Benin Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Benin.
Healthcare System
Benin's healthcare system is underdeveloped with limited facilities, particularly outside Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Public hospitals are often under-resourced, while private clinics offer better standards but still fall short of Western expectations. French is the primary language in medical facilities.
Hospitals
The main facilities for foreigners are Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cotonou (CNHU-HKM) and private clinics like Polyclinique Les Cocotiers and Clinique Pasteur in Cotonou. These offer the best available care but still have significant limitations. Always seek recommendations from your embassy for current reliable facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in major cities and are generally well-stocked with basic medications. However, counterfeit drugs are a serious problem in Benin. Only purchase medications from reputable pharmacies in major cities and bring a supply of any prescription medications you need, along with copies of prescriptions.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000 and is often necessary for serious conditions. Ensure your policy covers evacuation to Europe or South Africa.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any medications you might need, as availability is unreliable
- Carry contact information for your insurance company's 24-hour emergency line at all times
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date and get recommended vaccines including yellow fever (required), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and malaria prophylaxis
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts as diarrheal illness is common
- Know the location of the nearest acceptable medical facility wherever you're staying
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims while accomplices steal belongings.
Thieves on motorcycles sometimes snatch bags, phones, or jewelry from pedestrians or even from passengers on other motorcycles. This can result in injury if victims resist or are dragged.
Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for travelers in Benin. Roads are often poorly maintained with potholes, lack of signage, and no street lighting. Drivers frequently ignore traffic rules, vehicles are poorly maintained, and pedestrians, livestock, and motorcycles share the roads unpredictably.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera are risks from contaminated food and water. Tap water is not safe to drink, and food hygiene standards vary widely.
Malaria is endemic throughout Benin year-round, with the highest transmission during the rainy season. It is the most serious health risk for travelers and can be fatal if untreated.
Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare but has occurred, including armed robbery, particularly targeting isolated individuals or those traveling at night. Carjackings have been reported on remote roads.
Areas near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced terrorist incidents, kidnappings, and armed attacks related to regional extremist groups. The security situation can change rapidly.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to be official tour guides, police officers, or government officials. They may offer unsolicited help, demand to see documents, or insist on providing paid services. Some fake police may claim you've committed an offense and demand on-the-spot fines.
Taxi drivers, zemidjan operators, vendors, and service providers quote inflated prices to foreigners, sometimes 5-10 times the local rate. Meters are rarely used, and prices are negotiable but tourists often don't know fair rates.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information and PIN codes, which are then used to create counterfeit cards or make unauthorized withdrawals.
Scammers develop online or in-person relationships with tourists, eventually requesting money for emergencies, business opportunities, or travel expenses. Some may steal from tourists who invite them to their accommodations.
Organized groups use children to approach tourists asking for money, school supplies, or food. The children are often controlled by adults who take the money. Some individuals claim to represent orphanages or schools and request donations.
Unauthorized money changers on the street may offer better rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, swap bills with counterfeits, or use distractions to steal money during the transaction.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day and leave other valuables in your hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines on the street
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person and in your luggage
- Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Bring a mix of payment methods: some cash (euros or US dollars for exchange), a credit card, and a debit card
- The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF); familiarize yourself with the denominations
- Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid cards being blocked for suspicious activity
Transportation Safety
- Avoid traveling by road after dark due to poor road conditions, lack of lighting, and increased crime risk
- If using motorcycle taxis (zemidjans), insist on a helmet and only use them for short distances in daylight
- Hire drivers and vehicles through your hotel or reputable companies rather than hailing on the street
- Always wear seatbelts when available and sit in the back seat of taxis
- Be prepared for long journey times due to poor road conditions and frequent checkpoints
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in urban areas and at traffic lights
- Avoid using public buses for long distances; private bus companies or hired vehicles are safer options
Accommodation Safety
- Choose hotels with good security, including guards, locked gates, and room safes
- Keep your room locked at all times and use additional locks or door wedges if available
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through the peephole or by calling reception
- Store valuables in the hotel safe rather than leaving them in your room
- Check that windows and balcony doors lock properly, especially on ground floors
- Know the location of fire exits and keep a flashlight handy in case of power outages
- Keep the hotel's business card with you to show taxi drivers and help you find your way back
Health Precautions
- Start malaria prophylaxis before arrival and continue for the prescribed period after leaving
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer, particularly before eating
- Avoid contact with animals, including dogs, cats, and monkeys, due to rabies risk
- Don't swim in freshwater lakes or rivers due to risk of schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever during or after your trip, as it could be malaria
- Bring a basic medical kit including anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics (if prescribed), pain relievers, and bandages
Communication and Connectivity
- Purchase a local SIM card from providers like MTN, Moov, or Libercom for affordable calls and data
- Learn basic French phrases as English is rarely spoken outside international hotels
- Download offline maps of Benin before arriving as internet can be unreliable
- Keep your phone charged and consider bringing a portable battery pack due to frequent power outages
- Save important numbers (embassy, hotel, insurance, emergency contacts) in your phone and on paper
- Register with your embassy upon arrival so they can contact you in emergencies
- Be cautious when using public WiFi; avoid accessing banking or sensitive information on unsecured networks
Cultural Awareness and Respect
- Always ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or ceremonies; some may expect payment
- Dress modestly, particularly when visiting villages or religious sites; avoid revealing clothing
- Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some indoor spaces
- Greet people properly (bonjour/bonsoir) before starting conversations or asking questions
- Be respectful during voodoo ceremonies if invited to observe; this is an important cultural practice in Benin
- Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, airports, or police officers
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone and avoid beaches without lifeguards present
- Don't leave belongings unattended on beaches as theft is common
- Avoid beaches after dark as they become isolated and crime risk increases significantly
- Be aware that beach vendors can be persistent; polite but firm refusal is acceptable
- Don't accept food or drinks from strangers on the beach
- Watch children closely near water as currents are strong and unpredictable
- If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting against it
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Benin safe, though solo female travelers may face some challenges including unwanted attention, catcalling, and occasional harassment, particularly in urban areas. Most interactions are harmless but can be uncomfortable. Women traveling together or in groups typically report fewer issues. Using common sense precautions and dressing modestly helps minimize unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees; loose-fitting clothing is both culturally appropriate and practical in the heat
- Avoid walking alone at night; use trusted transportation and stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Be firm and confident when declining unwanted attention; ignoring or walking away is often more effective than engaging
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring or mentioning a husband to deflect unwanted romantic advances
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and share minimal personal information with drivers
- Book accommodations with good security and inform reception if anyone makes you uncomfortable
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Join group tours for visits to markets or isolated areas rather than going alone
- Keep your phone charged and accessible in case you need to call for help
- Connect with other travelers or expat communities for advice and potential travel companions
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drinks being prepared
- Some beaches and nightlife venues attract persistent male attention; consider visiting in groups
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Benin, and there are no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are also no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided
- Do not openly discuss LGBTQ+ topics or identity with locals unless you know them very well and trust them completely
- Be aware that hotel staff may react negatively to same-sex couples sharing a room, though this varies by establishment
- Avoid using LGBTQ+ dating apps openly as they could expose you to harassment, blackmail, or violence
- Do not expect support from local authorities if you face discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation
- Consider booking international hotel chains which may be more accustomed to LGBTQ+ guests
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online before your trip for current advice and experiences
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about your relationship (e.g., friends, colleagues)
- Be particularly cautious in rural areas where traditional values are stronger
- Remember that while homosexuality is legal, social attitudes pose the real risk to LGBTQ+ travelers
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with robust medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential for travel to Benin. The limited healthcare infrastructure means that serious medical issues will require evacuation to Europe or South Africa, which can cost $50,000-$100,000 without insurance. Medical facilities cannot handle major emergencies, and even moderate health issues may require evacuation. Additionally, insurance provides crucial protection against trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other travel disruptions that are more common in developing countries.
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