Benin

The Government of Benin has regained control following an attempted coup in early December 2025, but the security situation may change at short notice. Police and military patrols are frequent, particularly in Cotonou and near government offices. 

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

If you are in Benin:

• avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
• expect an increased presence of security forces
• contact your airline to confirm your flight status
• stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor reputable media and official social media channels for updates on the evolving situation

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime is common, especially in Cotonou and regions bordering Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria.

Crimes include robberies and carjackings. Carjacking occurs more often at night.

Petty crime, like pickpocketing, is common in markets in Cotonou and near:

• hotels
• ports
• bus stations

Criminals often target bars, restaurants and tourist spots. Avoid walking alone after dark in poorly lit areas, on the beach or in the vicinity of Dantokpa market.

To stay safe:

• don't walk alone after dark or in poorly lit areas
• keep valuable items such as expensive jewellery or mobile phones out of sight
• watch out for drivers or pedestrians who act suspiciously
• keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• avoid leaving your belongings unattended

Scams and fraud

Scammers usually operate in one of two ways.

They may ask their friend or prospective marriage partner to send them money to travel to Australia. After they get the money, they end the relationship.

Victims rarely get their money back. If you travel to the scammer's country to meet someone or get money back, you risk kidnapping, assault and robbery. Sometimes scam victims are killed.

Commercial internet fraud is common in West African countries.

Internet scams may offer romance, friendship, business or job offers.

Criminals might:

• ask you to transfer large amounts of money into a 'safe' bank account as a donation or for a percentage
• give fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for a fake government contract
• make fake job offers
• steal money from someone they've invited to Africa for business

Friendship, dating and marriage scams often start on internet dating sites or chat rooms.

To avoid scams:

• be wary of messages from people you don't know in Benin (or other West African countries)
• do your research before you send money to anyone in Benin

If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice. 

Don't travel to Benin to get your money back.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

In recent years, terrorists have attacked northern Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria.

A terror attack could happen anywhere, including places foreigners go.

To stay safe from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow advice from local authorities

If an attack happens, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area because further attacks may follow.

The risk of terrorist activity is very high in northern Benin, including in the W and Pendjari National Parks. Do not travel to the northern departments of Atakora, Alibori or Borgou.

More information:

• Terrorism

• Kidnapping

Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Many people drown each year.

Get advice from locals before swimming. Don't swim alone.

Severe weather

Benin experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including flooding, seasonal winds and wildfires.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• follow advice from local authorities
• stay in contact with friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Flooding

In the south, the rainy seasons are April to July and September to October. In the north, the rainy season is June to September.

During rainy seasons, severe weather and flooding can damage bridges and roads.

Seasonal winds

Benin experiences a seasonal wind called the Harmattan from December to March. This wind blows sand and dust into the air, which may limit what you can see. 

Wildfires

Forest and brush fires are frequent between July and August, especially in northern Benin.

Air quality in areas affected by forest fires can deteriorate due to dense smoke.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Benin. The availability of some medicines may be restricted. Carry enough for your entire stay.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is common in Benin. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in Benin and other West African countries.

To protect yourself from disease:

• check your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is high. Take precautions before you do anything that puts you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur in Benin. These include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• meningitis
• hepatitis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• tuberculosis
• lassa fever
• chikungunya

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

If you swim in fresh water, you may be exposed to waterborne diseases.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

The standard of medical facilities is generally poor in Benin. Medical facilities in major towns have limited services and may not have English-speaking staff available. Rural areas may have very basic care or none at all.

Doctors and hospitals usually need you to pay before they will treat you. If you can't pay, they'll often delay your treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to somewhere with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include long prison sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos of:

• government buildings
• military zones, assets and personnel

Benin recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, you may have to perform civil or military service in Benin. Check with an embassy or consulate of Benin before you travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Benin is very conservative. Take care not to offend.

Ask for permission before you take someone's photo.

Politely and firmly say no to officials who ask for gifts in return for help.

Same-sex relationships are legal, but locals often don't accept them.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visitor visas

If you hold an Australian passport, to enter Benin, you need a visa and meet yellow fever requirements.

You can apply online, for a fee, for a short stay single or multiple entry e-visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Benin for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Passport validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the West African CFA Franc.

Benin's economy is cash-based. ATMs are rare outside major centres. Many businesses don't accept credit cards.

It's hard to exchange Australian dollars in Benin. You can exchange US dollars and euros at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Plan ahead and take enough cash to meet your needs.

Contact your bank to check you can access your money in Benin.

Credit and debit card fraud is common.

Border areas

Do not travel to Benin's border region with Burkina Faso and Niger. Do not travel to the Benin-Nigeria border in the departments of Alibori and Borgou. Reconsider your need to travel to the Benin-Nigeria border south of the Department of Borgou.

If you travel to Benin's border regions, despite our advice, be aware that border crossings can close at short notice. Check with local authorities before travelling.

Driving permit

You can drive in Benin with:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a road accident in Benin than in Australia.

Driving hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poor street lighting
• overloaded vehicles
• people or animals on roads

Criminal activity, unofficial checkpoints and highway bandits are common.

Most roads outside of Cotonou are unsealed and poorly maintained. Some unsealed roads are unusable during the rainy seasons.

Fuel shortages are common in rural areas of northern Benin.

Police sometimes check vehicles at temporary roadblocks. They may ask for your ID and vehicle registration papers.

Witnesses to road accidents can react strongly towards people they think are at fault.

To stay safe on the road:

• learn about local traffic laws and practices before driving
• always carry copies of ID, vehicle registration, and ownership papers
• avoid driving at night
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when driving

If you travel to rural areas, take extra fuel, drinking water and first aid supplies.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Ensure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to arrange them through your hotel.

Public transport

There is no reliable public transport in Benin.

Avoid long-distance buses. They're poorly maintained and often overloaded.

Boat travel

Travelling on boats can be dangerous. Safety standards are often low. Boats may not have lifesaving equipment, and operators may not be licenced by authorities.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Piracy and armed robbery at sea happen in coastal areas of Benin. Pirates have attacked large vessels in waters off Benin and nearby countries.

Smugglers and traffickers routinely use internal waterways between Nigeria and Benin to evade border controls.

The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

More information:

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 69, or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 117, or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Benin.

You can access limited consular services from the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
X: @AusHCAbuja

Contact the High Commission for an appointment.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia