Benin

Recommended Vaccinations For Benin

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningitis vaccination is recommended if travelling in Benin during the dry season from December through June.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers 1 year of age or more arriving in this country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (but not the WHO or the British NaTHNaC) recommends vaccinations for people 9 months of age or more.

Recommended Medications For Benin

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers going to Benin. Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Benin

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Benin.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Benin.

Cholera

Cholera occurs in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

**There is a risk of dengue in this country.**

For Some Travellers

Malaria

There is a risk for malaria all year long throughout Benin.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Benin.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Benin during the dry season (December through June).

African Tick Bite Fever

Sporadic cases of this disease are reported in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Benin, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Benin. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Benin. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Zika Fever

Zika fever can occur in this country.

Safety & Security in Benin

Personal Safety

Benin has a mix of petty and violent crime that travelers need to watch for. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft are common in Cotonou, especially around markets, hotels, transport hubs and beaches. The Dantokpa market is particularly risky after dark. Street crime including mugging and robbery occurs across the country, with criminals often operating armed with knives, machetes or even firearms. Attacks along Boulevard de France near beach hotels are frequent. Carjacking happens both in Cotonou and on rural roads, particularly at night. Multiple cases have resulted in murder when victims resisted. Romance scams, business scams and ATM fraud are widespread throughout West Africa and Benin is no exception. Corruption among officials is common. Some travelers report people impersonating police officers. While violent crime is less common in southern areas, it does occur. Crime happens most often at night and in isolated locations. Attacks on beaches near clubs and bars are frequent. Motorcycle taxis called zemidjans, though convenient, are sometimes targeted for robbery especially after dark, and drivers may be involved in crime rings in major cities.

Extreme Violence

Violent extremist organizations including Al-Qaida affiliated Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen and Islamic State groups have expanded operations from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger into northern Benin since 2019. The first terrorist attack occurred in 2019 when two French tourists and their Beninese guide were kidnapped from Pendjari National Park. The guide was killed. Attacks have increased yearly. In January 2025, 28 soldiers were killed in an attack at Parc du W National Park. In April 2025, 54 soldiers died in another attack at the same location. In 2022, eight people including park staff and military were killed when convoys hit improvised explosive devices. Kidnapping incidents have surged dramatically. Before 2022 only two kidnappings were recorded. In 2022 there were 23 incidents. In the first ten months of 2023 that number jumped to 55. Nearly 80 percent of kidnappings between 2022 and 2023 were attributed to violent extremist organizations. These groups use kidnapping for forced recruitment, intelligence gathering, punishment and intimidation rather than ransom. Bandits and criminal organizations also operate in northern border regions. Nigerian bandits from Katsina and Zamfara states have established presence in Beninese border communities including Kalale, Kandi, Malanville and Sokotindji since 2021. These groups sometimes collaborate with violent extremists.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations occur periodically in Benin but major unrest has been limited in recent years. In April 2021, demonstrations took place in Cotonou, Porto Novo, Parakou, Manigri and Tchaourou ahead of presidential elections. The 2019 parliamentary elections sparked significant protests when opposition parties were barred from participation after failing to meet registration requirements. This effectively excluded all opposition from elections and voter turnout dropped from 65 percent in 2015 to 27 percent. Protests turned violent when tens of thousands gathered nationwide throwing stones at security forces who responded with rubber bullets, water cannons and live ammunition. Two people were killed initially. In June 2019 additional protests led to more injuries when police opened fire. In April and May 2024, trade unions organized multiple protests against high cost of living in Cotonou. Authorities banned these demonstrations. On April 27, 2024, security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters and detained over 30 people including three trade union leaders. On May 1, 2024 another banned protest led to 72 arrests. A march on May 11 was eventually authorized. Anti-French protests have occurred in early 2025 following terrorist attacks, with demonstrators demanding withdrawal of French troops. Authorities may impose curfews and security measures at short notice during periods of unrest.

Areas To Avoid

The entire northern region bordering Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria poses extreme danger. Multiple governments advise against all travel to areas north of Kandi, Tanguieta and the city of Nikki. This includes the departments of Atakora, Alibori and Borgou. Pendjari National Park and W National Park fall within high-risk zones where terrorist groups and bandits operate. Both parks have experienced deadly attacks and kidnappings. The tri-border area where Benin meets Burkina Faso and Niger is particularly dangerous. Attacks on these parks can occur with little warning and may target any location including markets, hotels, restaurants, schools and transportation hubs. The northeastern border region with Nigeria north of Nikki sees activity from bandits, criminal organizations and terrorist groups. Foreign nationals face kidnapping risk here. Areas along the Nigerian border south of Borgou department also require caution due to risk of militant incursions and criminal activity. The border with Niger has been closed for about a year as of 2024. Within Cotonou, the Dantokpa market area is particularly dangerous at night. Beaches near hotels, especially along Boulevard de France, see frequent robberies and attacks. Isolated and poorly lit areas throughout the country should be avoided after dark.