Health
Vaccines, malaria, insurance and emergency numbers. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor or an international vaccination centre.
Before you leave
Malaria is present. See a doctor before departure about prevention and vaccines; any fever requires prompt medical attention.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, healthCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: BeninYellow fever: the international vaccination certificate is required on entry for all travellers aged 9 months or older. The CDC recommends this vaccine for all travellers aged 9 months or older. Rules change: check them before departure and talk to a doctor or an international vaccination centre.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: BeninMalaria: according to the CDC, it is present throughout the country. The CDC recommends prescription preventive medicine for travellers to these areas: talk to a doctor before departure, and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceCDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: Benin
Emergency numbers
Police 117, fire and ambulance 118; Cotonou ambulance +229 95 36 11 04. Emergency response is very limited.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Benin travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: BeninFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police 117, fire 118.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Benin travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Benin· Oct 2, 2026
SAMU Cotonou
Emergency medical service.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
CNHU de Cotonou
University hospital; emergency department.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Médom Bénin
Home medical visits in Cotonou.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Clinique Mahouna
General and orthopaedic clinic (Patte d'Oie); night emergencies.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Pharmacie Camp Guézo
Open 24/7.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
SAMU Parakou
Emergency medical service.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, health · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Travelers' Health: Benin · Source updated: August 25, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Benin travel advice: getting help · Source updated: December 15, 2025 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- Government of Canada, Travel advice: Benin · Source updated: May 26, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Benin, useful contacts · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.