Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against

• Strongly advised against by France (update of 21 April 2026): the border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger, the Pendjari and W parks and surroundings, Banikoara and its immediate area, the north-western border with Togo and the north-eastern border with Nigeria up to around Nikki. This level is incompatible with tourism.

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• Advised against except for essential travel: central Atakora (Tanguiéta, Natitingou, Boukoumbé, Kouandé), where the risk of kidnapping Westerners is real, and a strip from Kandi to Tchaourou including Nikki.

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• The UK advises against all travel to W park and the Mékrou and Djona hunting zones, between W and Niger, Pendjari and within 5 km of the Burkina Faso border; it advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Alibori and Atacora and the area between the RNIE 2 (Tchaourou-Malanville) and Nigeria.

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  GOV.UK (FCDO), Benin travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Benin travel advice: regional risks

Terrorism and kidnapping

• The terrorist risk cannot be ruled out: two French tourists were kidnapped in Pendjari in 2019 and attacks have hit the north since 2021. Groups in the region target hotels and leisure venues used by foreigners.

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In town

• In Cotonou, avoid the port districts and those along the central railway lines at night; beaches are unsafe by day and night. Theft is frequent at Dantokpa market.

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Crime

• Crime is low, but burglaries and sometimes violent assaults occur: avoid walking alone at night and preferably use indoor ATMs.

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On the road

• Road accidents are a major cause of death. Do not drive at night (no signs, vehicles without lights); highway robbers operate on isolated secondary roads.

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Scams

• Cybercrime is rising: do not send money if in any doubt and check that a supplier exists with the Ministry of Trade before buying.

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Sea, climate and natural hazards

• Swimming is advised against all year on the coast: the surf and currents cause several deaths each year.

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• Emergency numbers

  Police 117, fire 118.

  117118

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• Consular section of the Embassy of France in Cotonou

  Passport: France

  Consular services for French nationals. Honorary vice-consul in Parakou: +229 97 72 94 00.

  Rue 651A, BP 605, Cotonou+33 3 73 88 01 68

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