Security Message for U.S. Citizens: New Worldwide Caution (March 25, 2016)

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens of the updated Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on March 03, 2016.  This caution replaces the Worldwide Caution dated July 29, 2015.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html

With the recent terrorist attacks in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Brussels, the U.S. Embassy Cotonou would like to remind citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.  Terrorists have targeted areas such as hotels, schools, restaurants, and bars associated with the international community.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of security vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations and social media for updates.  Avoid areas where large crowds gather whenever possible and exercise caution.

For further information:

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Benin.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou.  The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou is located on Marina Boulevard and is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The Embassy’s mailing address is 01 BP 2012, Cotonou, Benin.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (229) 21-30-06-50.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.