Embassy of the United States of America
Cotonou, Benin
Travel Advisory Update for U.S. Citizens:
September 9, 2020
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 resumed most transportation options (including airport operations) and business operations (including day cares and schools), although land borders remain closed to most travelers. Other improved conditions have been reported within Benin.
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:
- See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Keep a low profile.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Benin.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
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.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy 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 Specific Information
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
