Location: Benin
Event: Correction to the previous alert message regarding the status of Peace Corps in Benin.
On March 17, the Government of Benin released an advisory in response to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Benin. The language of the advisory is available on its website (in French).
The government of Benin has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Persons entering Benin by air will be placed in a government-designated quarantine facility for a period of 14 days. For non-Beninese citizens, the costs of this stay will be incurred by the traveler. In addition, the Government of Benin has placed restrictions on the issuance of entry visas to Benin. Visit the website of the Government of Benin for additional information on these new measures.
Many regularly scheduled international flights to and from Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport have been cancelled, and some carriers have suspended operations entirely. Changes or cancellations of travel routes may occur quickly and without notice. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
Travelers will not be allowed to enter or exit Benin by land except in cases of emergency. Border crossing points may exhibit unusual delays or be closed entirely without advanced notice.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
On March 15, Peace Corps decided to temporarily suspend all Pease Corps operations globally and evacuate all Peace Corps volunteers, including from Benin.
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
Actions to Take:
- Review travel plans carefully and make preparations to abide by Benin’s self-isolation policy upon arrival or re-entry into Benin, and take into account that emergency medical care may not be available anywhere within Benin.
- Follow all screening procedures while arriving at a port of entry in Benin.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Benin.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin
01BP 2012
Cotonou, Benin
+229 21 30 75 00
ConsularCotonou@state.gov
U.S. Embassy Cotonou - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Benin Country Information
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