Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Latest updates: Comprehensive review and update of the travel advice based on current conditions in Benin. This includes revised information on security risks, entry requirements, health precautions, transportation safety, laws and cultural norms.

Last updated: November 23, 2023 11:11 ET

Risk Levels

Benin - Exercise a high degree of caution

A high degree of caution is advised when visiting Benin due to moderate risk of petty and violent crime, especially in urban areas and border regions. Violent crimes such as armed robberies, assaults and carjackings occasionally occur. Protest demonstrations and transport strikes can also turn violent. Terrorist attacks are a threat.

Regional Risks

North of National Highway 7 - Avoid non-essential travel

The northern regions along the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger pose security risks from terrorism, banditry and potential kidnapping. The threat extends to wildlife parks like W National Park and Pendjari National Park. Foreign nationals have been kidnapped in these areas before. Avoid non-essential travel here.

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

Avoid all travel within 50km of the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria, including parts of Atacora, Donga, Alibori and Borgou departments. These border zones have witnessed terrorist incidents, bandit attacks, kidnapping and murder. The security situation remains unstable.

Safety and Security

Border Regions

Armed insurgent groups are active along the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, including in national parks in Atacora, Alibori, Borgou departments and north of Highway 7. They conduct terrorist attacks, banditry, smuggling and kidnappings targeting foreign tourists and aid workers.

The threat extends to wildlife reserves like W National Park and Pendjari National Park located in these border areas. Parts of these parks are unsafe for visitors. Nigerian militant groups also make incursions across the border into Benin.

Recommendations:

• Stay informed about the security situation in border regions.
• Exercise caution in national parks and specified departments.
• Be aware of the risk of incursion by Nigerian militants.

Petty Crime in Urban Areas

Petty crimes like purse snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially in urban areas like Cotonou. The risk is higher in specific locations such as the port, tourist areas, and near hotels frequented by foreign tourists.

Safety Measures:

• Secure personal belongings, including passports.
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewelry.
• Exercise caution in crowded tourist areas.

Violent Crime Incidents

While tourists are generally not targeted, violent crime incidents do occur, including armed robberies, car hijackings, and sexual assaults, particularly at night in Cotonou and the Nigerian border region.

Safety Tips:

• Stay vigilant, especially after dark.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed.
• Do not resist if attacked.

Terrorism Threat

There is an ongoing threat of terrorism with potential targets including government buildings, places of worship, transportation hubs, and public areas frequented by foreigners. Extra caution is advised during public events.

Precautionary Measures:

• Be aware of surroundings in public places.
• Exercise heightened vigilance during events and celebrations.
• Stay informed about local security conditions.

Road Safety Concerns

Benin faces road safety challenges due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads. Driving habits, road conditions, and the presence of roadblocks are key considerations for travelers.

Driving Recommendations:

• Drive defensively.
• Avoid night travel in specific areas.
• Be cautious of roadblocks; comply with police instructions.

Tourist Infrastructure and Fuel Shortages

Tourist facilities are limited outside Cotonou. Travelers should plan accordingly, and fuel shortages may impact essential services, leading to queues at gas stations.

Recommendations:

• Plan trips carefully.
• Carry a cell phone and local emergency numbers.
• Be prepared for fuel shortages.

Demonstrations and Fraud Risks

Demonstrations, even peaceful ones, can turn violent, leading to disruptions. Additionally, credit card and ATM fraud, cybercrime, and romance scams are prevalent.

Safety Advice:

• Avoid areas with demonstrations.
• Exercise caution with credit/debit cards.
• Be vigilant against cybercrime and fraud.

Women's Safety, Water Activities, and Public Transportation

Women traveling alone may face harassment. Coastal waters pose risks due to changing tides and strong winds. Public transport services are limited, and safety varies.

Safety Guidelines:

• Be cautious as a solo female traveler.
• Exercise caution in water activities.
• Use official taxis and negotiate fares in advance.

Piracy in Coastal Waters and Air Travel

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters. Travelers should be cautious. Regarding air travel, assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards are not provided.

Safety Measures:

• Stay informed about piracy reports.
• Exercise caution in coastal waters.
• Be aware of airline safety standards.

It is crucial to stay updated on travel advisories and adhere to local authorities' instructions for a safe and secure experience in Benin.

Entry and Exit Requirements for Benin

Entry requirements for Benin vary depending on the type of passport used for travel. It is crucial to be aware of the specific regulations to ensure a smooth entry and exit process.

Regular Canadian Passport Validity: Your regular Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave Benin.

Passport for Official Travel: Different entry rules may apply for official travel. Travelers using official passports should verify specific requirements.

Passport with "X" Gender Identifier : While the Government of Canada issues passports with an "X" gender identifier, entry or transit through other countries is not guaranteed. Some countries may have entry restrictions for passports with an "X" gender identifier. Before departure, check with the foreign representative for your destination.

Other Travel Documents: Different entry rules may apply when using a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Verify specific requirements with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Visa Requirements: Visas are required for entry into Benin. Various types of visas are available, including tourist, business, and student visas. It is essential to obtain the appropriate visa before arriving in Benin.

Types of Visas:

• Tourist Visa: Required
• Business Visa: Required
• Student Visa: Required

Visa Application:

• Visa applications can be submitted online through the official Benin government website.
• Beware of fraudulent websites claiming to offer Benin visas. Use only the official Benin government website for visa applications.

Children and Travel: Additional considerations and requirements may apply when traveling with children. It is advisable to learn about and adhere to these regulations to facilitate a smooth journey.

Yellow Fever: Travelers should be aware of potential entry requirements related to yellow fever. Check the vaccines section for information on yellow fever vaccination requirements.

Note: Entry and exit requirements can change at any time. Travelers should verify the information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada and stay updated on any changes to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Health Information for Travelers to Benin

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
• Polio: Advice for travelers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023

General Health Recommendations

• Routine Vaccines: Ensure that routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before traveling, regardless of your destination. This includes vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and others.
• Pre-travel Vaccines and Medications: Consult with a travel health professional about medications or vaccines recommended for your specific destination and itinerary.

Specific Health Risks and Vaccinations

1. Hepatitis A:

• Risk: Hepatitis A is present in this destination, a disease of the liver transmitted through contaminated food or water.
• Prevention: Practice safe food and water precautions, frequent handwashing, and vaccination is recommended for all travelers.

2. Yellow Fever:

• Risk: There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
• Country Entry Requirement: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers from all countries.
• Recommendation: Vaccination is recommended. Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre in advance.

3. Hepatitis B:

• Risk: Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination, transmitted through exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travelers. Practice safe sex, use sterile drug equipment, and follow public health regulations for tattoos and piercings.

4. Malaria:

• Risk: Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread through mosquito bites.
• Prevention: Take antimalarial medication as recommended, use insect repellent, bed nets, and wear protective clothing. Seek immediate medical attention for malaria-like symptoms.

5. Rabies:

• Risk: Rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife.
• Prevention: Keep a distance from animals, especially dogs. Wash wounds immediately if bitten and seek medical attention. Consider rabies vaccination, especially for high-risk individuals.

6. Polio:

• Risk: Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country.
• Recommendation: Ensure polio vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling. A booster dose is recommended for adults.

7. Measles:

• Risk: Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly.
• Prevention: Ensure full protection against measles before traveling. Consult with a health care professional.

8. Meningococcal Disease:

• Risk: This country is in the African Meningitis Belt, where many cases occur.
• Prevention: Consider vaccination, especially for high-risk travelers, including those in crowded areas or participating in large gatherings.

9. COVID-19:

• Risk: COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease.
• Prevention: Complete a COVID-19 vaccine series and additional recommended doses in Canada before traveling. Verify destination's COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements.

Additional Advice:

• Consult a health care professional or travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before travel for personalized advice.
• Be cautious of fraudulent websites when seeking health information.
• Stay informed about any changes in health risks and entry requirements.

Safe Food and Water Precautions

• Contamination Risks: Illnesses can result from consuming contaminated food or water due to bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses.

• Precautions:
  • Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Learn more about food and water safety on the eat and drink safely abroad page.

• Water Activities:

• Avoid getting water into eyes, mouth, or nose while swimming in freshwater, especially after heavy rain or flooding.
• Inhaling or swallowing water during activities in pools or hot tubs should be avoided.

Cholera

• Risk:

• Cholera is a risk in parts of Benin, with most travelers at a very low risk.

• Precautions:

• Practice safe food and water precautions.
• Higher-risk travelers should discuss vaccination with a health care professional.

Travellers' Diarrhea

• Risk:

• Common among travelers, especially in regions with poor hygiene and sanitation.

• Precautions:

• Practice safe food and water precautions.
• Rehydrate with oral rehydration salts if affected.

Typhoid

• Risk:

• Bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water, with higher risk among certain travelers.

• Precautions:

• Consider vaccination, especially for those in areas with poor sanitation.

Schistosomiasis

• Risk:

• Parasitic disease caused by tiny worms in freshwater.

• Precautions:

• Avoid contact with untreated freshwater like lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing).
• No vaccine or medication available for prevention.

Insect Bite Prevention

• Diseases Spread: Many diseases are transmitted by bites from infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or flies.

• Precautions:

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of tightly woven materials.
• Minimize exposure to insects.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in non-enclosed buildings.

• Additional Information:

• Learn more about reducing the risk of infection and diseases caused by insect bites on the insect bite prevention page.
• Identify types of insects, their activity times, and symptoms of diseases they may transmit.

Chikungunya

• Risk: Chikungunya is a virus transmitted through mosquito bites causing fever and joint pain.
• Prevention: Protect yourself from mosquito bites; no vaccine available.

Dengue

• Risk: Sporadic risk of dengue, a viral disease causing flu-like symptoms.
• Prevention: Protect against mosquito bites; no vaccine or medication available.

Animal Precautions

• Infections Shared Between Humans and Animals:
• Certain activities increase the chance of contact with animals.
• Caution advised in rural/forested areas, wet markets, caves.
• Precautions:
• Avoid contact with various animals, including dogs, livestock, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, bats.
• Supervise children closely.

Mpox (Monkeypox)

• Risk: Viral disease transmitted through animals or person-to-person contact.
• Transmission: Direct contact with infected animals, contaminated objects, or infected individuals.
• Prevention: Follow public health measures, avoid contact with rodents and primates.

Lassa Fever

• Risk: Caused by a virus carried by rodents.
• Transmission: Contact with infected rodents, their bodily fluids, or infected humans.
• Prevention: Avoid rodents and rodent-infested areas.

Person-to-Person Infections

• General Measures:

• Stay home if sick, practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
• Reduce risk by washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded places, close contact with ill individuals.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV:

• Spread through blood and bodily fluids; practice safe sex, limit partners.
• Consult local health authorities for eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Infection: Caused by bacteria, primarily affecting the lungs.
• Risk for Travelers: Generally low, but high-risk individuals should discuss options with a healthcare professional.

• High-Risk Travelers:

• Those in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, hospitals.
• Travelers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

• Virus: Attacks and impairs the immune system, leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

• High-Risk Activities:

• Unprotected sex, exposure to unsterilized needles, tattooing, body-piercing, acupuncture.

Medical Services and Facilities

• Limited Availability: Health facilities and medication supplies are limited.

• Private Clinics and Hospitals:

• Better equipped with qualified medical staff.
• Immediate cash payment often required.

• Medical Evacuation:

• Costly but may be necessary for serious illness or injury.
• Ensure travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel Health and Safety Recommendations

Medication:

• Availability: Some prescription medications may not be available.
• Responsibility: Travelers are responsible for legality and sufficiency of their medications.

• Precautions:

• Bring sufficient quantities in original containers.
• Pack in carry-on luggage.
• Carry a copy of prescriptions.

Note: Travelers to Benin should be aware of limited medical resources, especially in certain areas. Prioritize health and safety by ensuring access to necessary medications and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Laws, Culture, and Other Considerations in Benin

Legal Guidelines

• Local Laws: Abide by local laws. Severe penalties exist for illegal drug possession, use, or trafficking.
• 2SLGBTQI+ Travellers:
• Same-sex sexual acts aren't prohibited, but societal acceptance is limited.
• Homosexual behavior might lead to arrest under indecent exposure laws.
• Dual Citizenship: Recognized, but consular services may be limited. Different entry/exit requirements may apply.

• International Child Abduction:

• Hague Convention doesn't apply between Canada and Benin.
• Seek legal advice promptly if your child is wrongfully taken to or held in Benin.

Travel Considerations

Driving

• Permit: Carry an international driving permit.
• Accidents: If involved in an accident causing injury, take the person directly to the hospital.

Behavior and Dress

• Respect Local Norms:

• Dress conservatively.
• Behave discreetly and respectfully.
• Respect religious and social traditions.
• Seek permission before photographing locals.

Photography

• Prohibited Subjects: Avoid photographing sensitive installations such as military sites, government buildings, and bridges.

Money and Economy

• Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF).
• Cash-Based Economy: Credit cards accepted mainly in major hotels, rarely in restaurants or shops.
• ATMs: Available in banks and large hotels but limited outside major cities.

Note: Respect local customs, laws, and societal norms to ensure a smooth and respectful experience while in Benin. Familiarize yourself with the legal landscape and cultural expectations for a more enjoyable stay.

Natural Disasters and Climate in Benin

Rainy Seasons

• Southern Regions: April to mid-July and mid-September to October.
• Northern Regions: June to September.
• Impact: Seasonal flooding hampers travel, damages infrastructure, and affects essential services.

Precautions During Rainy Seasons

• Monitor Updates: Stay updated through local media and weather reports.
• Avoid Flooded Areas: Stay away from flooded zones.
• Follow Authorities: Adhere to evacuation orders and local authority instructions.

Seasonal Wind: Harmattan

• Timing: December to March.
• Nature: Hot, dusty wind from the Sahara.
• Effects: Disrupts travel, reduces visibility, and impacts respiratory health.

Safety Measures for Harmattan

• Stay Informed: Keep track of local weather forecasts.
• Plan Accordingly: Adjust activities considering the dusty conditions.

Wildfires

• Season: July to August in the northern part.
• Frequency: Forest and brush fires are common.

Actions During Wildfires

• Avoid Affected Areas: Especially for individuals with respiratory problems.
• Follow Guidance: Adhere to instructions from emergency services.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local media for updates on the situation.

Note: Be aware of seasonal variations and potential hazards like flooding, dusty winds, and wildfires. Stay informed, follow local authorities' advice, and take necessary precautions during these periods for your safety and well-being.