Welcome to Benin

Head to Benin for a largely undiscovered country, yet one rich in heritage and natural beauty. There are palm-lined ocean beaches, national parks full of lions and elephants and a friendly population ready and willing to share their culture with tourists.

Learn about African history Ouidah, with its fantastic museums about slavery and voodoo. Visit the ancient Abomey Royal Palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in the charming town of Grand-Popo, near the Mono River and its mangroves. Unhurried, unfettered by modern over-tourism, Benin is worth your while.

Unique Facts

• Benin is known for its somber slave trade history – the capital city of Porto-Novo was developed in the 16th century to promote slave trade.
• Benin is home to “The Venice of Africa,” a group of villages floating in a lake.
• Benin is the birthplace of voodoo culture. It is the official religion of Benin and Vodun believers coexist peacefully with the country’s Christians and Muslims.
• Along the voodoo lines, some Benin residents believe photography can steal a piece of the soul, so always ask permission before taking a photo.
• Cotton makes up 80 percent of the country’s exports.

Language

Benin’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Benin is December to March.

Airports

Benin Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Benin: Measles, routine vaccinations, Yellow Fever and Polio. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Cholera, Hepatitis B, Meningitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

West African CFA Franc

Getting Around

The roads in Benin are generally in poor conditions. Dirt roads are impassable during the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September. Motorbikes and motorcycles are prevalent on the roads.

Limited public transportation is available in Cotonou. Buses and private taxis are also available. The Beninese mainly use bicycles, mopeds and motorbikes (or zemidjans) for hire. Avoid riding on a zemidjan at night.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Cotonou
Marina Avenue
01 BP 2012 Cotonou, Benin
Telephone: +(229) 21-30-75-00
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(229) 21-30-75-00
Fax: +(229) 21-30-66-82
ConsularCotonou@state.gov (for American Citizen Services)

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 117
Ambulance: 112
Fire: 118

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Benin. Street crime is common, including robbery and muggings. Travelers should avoid the Dantokpa Market between dusk and dawn.

Keep in mind that swimming conditions along Benin’s beaches are dangerous due to strong tides, waves and rip currents.