Advice levels
What does this mean?Exercise a high degree of caution in Benin overall due to the threat of violent crime.
See Safety
Do not travel If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.Do not travel
Do not travel to:
- the departments of Atakora, Alibori and Borgou,
- Pendjari and W National Park, and
- Mékrou and Djona hunting zones
due to the high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel Avoid non-essential travel. Do your research and check that your insurer will cover you. If you do travel, take extra precautions to protect yourself from security and health risks.Reconsider your need to travel
Reconsider your need to travel to the border area with Nigeria, south of the Department of Borgou, due to the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
See Safety
Overview
Safety
- Violent crime is common in Benin, especially in Cotonou and regions bordering Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. Robberies, carjackings and pickpocketing also occur. Don't walk alone after dark, particularly in poorly lit areas, on the beach or in the vicinity of Dantokpa market.
- Terrorist activity and kidnappings have occurred in Benin, particularly in the northern departments of Atakora, Alibori and Borgou, do not travel to these areas. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Reconsider your need to travel to the border area with Nigeria, south of the Department of Borgou, due to the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.
- Scams and internet fraud are common in West African countries. Scam victims often lose money. Be wary of messages from people you don't know. Don't travel to Benin to meet someone you have only interacted with online.
- During rainy season, severe weather and flooding can damage bridges and roads. Depending on the region, the rainy seasons can happen from April to October. Monitor the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updates.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Yellow fever, malaria and other tropical diseases are common. Get a yellow fever vaccination before you travel, and consider taking medication to prevent malaria. Use insect repellent.
- HIV/AIDS infection rates are high. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
- Infectious diseases can occur. There were hundreds of cases of cholera in 2016. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food.
- Medical facilities in major towns are limited. Rural areas may have very basic care or none at all. A medical evacuation will be required if you're seriously ill or injured. English-speaking medical staff may not be available.
Full travel advice: Health
Local 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.
- Benin is very conservative. Take care not to offend.
- Same-sex relationships aren't illegal, but locals are often intolerant of them. Avoid open displays of affection.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- Visas are restricted. You can apply online for a short-stay single or multiple-entry e-visa. You'll need to pay a fee to apply for a visa. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Benin for the latest details.
- You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
- It's difficult to exchange Australian dollars for West African CFA Francs. The economy is mainly cash-based, credit cards may not work, and ATMs are rare outside major centres. Plan ahead and take enough cash to meet your needs.
- Driving in regional Benin can be dangerous due to poorly maintained roads and low driving standards. Unofficial checkpoints and highway bandits are common. Avoid driving at night. Stay alert if you do drive. Keep doors and windows locked, even when you're driving.
- Criminal activity happens, particularly in border regions. 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. Border crossings may close at short notice.
- Boat travel can be dangerous. Piracy and armed robbery at sea happen in coastal areas of Benin.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy in Benin.
- For limited consular services contact the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Crime
Violent crime
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
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.
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism
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:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Terrorist groups within the region have kidnapped foreigners in northern Benin and neighbouring Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria.
The risk of kidnapping is very high in northern Benin, including in Pendjari and W National Parks. Do not travel to this region. Conflict in this region is ongoing, and foreigners have been targeted in the past.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
- always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
- get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
- check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
- avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
- notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location
- avoid talking about your money or business affairs
- use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
- avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To reduce your risk:
- avoid protests, rallies and crowds
- monitor the media and other sources for possible action
More information:
Swimming safety
Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Many people drown each year.
Get advice from locals before swimming. Don't swim alone.
Climate and natural disasters
Severe weather
Benin experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including flooding and seasonal winds.
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 wind
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.
Health
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
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.
More information:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medications
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:
Health risks
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:
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.
Medical care
The standard of medical facilities is generally poor. 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.
Local laws
Local law
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Drugs
Penalties for drug offences include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
Other laws
It's illegal to take photos of:
- government buildings
- military zones, assets and personnel
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual citizenship
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:
Local customs
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:
Travel
Visas and border measures
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.
Other formalities
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:
Passport
Validity
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Money
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.
Local travel
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:
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:
Local contacts
Emergencies
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.
Consular contacts
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