Travel advice for Benin

Avoid non-essential travel to Benin because significant security risks require increased caution. The travel-not-recommended areas include the 75 to 100 kilometre zone along the northern and northeastern borders, especially Alibori and Atacora departments, border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger, the frontier opposite Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states in Nigeria, and Pendjari and W national parks with related hunting areas.

Germany advises a high degree of caution for Benin, and avoiding all travel for parts of it.

Japan advises taking sufficient care throughout Benin. It advises against all travel to parts of Alibori, Atacora and Borgu, and against nonessential travel to other named districts near the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings and armed group activity are frequent in border areas and may expand southwards. Robbery and theft occur in Cotonou and nearby cities while infrastructure and services are inadequate nationwide.

Do not travel north of Toucountouna, Kérou and Kandi, including the closed Pendjari and W parks, because terrorist attacks and landmines occur there. Also avoid the Nigerian border strip and RN10 between Segbana and Nikki, where violence, attacks and kidnappings occur. Travel only if essential to orange areas around Kandi and parts of Atakora, Alibori and Borgou; the rest requires caution, with terrorism and armed robbery countrywide.

Avoid all but essential travel to designated parts of Benin and avoid all travel to parts of the country. British citizens need a passport valid for the stay, a visa and a yellow fever certificate. Check local healthcare availability and insurance, especially if pregnant or with a health condition. Emergency response is very limited outside Cotonou, and health risks include yellow fever, malaria, dengue and HIV.

Exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping; most coastal and southern areas are safe. Do not travel to Burkina Faso and Niger borders, Nigeria's Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states, or northern and northeastern border regions. U.S. government employees need approval for parts of Alibori, Atacora, Borgou, and Donga. Risks include violent crime in remote areas, armed groups, ransom kidnappings, border closures, and airport disruption.

Avoid non-essential travel to the Burkina Faso and Niger border regions, including W and Pendjari parks, because armed groups pose a high kidnapping risk. The warning covers Atakora and Alibori north of the Boukoumbé to Segbana line, and Borgou's Nigerian border area. Elsewhere in Benin, carry little cash, keep copies separately, use insect protection against malaria, and avoid swimming in standing water, drinking tap water and eating raw food.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Benin.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Benin because of crime and terrorism. Avoid all travel within 50 km of Burkina Faso and Niger, along Togo's border in Atacora, in Nigeria's border zone north of Nikki, and north of Interstate 7, including W and Pendjari parks. Avoid nonessential travel to Atacora and Alibori and within 50 km of Nigeria's border south of Nikki because of terrorism, kidnapping and armed groups.

Exercise a high degree of caution: terrorism is an increased risk in the north, and unrest can occur without warning. Avoid demonstrations and rallies, and follow curfews. Avoid all travel to border regions with Burkina Faso and Niger, including Parc du W, Mékrou and Djona hunting zones, Pendjari National Park and land within 5km of the Burkinabé border. Avoid all but essential travel between Tchaourou-Malanville and the Nigerian border.

Exercise increased caution and consult other sources because terrorism, armed robbery, street crime and potentially violent demonstrations are risks. Avoid the named northern towns, border corridors, national parks and hunting areas, and avoid Dantokpa Market after dark. Guard against dengue and cholera, note limited rural emergency care, and avoid night driving outside cities because roads are poorly lit and heavy rains can cause floods.

Non-essential travel and stays north of the line through Boukoumbé, Natitingou, Bembéréké and Pèrèrè are strongly discouraged, as are travel and stays in the border area between Borgou Department and Nigeria. All travel, private or professional and of any duration, north of the line through Boukoumbé, Toucountouna, Kérou, Kandi and Nikki is formally discouraged because of terrorism and kidnapping.

Exercise normal precautions in Benin. Estonia has no embassy there, so consult other countries' travel advice and seek consular assistance from the nearest EU member state if needed. A tourist visa is required, and visitors driving must hold a valid Estonian licence together with an international permit.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Benin.

No travel warning is in force; exercise caution in Benin. Armed robbery, kidnapping and petty crime occur, especially at night in urban areas and isolated locations. Civil unrest can erupt with little warning, curfews may be imposed, and travellers should avoid protests, rallies and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow local authorities. Use registered taxis, do not resist violent crime, seek health advice, buy insurance and meet yellow-fever vaccination requirements.