.8 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.

I travel on a passportEach government writes for its own nationals. The advisory that counts for you — and for your policy's clauses — is your country's.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • French nationals are advised against travel to border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger, national parks, and the town of Banikoara due to armed groups and kidnapping risks.
  • Travel to central Atakora department, including Tanguiéta and Natitingou, and a strip from Kandi to Tchaourou is discouraged unless essential, due to proven kidnapping risks targeting Westerners.
  • The rest of Benin is a zone of reinforced vigilance, with particular caution advised in border areas and isolated regions.
  • Road accidents are a major cause of death; night travel is strongly discouraged due to poor signage and unlit roads.
  • While crime is low, burglaries and assaults occur; vigilance is advised, especially regarding personal belongings and avoiding night travel.
  • Swimming is not recommended on coastal beaches year-round due to dangerous currents that cause annual fatalities.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Some areas of the country are formally advised against.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 21.04.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Formally advised against — red
  • les zones frontalières du Burkina Faso et du Niger ;
  • la totalité des parcs nationaux de la Pendjari et du W, les zones mitoyennes à ces parcs ;
  • la ville de Banikoara et ses environs immédiats ;
  • la frontière nord-ouest avec le Togo ;
  • la frontière nord-est avec le Nigéria jusqu’aux environs de la ville de Nikki.
Except for imperative reasons — orange
  • le centre du département de l’Atakora, y compris les villes de Tanguiéta, Natitingou, Boukoumbé et Kouandé, où le risque d’enlèvement visant les Occidentaux est avéré ;
  • une bande allant de la ville de Kandi à Tchaourou comprenant la ville de Nikki, dans les départements de l’Alibori et du Borgou.
Bénin

-

-

-

-

- Risques naturels

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Zones de vigilance

Dernière actualisation le 21/04/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour

Zones formellement déconseillées

En raison d’activités possibles de groupes armés et du risque d’enlèvement, il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans :

  • les zones frontalières du Burkina Faso et du Niger ;
  • la totalité des parcs nationaux de la Pendjari et du W, les zones mitoyennes à ces parcs ;
  • la ville de Banikoara et ses environs immédiats ;
  • la frontière nord-ouest avec le Togo ;
  • la frontière nord-est avec le Nigéria jusqu’aux environs de la ville de Nikki.
Zones déconseillées sauf raison impérative

Les zones suivantes sont déconseillées sauf raison impérative :

  • le centre du département de l’Atakora, y compris les villes de Tanguiéta, Natitingou, Boukoumbé et Kouandé, où le risque d’enlèvement visant les Occidentaux est avéré ;
  • une bande allant de la ville de Kandi à Tchaourou comprenant la ville de Nikki, dans les départements de l’Alibori et du Borgou.
Zones de vigilance renforcée

Le reste du pays est placé en zone de vigilance renforcée.

Une vigilance particulière est conseillée dans les zones frontalières ainsi que dans les zones isolées ou à faible densité de population.

A Cotonou, il convient d’éviter la nuit les quartiers du port et ceux qui longent des voies ferrées du centre-ville. Les plages de la capitale ne sont pas sûres, de jour comme de nuit. Il est recommandé d’être vigilant dans les lieux très fréquentés, notamment le marché de Dantokpa où les vols sont fréquents.

Risques liés aux transports

Les accidents de la route constituent une cause importante de mortalité, souvent liés à la vétusté des véhicules en circulation (notamment des poids lourds), au mauvais état de certaines routes, ainsi qu’au non-respect des limitations de vitesse. Il est déconseillé de circuler de nuit, la signalisation étant souvent absente, les routes peu éclairées et les véhicules circulant régulièrement tous feux éteints.

Des « coupeurs de route » peuvent sévir sur les axes secondaires, dans les zones isolées. Il convient d’éviter de circuler sur ces routes, notamment la nuit.

Délinquance

La criminalité est peu élevée au Bénin. Toutefois, des cambriolages et des agressions, parfois avec violence, ont été signalés. Il convient de rester vigilant, de surveiller ses objets personnels et d’éviter les déplacements de nuit, particulièrement seul et à pied.

Cybercriminalité

La cybercriminalité est en augmentation au Bénin. Il convient de se montrer vigilant, notamment lorsqu’une aide financière ou un achat est sollicité.

D’une manière générale, il est recommandé de ne pas effectuer de versements dès lors qu’il existe le moindre doute. Avant tout achat, il convient de se renseigner sur l’existence au Bénin du fournisseur, de la société commerciale ou de la personne privée, soit auprès du ministère de l’industrie et du commerce extérieur, soit sur des annuaires internationaux en ligne.

Terrorisme

Compte tenu du contexte régional, le risque terroriste ne peut être totalement écarté au Bénin. En mai 2019, deux touristes français ont été enlevés dans le parc national de la Pendjari et leur guide tué. Des attaques aux frontières nord du Bénin ont causé, depuis novembre 2021, plusieurs morts, notamment parmi les forces de défense et les gardes forestiers. Les attentats de Grand Bassam en 2016 en Côte d’Ivoire et les évènements de 2018 au Burkina Faso ont également montré que les groupes terroristes de la région ciblent les lieux de divertissement et hôtels où séjournent les étrangers. Il est recommandé d’observer la plus grande vigilance et de s’assurer que les accès à ces lieux sont sécurisés.

Recommandations générales

De manière générale, il est recommandé de :

  • ne pas montrer de signe ostentatoire de richesse, éviter de transporter des sommes d’argent importantes, laisser les objets de valeur en lieu sûr (ex : les coffres des hôtels) ;
  • laisser les documents d’identité et de voyage dans des lieux sécurisés et se munir de photocopies ;
  • privilégier l’usage de distributeurs intérieurs et éviter de manipuler des sommes d’argent importantes en public ;
  • éviter de circuler de nuit ;
  • être vigilant dans la préparation de ses déplacements et informer des personnes de confiance de ses trajets ;
  • ne pas emprunter de taxis-motos, les accidents étant fréquents ;
  • ne pas prendre de photographies sans autorisation préalable.
Baignades

Les baignades sont déconseillées toute l’année sur les plages du littoral, en raison de la barre et des courants violents qui font plusieurs victimes chaque année.

Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French

In brief
  • Avoid all travel to the Alibori and Atakora departments, including national parks W and Pendjari, due to a deteriorating security situation and increased attacks.
  • Swiss nationals facing road blockades or traffic disruptions in affected regions may find it impossible for the consular agency to assist their departure.
  • Do not travel alone to the beach and avoid poorly lit, uncrowded areas at night due to petty crime, especially in Cotonou.
  • Refrain from travelling across the country at night due to poor road conditions and a high risk of accidents.
  • Be aware of a high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings throughout the country, particularly in northern Benin.
  • Swiss citizens should carry a photocopy of their passport, including visa and entry stamp, for frequent identity checks.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

FDFA update note — Le chapitre Derniers développements a été enlevé (élections 2026). (published 01.05.2026)

General assessment

La situation politique était marquée par un contexte sécuritaire tendu et s’est encore aggravée à la suite de la tentative de coup d’État du 7 décembre 2025. Après l’élection présidentielle, la situation politique s’est stabilisée. Dans le nord du pays, la situation sécuritaire demeure toutefois volatile. Evitez les manifestations de n’importe quel type, car des débordements sont possibles. Les troubles et barrages routiers peuvent s'accompagner de violences. Dans l'éventualité de barrages routiers ou de perturbations du trafic, il est recommandé aux personnes en voyage de se renseigner sur place sur d’autres possibilités de déplacement ou attendre le cas échéant que la situation se normalise. En cas de barrages, il est très difficile pour l'Agence consulaire suisse de Cotonou – voire impossible selon les cas – d’aider les personnes de nationalité suisse à sortir des régions concernées. Il y a un risque d’attentats terroristes sur tout le territoire. Le risque est particulièrement élevé dans le nord du pays (voir le chapitre Risques régionaux spécifiques). Prenez également en considération la rubrique Terrorisme et enlèvements Avant et pendant le voyage, informez-vous au travers des médias et par le biais de votre tour-opérateur sur le développement de la situation. Tenez-vous à l’écart des manifestations et des rassemblements de foule de tout genre et conformez-vous aux directives des autorités locales et de votre guide (p. ex. couvre-feux).

Specific regional risks

La description des zones à risques repose sur des données approximatives; les risques ne peuvent se restreindre à des zones délimitées. Nord du pays: La situation sécuritaire dans le nord du Bénin se détériore de plus en plus. Dans la zone frontalière avec le Burkina Faso, le nord du Togo et le Niger, ainsi que dans et autour les parcs nationaux de W et de la Pendjari, les attaques et les embuscades se multiplient. Il existe également un risque d'enlèvement.

  • Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans les départements d'Alibori et d'Atakora. Cela inclut les parcs nationaux W et Pendjari.
  • Dans le département de Borgou, le site de la Forêt des Trois-Rivières est déconseillé.
  • À l'Est, toute la zone frontalière avec le Nigeria est à éviter largement.

Avant et pendant le voyage dans les autres régions du nord , renseignez-vous par le biais de votre tour-opérateur ou une personne de confiance sur place sur la situation sécuritaire actuelle. Une grande prudence est de mise. Des bandes armées et des groupes terroristes sévissent dans le nord du Bénin. Les attentats terroristes et les attaques armées font régulièrement des victimes. Le risque d’enlèvement est très élevé.

Crime

La petite délinquance (le vol à la tire et le vol à l'arraché) est présente, surtout à Cotonou. On signale également des vols de véhicules sous la menace ou avec recours à la violence. Il est notamment recommandé de prendre les précautions suivantes:

  • déposez vos objets de valeur (montre, bijoux, etc.) dans un lieu sûr et n'ayez sur vous qu'un minimum d'argent liquide;
  • déposez vos documents dans le coffre de l'hôtel; gardez toutefois toujours une photocopie du passeport sur vous (y compris la page comportant le visa et le tampon d'entrée) afin de pouvoir prouver votre identité lors des fréquents contrôles de personnes;
  • n'allez pas seul à la plage;
  • la nuit, évitez les quartiers mal éclairés et peu fréquentés;
  • tenez-vous à l'écart des grands rassemblements de foule;
  • soyez particulièrement prudents dans les places publiques (p.ex. marchés) et dans les endroits fréquentés par les touristes;
  • Verrouillez les portes de la voiture et gardez les fenêtres fermées.

Des escroqueries en provenance d’Afrique de l’Ouest se produisent régulièrement. Les auteurs usent de toutes sortes de motifs par e-mail pour inciter leurs victimes à effectuer des versements d’argent (cybercriminalité). Souvent, il s'agit d'intentions frauduleuses, par exemple lorsque:

  • une personne inconnue, invoquant une situation d’urgence médicale ou autre (agression à main armée, placement en détention, problèmes avec les autorités, problème de visa, etc.) vous demande de lui transférer de l’argent au plus vite;
  • la demande vous est adressée de communiquer vos coordonnées bancaires au motif d’un héritage ou d’un transfert d’argent à votre profit;
  • vous recevez des offres promettant un gain d’argent important;
  • vous recevez par courrier postal des pièces justificatives ayant l’apparence de documents officiels. Il s’agit souvent de faux.

Des actes de piraterie ont été commis à de multiples reprises dans le Golfe de Guinée y inclus les eaux du Bénin. Consultez les informations spécifiques: Risques maritimes et piraterie

Natural hazards

Il faut s'attendre à de fortes pluies saisonnières. Ces intempéries peuvent provoquer des inondations et des glissements de terrain et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements et les instructions des autorités locales. Météo Bénin

FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 01.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026

British passport — Foreign Office (UK)

In brief
  • British nationals should avoid all travel to Parc du W National Park and adjacent hunting zones due to terrorist attack and kidnapping risks.
  • Avoid all travel to areas within 5km of the Burkina Faso border and the zone between Parc du W and Niger.
  • British nationals should avoid all but essential travel to eastern Benin between RNIE 2 and the Nigeria border due to increasing criminality.
  • Avoid all but essential travel to the remainder of Alibori and Atacora departments due to increasing criminality.
  • Terrorist attacks are likely in Benin, potentially targeting places frequented by foreign nationals.
  • British nationals are considered legitimate targets for terrorist kidnapping; the UK government does not make concessions to hostage-takers.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Advise against all travel
  • Northern border regions — FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park. FCDO also advises against all travel to: the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger the P
  • Alibori and Atacora — Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
All but essential travel
  • Eastern Benin — FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality.
  • Alibori and Atacora — FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments.
Official Foreign Office map
Foreign Office map — Open Government Licence v3.0

Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Warnings — Foreign Office

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Northern border regions

FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park.

FCDO also advises against all travel to:

  • the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
  • the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
  • all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso
Eastern Benin

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality.

Alibori and Atacora

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Regional risks — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Regional risks — Foreign Office

This section has safety advice for regions of Benin. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Northern border regions

FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the connecting hunting zones of Meêkrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the park.

FCDO also advises against all travel to:

  • the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
  • the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
  • all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso

There is a threat of kidnapping from terrorist groups operating in the region. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in Benin’s northern border region.

The authorities sometimes set curfews in northern Benin. Keep up to date with security measures and follow the advice of the local security authorities.

Eastern Benin

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality.

Alibori and Atacora

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments, due to increasing criminality.

Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Benin

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Benin.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as:

  • beach resorts
  • hotels
  • bars
  • restaurants

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

There is a risk of terrorist attacks in the northern border regions, including throughout the Parc du W National Park, which is tri-national and shares an open border between Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. Recent incidents in the region have targeted military bases and security installations. See Regional risks .

Examples of recent significant attacks include:

  • in April 2025, 54 soldiers were killed in an attack against two military posts in Parc du W National Park
  • in January 2025, 28 soldiers were killed in an attack against a military post in Parc du W National Park
  • in 2022, 7 national park staff and 1 military personnel were killed and 12 people were injured when 2 separate vehicle convoys hit improvised explosive devices in the Beninese side of the Parc National du W
  • in 2021, at least 2 people were killed in an attack in the northern border area of Porga
Terrorist kidnap

Foreigners, government officials and civilians have been kidnapped by groups originating in bordering countries including Niger and Burkina Faso. Groups include Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), who may travel across the region’s porous borders. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in areas bordering the Sahel, this includes northern Benin.

In 2019, 2 French tourists and their Beninese guide were kidnapped from Pendjari National Park. The guide was found dead, but the hostages were rescued in Burkina Faso a few days later.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Political situation

Political demonstrations and unrest can occur without warning. Benin experienced an attempted coup on 7 December. Avoid all demonstrations, large crowds, political gatherings and rallies. In the event of unrest, monitor local media and follow instructions and announcements from the local authorities. Comply with any checks or security measures, including curfews. The authorities may introduce these at short notice.

Street crime

Street crime, including theft and mugging, is common in Cotonou. Pickpockets often operate in places visited by international travellers.

To reduce your personal risk:

  • take care in crowded areas, including hotels, bars…

American passport — U.S. Department of State

In brief
  • U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping, with some areas posing a higher risk. State Department
  • Travel is not advised to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. State Department
  • U.S. government employees require Ambassador approval for travel to Alibori, Atacora, and Donga Departments, and specific areas of Borgou Department. State Department
  • Violent crime, including kidnapping and armed robbery, can occur in remote locations, particularly at night, and citizens should remain aware of their surroundings. State Department
  • Terrorist violence is a risk, with attacks and kidnappings reported near borders and in Alibori and Borgou Departments, potentially targeting places frequented by foreigners. State Department

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Benin - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-01-06travel.state.gov ↗updated 06.01.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Advisory summary

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

Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso ; Niger ; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi , Niger , and Kwara due to crime , terrorism , and kidnapping .

Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Benin are not allowed to travel to the following areas without Ambassador approval due to safety risks:

  • Alibori Department
  • Atacora Department
  • Borgou Department in areas north, east, and west of Parakou
  • Donga Department in the area north of Djougou
  • Official travel in Borgou Department north, east, and west of Parakou as well as official travel in Donga Department north of Djougou is authorized for day trips only.
  • Safety risks prevent emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.
  • There are no safety risks in Benin that would stop the U.S. government’s ability to offer routine or emergency services, except in the identified areas of concern.

Crime

Most coastal and southern areas of Benin are safe. However, violent crime can occur in remote locations. These crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery.

Stay aware of your surroundings in:

  • Urban areas and crowded markets.
  • Areas near roadblocks, which may be manned by armed groups. Armed groups are present throughout the country.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Benin. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist and armed groups have attacked areas near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. There have also been kidnappings for ransom in areas of the Alibori and Borgou Departments near the Nigerian border.

Terrorists may target:

  • Places frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
  • Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • Schools
  • Places of worship
  • International diplomatic missions
  • Local security forces

Unrest

There have been instances of military activity and civil unrest that resulted in violence in Benin. This type of…

Global Affairs Canada — additional reading

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Border areas with Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Togo - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the following areas due to the threat of terrorism, banditry, and the risk of kidnapping:

  • along the border with Togo in the Atacora Department west of the Boukoumbé-Tanguiéta axis
  • within 50 km of the border with Burkina Faso
  • within 50 km of the border with Niger and all the area north of the Interstate 7 motorway
  • within 50 km of the border with Nigeria, north of the town of Nikki in Borgou Department
Northern departments - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

  • Northern departments — Avoid non-essential travel to the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.
Portion of the Borgou Department along the border with Nigeria - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to within 50 km of the Nigerian border south of the town of Nikki in the Borgou Department.

  • Portion of the Borgou Department along the border with Nigeria — Avoid non-essential travel to within 50 km of the Nigerian border south of the town of Nikki in the Borgou Department.

Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

In brief
  • You must abide by local laws, including those concerning drugs, which carry severe penalties of jail sentences and heavy fines for possession, use, or trafficking.
  • While same-sex sexual acts are not prohibited, homosexuality is not widely accepted, and public displays of affection could lead to arrest under laws such as indecent exposure.
  • You must carry an international driving permit to drive in Benin; if you cause an accident, take the injured person to the hospital and go to the police if witnesses react with hostility.
  • Photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, and bridges, is illegal, and you should always seek permission before photographing people.
  • Benin has a cash-based economy, and while credit cards are accepted in major hotels, ATMs compatible with foreign cards are rare outside of major cities.
  • You should dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions, including Voodoo culture, to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all

Local laws

You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine. Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The laws of Benin law do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Benin. Homosexual behaviour could lead to arrest under laws such as indecent exposure. 2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Benin. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Benin. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Benin by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Benin to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit to drive in Benin. If you have an accident and injure someone, take the person directly to hospital. If witnesses to the accident react with hostility, go immediately to the nearest police station. More about the International Driving Permit

Dress and behavior

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • respect religious and social traditions
  • seek permission from locals before photographing them
Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

  • military sites
  • government buildings
  • bridges
Money

The currency is the West African Financial Community franc, or CFA franc (XOF). Benin has a cash-based economy. Credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels, but rarely in restaurants and other shops. ATMs compatible with foreign cards are available in banks and some large hotels but are rare outside the major cities.

Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences

Voodoo culture

Benin is one of the main centres of Voodoo practices, and Voodoo culture is prevalent. You should research and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Most people in Benin celebrate Voodoo Festival, an annual public holiday in early January. Make sure you’ve arranged travel and accommodation as options are limited during the festival. Watch out for pickpockets.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and heavy fines.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photos at or near sensitive or government sites, such as military installations or the airport.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Bribes

You should politely and firmly decline requests for ‘gifts’ from officials to facilitate administrative matters as this could implicate you in illegal activity.

Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French

Specific legal provisions

Entre autres, sont punissables:

  • la possession et l’utilisation de sacs en plastique;
  • la photographie d’installations militaires, passages frontaliers, bâtiments publics, aéroports, ponts, etc.

Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont durement réprimées. Les conditions de détention sont précaires.

Cultural specificities

Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite et les conventions à respecter. Demandez toujours avant de photographier des personnes ou des groupes de personnes. Les relations homosexuelles sont réprouvées de manière générale.

FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 01.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Air: Moderate 45/100PM2.5 23.5 µg/m³ · PM10 26.3 µg/m³
UV moderate today max 5.0Right now 0.0 · WHO scale 0–11+

What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.

Reading 22:00 (Africa/Porto-Novo)Open-Meteo ↗updated 13.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.

Physicians per 1,000 people
Benin0.2 2023
Switzerland4.5 2022
France3.3 2022
Hospital beds per 1,000 people
Benin0.4 2021
Switzerland4.4 2023
France5.7 2022
Health spending per person (USD)
Benin47 2023
Switzerland11,784 2023
France5,327 2024
Life expectancy (years)
Benin61.0 2024
Switzerland84.4 2024
France83.0 2024

Reading: With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 47 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.

World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

I travel on a passportVisa, passport validity, entry form: the rules depend on your passport. Each government describes them for its own nationals.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • French nationals require a visa for Benin, a passport valid for six months beyond their return date, a return ticket, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.
  • Benin introduced an electronic visa system on April 23, 2018, allowing online applications and receipt of the e-Visa via email.
  • All goods imported into Benin by land, air, or sea must be declared and taxed, with customs clearance requiring an authorized transit company.
  • Personal medication in reasonable quantities for individual use is exempt from regulation, but commercial imports require prior health sector authorization.
  • Dogs and cats entering Benin must have a rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccination was administered between one month and one year prior.
  • Exporting protected animal species or parts, such as ivory or pangolin scales, is strictly controlled and subject to penalties.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Bénin

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- Risques naturels

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Mesures liées au Covid

Toutes les mesures de restrictions sanitaires pour l’entrée sur le territoire ont été levées.

Formalités d’entrée et de séjour

Les ressortissants français souhaitant se rendre au Bénin sont soumis à une obligation de visa. Ils doivent disposer d’un passeport d’une durée de validité d’au moins 6 mois après la date de retour en France, d’un billet retour et d’un carnet de vaccination attestant du vaccin contre la fièvre jaune.

e-Visa

Le gouvernement béninois a mis en place le 23 avril 2018 un « visa électronique » (« e-Visa »). Les demandes de visas peuvent désormais être effectuées en ligne . Après validation du dossier, le voyageur reçoit son visa électronique par courriel, sous forme de code barre.

Moyennant le paiement de frais supplémentaires, les voyageurs conservent la possibilité d’effectuer leurs démarches auprès de la représentation consulaire du Bénin de leur pays de résidence.

Réglementation générale en matière d’importation de biens

La règlementation douanière oblige toute personne qui importe un objet par voie terrestre, aérienne ou maritime à le déclarer et à payer les taxes douanières correspondantes. Le recours à une société de transit est obligatoire pour procéder au dédouanement : seul un commissionnaire agréé par les services douaniers est habilité à le faire.

Importation de médicaments

Lorsque le médicament importé est exclusivement à usage personnel (traitement curatif ou préventif), donc en quantité raisonnable ne laissant pas soupçonner un commerce illicite, il n’est soumis à aucune réglementation. L’importation en grande quantité et à titre commercial est soumise aux autorisations préalables des responsables du secteur de la santé.

Importation d’animaux de compagnie

La vaccination antirabique est obligatoire pour introduire un chien ou un chat au Bénin. Le carnet de vaccination de l’animal doit attester qu’elle a été pratiquée depuis plus d’un mois et moins d’un an.

Exportation d’animaux protégés

L’exportation d’espèces animales ou de morceaux d’animaux protégés au sens de la convention de Washington sur le commerce des espèces en danger (ivoire, écailles de pangolins, peaux, etc.) est strictement contrôlée et sanctionnée.

Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)

The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 01.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026

British passport — Foreign Office (UK)

In brief
  • British citizens must ensure their passport is valid for the entire duration of their stay in Benin.
  • A visa is required for all entries and transit through Benin, which must be applied for online at least seven days before arrival.
  • The visa for Benin will be issued upon arrival at Cotonou airport.
  • Entry visas for Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo cannot be obtained in Benin and must be secured before travelling.
  • A valid certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Benin.
  • British citizens returning to the UK must carry a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement.

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Entry requirements — rules for a British passport

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Benin’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Benin set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Beninese Embassy in France (in French).

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual Citizenship .

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter or travel through Benin.

For further information on entry requirements, contact the Beninese Embassy in France (in French).

Applying for a visa

Apply for a Benin visa online at least 7 days before your arrival date. You will get your visa when you arrive at Cotonou airport.

Visas for Nigeria, Ghana and Togo

You cannot get entry visas for Nigeria, Ghana or Togo in Benin. For onward travel you must apply for visas before travelling to Benin.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Benin, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Benin (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

American passport — U.S. Department of State

The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 06.01.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Living on site

For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.

CrimeHIGH

What the texts say · Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Benin. Street crime, including theft and mugging, is common in Cotonou.

What they advise:
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • To reduce your personal risk: take care in crowded areas, including hotels, bars and on public transport.
  • In general do not resist an armed attacker.
Foreign Office
TransportMODERATE

What the texts say · Be alert to the risk of carjacking both in Cotonou and on roads outside towns and cities. Roadblocks are common throughout the country.

What they advise:
  • Always keep doors locked and windows closed when driving and avoid driving after dark.
  • Be prepared to show your identification.
  • Do not pass through a roadblock without stopping, even if it appears to be unattended.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Nature and climateMODERATE

What the texts say · In the south, there are two rainy seasons: from April to mid-July and mid-September to October. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services.

What they advise:
  • Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions.
  • Stay away from flooded areas.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.
Global Affairs Canada
Laws and customsTO KNOW

What the texts say · Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. It is illegal to take photos at or near sensitive or government sites, such as military installations or the airport.

What they advise:
  • If you have an accident and injure someone, take the person directly to hospital.
  • Keep a certified copy of your passport with you at all times.
Global Affairs Canada · Foreign Office
Cyber and dataMODERATE

What the texts say · Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents.

What they advise: Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Benin.
Foreign Office
Crowds and calendarMODERATE

What the texts say · Political demonstrations and unrest can occur without warning. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

What they advise: Avoid all demonstrations, large crowds, political gatherings and rallies.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada

Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 15.12.2025 · read 27.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 24.09.2026 · read 27.09.2026)

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Benin1.1 2017
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Benin26.8 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

—:—Local time · Africa/Porto-Novo ·
117Local emergency numbers · Police 117 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 118
+229 · FrenchDialling code · languages
Europlug, prise électrique de type E220 V
Drivingon the right

Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.

FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French

Transport and infrastructure

La nuit, renoncez aux déplacements à travers le pays. En raison de l’état des routes, souvent mauvais, le risque d’accident est très élevé une fois la nuit tombée. Les contrôles routiers sont fréquents. Les standards de sécurité des moyens de transport publics sont souvent insuffisants. Les moto-taxis présentent un risque d’accident considérable. Il arrive que les points de passage des frontières soient temporairement fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières.

FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 01.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Public holidaysNager.Date ↗read 25.09.2026

  • Mon 26 Oct — Armed Forces Day
  • Sun 1 Nov — All Saints' Day
  • Mon 30 Nov — National Day
  • Fri 25 Dec — Christmas Day
  • Sat 26 Dec — St. Stephen's Day
ESSENTIAL

Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).

+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client area

The three hospitals to know — Porto-Novo

None of these facilities is a Maximum Insurance “partner”, and none is presented as waiving upfront payment: this list is a reading of public map data, nothing more. A direct payment guarantee is arranged CASE BY CASE by our assistance desk, facility by facility and when the need arises — one number, +41 22 ••• •• ••.

List read from OpenStreetMap on 13.10.2026.

41hospitals and clinics26pharmacies19doctorsFull map and list ↗

Before you go

  • Routine vaccinesup to date
  • Yellow feverrequired for entry
  • Hepatitis Arecommended
  • Hepatitis Brecommended
  • Malariapreventive medicine recommended
  • Typhoidrecommended
  • Meningococcal diseasedepending on the area

CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026

On site

DengueMosquitoes bite by day: repellent, long sleeves.
MalariaPresent in some areas: talk to a doctor before leaving.
ChikungunyaMosquito-borne: same protection as for dengue.
MedicationIn their box, with the prescription — in English if possible.

The health system — With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 47 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.

Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.

The next 7 days Africa/Porto-NovoMET Norway ↗read 13.10.2026

Wed 14 Oct25–29°showers · 7.3 mm
Thu 15 Oct25–31°showers · 3.1 mm
Fri 16 Oct25–31°showers · 6.3 mm
Sat 17 Oct25–30°showers · 3.9 mm
Sun 18 Oct25–30°rain · 2.8 mm
Mon 19 Oct24–31°heavy rain · 6.6 mm
Tue 20 Oct25–32°showers · 3.5 mm

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

I travel on a passportYour embassy, and the service to register with, depend on your passport.

Your country, 24/7, from abroad

FR
Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs+33 1 53 59 11 0024/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.www.diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
CH
FDFA Helpline+41 58 465 33 33+41 800 24 7 36524/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.www.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 01.05.2026 · read 13.10.2026
GB
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office+44 20 7008 500024 hours, for British nationals.www.gov.uk ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026
US
Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State+1 202 501 4444+1 888 407 4747From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.travel.state.gov ↗updated 06.01.2026 · read 13.10.2026

French passport — French embassy and consulates

FR
Résidence de l'Ambassade de Franceembassy · 26.4 km

phone not published

FR
Consulat de Francenearest · 24.7 km

phone not published

Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Updated: 15 September 2026

OpenStreetMap

Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates

Useful addresses — FDFA, in French

Numéro d'urgence général: 166 Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Ambassade de Suisse au Ghana Bureau de coopération suisse et agence consulaire au Bénin Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Il n'y a pas de représentation de la République du Bénin en Suisse. Des informations sur les prescriptions d’entrée (documents d’identité admis, visa, etc.) peuvent être obtenues auprès de l'Ambassade de la République du Bénin à Paris. Celle-ci peut également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l’importation et l’exportation d’animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc.: 87 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris, Tel. +33 01 45 00 98 82 Bénin e-Visa

OpenStreetMap · DFAE

American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates

OpenStreetMap

Police

  • Commissariat d'Arrondissement de DODJI · 2.9 km
  • Brigade Anti-Criminalité antenne de Porto-Novo · 3.9 km
    244
  • Direction générale de la police nationale · 4.4 km
  • Brigade Territoriale D'ADJARRA · 5.7 km

Town hall

  • Mairie d'Adjarra · 7.6 km

OpenStreetMap

Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.12.2025 · read 13.10.2026

Getting help — Foreign Office

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Benin

Fire and ambulance: 118

Police: 117

Emergency response is very limited and you may need to ask for local advice to get emergency help.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call  FCDO  in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Ten phrases in French

For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.

Help!Au secours !
Call an ambulance!Appelez une ambulance !
I need a doctor.J'ai besoin d'un médecin.
Where is the nearest hospital?Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ?
Call the police!Appelez la police !
I am allergic to penicillin.Je suis allergique à la pénicilline.
I have international medical insurance.J'ai une assurance médicale internationale.
I want to contact my embassy.Je voudrais contacter mon ambassade.
Please take me to this address.Emmenez-moi à cette adresse, s'il vous plaît.
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais ?

Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.

  • Keep the entry stamp, hospital invoices and the medical report. Without them a claim cannot be rebuilt.
  • File it from the claim form, once back, with those papers.
  • The France Diplomatie health page mentions dengue and malaria and chikungunya. A fever in the weeks after return should be told to a doctor, naming the country.

Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.

1Once — the framework
2For each departure
3During the mission, and after

What is happening in Benin right now

Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.

What governments have just written

LatestRisque sécuritaire aux frontières nord

En raison de possibles incursions de groupes armés terroristes et du risque d’attaque ou d’enlèvement, il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans les zones frontalières du Burkina Faso, d’une grande partie du Niger et d’une partie du Nigéria, y compris les parcs nationaux de la Pendjari et du W, et les zones mitoyennes à ces parcs. Ce niveau de vigilance (« formellement déconseillé », en rouge sur la carte) est incompatible avec les activités touristiques. Avant tout…

France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 1 October 2025 · updated 16 September 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
UpdateGlobal Affairs Canada

Health – editorial change

September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.

⚡ The world feed — every country →

Frequently asked questions — travel insurance Benin

24/7 support number — +41 22 ••• •• ••An adviser goes through each question with you until you have an actionable answer: cover, hospital, entry rules, claims. Full number in your client area. You can also ask Maximum directly, just below these questions.
What is the official risk level in Benin today?

Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.

  • Is the whole country advised against? United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no (reading of 27 September 2026).
  • Switzerland’s FDFA advises against travel to certain regions (published 01.05.2026).
  • Contractually, only an FDFA, FOPH or WHO advisory against the trip opens Module A (art. 18.1) — that is not the case today.
  • International medical cover, 24/7 number saved, and a read of the areas named under Safety & risks before booking the itinerary.
  • We check these sources every morning and e-mail you the day one changes (Alerts button).

Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 06.01 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 01.05 · read 13.10207-country comparison

Is the whole of Benin advised against, or only some areas?

An area advised against does not rule out the country.

  • Official answers: United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no.
  • Foreign Office, regional risks: “This section has safety advice for regions of Benin. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has specific advice. You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice . Northern border…”
  • Keep your country of residence's advisory on booking day and on departure day: that is what your policy's clauses cite.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 15.12 · read 13.10State Department · updated 06.01 · read 13.10

What are the entry requirements for Benin with my passport?

The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.

  • French passport (France Diplomatie): French nationals require a visa for Benin, a passport valid for six months beyond their return date, a return ticket, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Benin introduced an electronic visa system on April 23, 2018, allowing online applications and receipt of the e-Visa via email. All goods imported into Benin by land, air, or sea must be declared and taxed, with customs clearance requiring an authorized transit company.
  • British passport (Foreign Office): British citizens must ensure their passport is valid for the entire duration of their stay in Benin. A visa is required for all entries and transit through Benin, which must be applied for online at least seven days before arrival. The visa for Benin will be issued upon arrival at Cotonou airport.
  • American passport: the requirements are on the State Department country page (travel.state.gov).
  • Swiss passport: the FDFA refers you to the destination's embassy in Switzerland.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Before you go › Entry: the official text that concerns you comes first, with its “In brief” summary.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 15.12 · read 13.10State Department · updated 06.01 · read 13.10

Do I need an insurance certificate for a Benin visa?

For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).

  • Many other countries ask for it on entry or for a visa, case by case: check Before you go › Entry, with your passport.
  • Subscribe: the named certificate arrives by e-mail on payment, with your name, dates and limits (CHF 1.5M medical expenses, unlimited evacuation and repatriation) — the ones consulates check.
  • Attach it to the visa file; if in doubt about the format, write to us.

SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does Maximum Insurance do in Benin, concretely?

VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.

  • CHF 1.5M emergency medical expenses, unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation, search and rescue CHF 50,000, cancellation or change CHF 5,000.
  • One 24/7 number, +41 22 ••• •• ••: Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
  • Network of 45,000 providers (art. 6.9); evacuation is decided, organised and paid by Maximum's medical team if the local facility is not enough (art. 6.2.2).
  • Around Porto-Novo, the nearest hospital read from OpenStreetMap: ONG action prospérité et bien être social · 4.8 km · 66086767 · 24/7 emergency room.
  • Named certificate by e-mail on payment, no medical questionnaire.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 10.10

What should I do if hospitalised in Benin?

Six steps, in this order.

  • 1. Call +41 22 ••• •• •• before paying anything, or have the front desk call: it is the condition for full cover (otherwise: reduced or refused benefits).
  • 2. Ask for a hospital in the Maximum network (art. 6.9) — the nearest: ONG action prospérité et bien être social · 4.8 km · 66086767 · 24/7 emergency room.
  • 3. See a doctor the same day and leave with the certificate: without an on-the-spot finding, nothing is covered (art. 33).
  • 4. Admitted for more than 24 h? The front desk calls Maximum: direct payment guarantee, no deposit (art. 2.12).
  • 5. Book no ambulance or flight yourself (art. 6.2.2).
  • 6. Once home, file within 30 days (art. 35.7).
  • Local emergency services: police 117 · ambulance 112 · fire 118.

SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Which emergency numbers in Benin?

Local emergency services: police 117 · ambulance 112 · fire 118

  • Maximum, 24/7, before any payment: +41 22 ••• •• ••.
  • France — Consulat de France (24.7 km)
  • Switzerland — Bureau de la coopération suisse DDC et Agence consulaire (25.7 km) · +229 21 31 47 37
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis d'Amérique (27.4 km) · +229-21-30-75-00
  • Save these numbers before leaving; in immediate danger, call local emergency services first, then Maximum.

SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 10.10

Is an Amex, Visa or Mastercard enough in Benin?

At today's level 2/4, card by card:

  • Amex Platinum — No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
  • Visa — No express area exclusion — but a €156,000 cap, 90 days, and the war/instability exclusion in the background.
  • Mastercard — No exclusion in play at this level — but a €155,000 cap and 90 covered days.
  • Three lines to read in your notice: the duration (often 90 days per trip), the settlement (reimbursement afterwards or direct payment of the hospital) and the area exclusion at level 4/4.

SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '

Are a health plan or a travel policy enough in Benin?

A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.

  • Health plan — A health plan treats you at home. Here the hospital asks for a guarantee before admission — not a later reimbursement.
  • Travel policy — No area exclusion at this level — compare cap, deductible and covered duration.
  • A travel policy often has a territorial clause at level 4/4 and a 90-day limit per trip.
  • Have your IPID number or the PDF of the terms and ask an expert to call you back: the answer is in the document, not in the brochure.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

How do I use the medical network on this page?

Around Porto-Novo: 41 hospitals and clinics, 27 with a 24/7 emergency room, 26 pharmacies, 19 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 13.10.2026).

  • Type your city, hotel or beach: the map re-centres, 24/7 emergency rooms come first.
  • Each row gives the phone when the source publishes it, the nearest street, directions and the Google Maps listing.
  • The PDF briefing repeats the same places, numbered on a printable map.
  • No customer reviews: OpenStreetMap has none, and we invent none.

SourcesOpenStreetMap (ODbL) · read 10.10

Which vaccines and health precautions for Benin?

The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.

  • CDC (Travelers' Health), depending on the trip: Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles.
  • France Diplomatie reports in the country: dengue, malaria, chikungunya — mosquito protection day and night.
  • See a doctor or a travel clinic 8 weeks before departure (Foreign Office).
  • Carry your medicines in their packaging, with a prescription using international non-proprietary names (France Diplomatie).

SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 15.12 · read 13.10

Can I be treated in Benin, or will I be evacuated?

0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.

  • 0.4 hospital beds per 1,000 people versus 4.4 in Switzerland (World Bank).
  • With 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people (96% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 47 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
  • When the local facility is not enough, Maximum's medical team decides the evacuation to a suitable centre, and pays for it (art. 6.2.2).

SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Benin: safety, in figures?

1.1 homicides per 100,000 people (2017) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.

  • 26.8 road deaths per 100,000 people versus 2.2 in Switzerland (World Bank, WHO).
  • UCDP (Uppsala University): 2 geolocated violent incidents, 20 deaths over the last closed period, each placed on the map.
  • The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.

SourcesWorld Bank (UNODC, WHO) · read 10.10UCDP

Where is my embassy in Benin, and why register?

The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):

  • France — Consulat de France (24.7 km)
  • Switzerland — Bureau de la coopération suisse DDC et Agence consulaire (25.7 km) · +229 21 31 47 37
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis d'Amérique (27.4 km) · +229-21-30-75-00
  • Register before leaving: France: Ariane · Switzerland: Travel Admin · United Kingdom: Foreign Office alerts · United States: STEP.
  • Two minutes, and in a crisis your country's authorities can reach you and count you in an evacuation.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Contacts: your embassy comes first.

SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 10.10DFAE · updated 01.05 · read 13.10

Which regions of Benin should I avoid, precisely?

3 regions advised against, fully or partly, by at least one official reading.

  • Your point (Ouémé): country-wide vigilance.
  • Advised against — all but essential travel: Alibori, Atakora, Borgou.
  • Areas quoted without a region: Global Affairs Canada — Within 50 km of the border with Burkina Faso; Global Affairs Canada — Within 50 km of the border with Niger and all the area north of the Interstate 7 motorway; Foreign Office — FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of…; Foreign Office — The area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger…
  • Maximum does not exclude these areas: the VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there (sanctions, embargoes and a country already at war at departure remain enforceable).

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 15.12 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10

Which laws and customs should I know in Benin?

Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.

  • You must abide by local laws, including those concerning drugs, which carry severe penalties of jail sentences and heavy fines for possession, use, or trafficking.
  • While same-sex sexual acts are not prohibited, homosexuality is not widely accepted, and public displays of affection could lead to arrest under laws such as indecent exposure.
  • You must carry an international driving permit to drive in Benin; if you cause an accident, take the injured person to the hospital and go to the police if witnesses react with hostility.
  • Photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, and bridges, is illegal, and you should always seek permission before photographing people.
  • Benin has a cash-based economy, and while credit cards are accepted in major hotels, ATMs compatible with foreign cards are rare outside of major cities.

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 15.12 · read 13.10

Who can I call at any hour from Benin?

Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.

  • France — Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: +33 1 53 59 11 00. 24/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.
  • Switzerland — FDFA Helpline: +41 58 465 33 33 · +41 800 24 7 365. 24/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.
  • United Kingdom — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: +44 20 7008 5000. 24 hours, for British nationals.
  • United States — Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State: +1 202 501 4444 · +1 888 407 4747. From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.
  • On site, Ambassade de France: +229 21 36 55 33.

Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 01.05 · read 13.10

A few useful phrases in French for Benin?

Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:

  • Help! → Au secours !
  • Call an ambulance! → Appelez une ambulance !
  • I need a doctor. → J'ai besoin d'un médecin.
  • Where is the nearest hospital? → Où est l'hôpital le plus proche ?
  • Call the police! → Appelez la police !

SourcesMaximum Insurance

What should I keep after leaving Benin, and how do I file a claim?

Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.

  • File within 30 days (art. 35.7) from your client area, with the documents; the official forms are pre-filled.
  • Costs advanced on site are reimbursed against receipts.
  • Fever, persistent diarrhoea or a rash in the following weeks? See a doctor and say where you have been — dengue, malaria, chikungunya circulate in the country (France Diplomatie).

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does the Pack VIP Extreme add?

Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.

  • Special risk (Module A): political event, attack, epidemic, natural disaster — opens when the FDFA, the FOPH or WHO advise against the trip (art. 18.1).
  • Epidemic: assistance must be requested within 7 days of the WHO or FDFA qualification (art. 36.2).
  • Crisis management and security: trip registration, monitoring, extraction, evacuation in case of riot, war, terrorism or disaster; Kidnap & Ransom subject to eligibility (art. 18.4).
  • $2,290 a year, unlimited trips.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

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What Maximum knows

The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.

Same advisory level: Chile · China · Comoros · Congo · Costa Rica · Cuba

Cross-check with official sources
U.S. State Department → UK FCDO → France Diplomatie → DFAE (Suisse) →

The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.

The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.

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Go further
Insured in an advised-against country →What a repatriation really costs →Who pays the hospital abroad →Where the United States, France and the United Kingdom disagree →Insuring a team that travels: you cover a headcount, not names →What is duty of care? →

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