Travel Advisory: U.S. Embassy Cotonou Travel Advisory Update

Reconsider travel to Benin due to COVID-19.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Benin due to COVID-19.

Benin has lifted stay at home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations.  Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Benin.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Park Pendjari, Park W and adjacent hunting zones, and other areas near Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso, due to terrorism and kidnapping.

Exercise increased caution in:

  • Urban areas due to crime.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Benin:

Park Pendjari, Park W and Adjacent Hunting Zones – Reconsider Travel

Extremist groups have carried out attacks in areas of Burkina Faso adjacent to Benin’s northern border, near Parks Pendjari and W and adjacent hunting zones. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to Parks Pendjari and W and all adjacent hunting zones, and other areas within 50 km of Benin’s northern border with Burkina Faso.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Urban Areas – Exercise Increased Caution
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, is common.