Orientation briefing in Benin

Present-day Benin is comprised of about 42 ethnic groups, including the Yoruba in the southeast, who migrated from what is now Nigeria in the 12th century; the Dendi in the north-central area, who came from Mali in the 16th century; the Bariba and the Fula in the northeast; the Ottamari in the Atakora mountains; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the south-central area; and the Mina, Xueda, and Aja, who came from Togo, on the coast. The Kingdom of Dahomey emerged on the Abomey plateau in the 17th century and was a regional power for much of the 18th and 19th centuries. The growth of Dahomey coincided with the growth of the Atlantic slave trade, and it became known as a major source of enslaved people. France began to control the coastal areas of Dahomey in the second half of the 19th century; the entire kingdom was conquered by 1894. French Dahomey achieved independence in 1960, and it changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975.

A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and a Marxist-Leninist government. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU returned to power after elections in 1996 and 2001. He stepped down in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent, who won a second term in 2011. Patrice TALON, a wealthy businessman, took office in 2016; the space for pluralism, dissent, and free expression has narrowed under his administration. TALON won a second term in 2021.

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.

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

Areas where FCDO advises against 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 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.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

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.

Crime

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 and on public transport
• avoid walking alone at night and in isolated areas
• be alert in Grand Marché de Dantokpa (Dantokpa Market) and avoid the area at night
• do not walk on the beach alone at any time
• in general do not resist an armed attacker

Vehicle crime 

Be alert to the risk of carjacking both in Cotonou and on roads outside towns and cities. Always keep doors locked and windows closed when driving and avoid driving after dark. Do not slow down or stop if people signal you to pull over.

Scams

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities – and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Benin. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.

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.  

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Ocean currents are very strong along all parts of the coast. Many drownings occur each year. Do not swim unless you have reliable local advice and confidence in your ability. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Benin, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.

Driving standards and road conditions in Benin are poor. Avoid driving outside towns and cities at night as roads are poorly lit. During the rainy seasons there may be flooding, particularly in rural areas.

Fuel shortages are common in rural areas of northern Benin. Police sometimes check vehicles at temporary roadblocks to improve road safety and reduce the number of carjackings.

There’s no reliable public transport in Benin. Avoid using taxis and long-distance buses as they’re poorly maintained and often overloaded.

Sea travel

Piracy is a risk in the Gulf of Guinea, including in ports across the region. Take precautions to avoid piracy and armed robbery at sea.

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.

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.