Benin

Exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

 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 violence may lead to road and land border closures as well as impacted operations at the Cotonou International Airport. Although U.S. citizens have not been targeted, sporadic military activity or civil unrest may happen suddenly and poses a risk.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping for ransom occurs in Benin. Criminal groups and terrorist organizations target both locals and foreign visitors.