Benin
Summary

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:
- the Parc du W National Park and the contiguous hunting zones of Meêkrou and Djona. The Parc is tri-national and shares an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the Parc
- the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
- the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
- all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 (Tchaourou to Malanville) and the Nigerian border, due to increasing criminality in that area.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Benin
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Benin’s current entry restrictions and requirements. DueThese to COVID-19, these may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country onto yourreturn journey,to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Benin, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriatesufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
You should avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations and listen to advice from the media and local authorities. See Political situation
Additional checks are in place at the Seme border crossing between Benin and Nigeria. This has caused some disruption and delays. If you’re planning to make a land crossing from Benin to Nigeria, check with local authorities for the latest information before travelling.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Benin. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is limited in Benin. British nationals should contact the British High Commission Accra in Ghana who can provide consular support. The Honorary Consular Agent in Benin can offer limited consular assistance.
Update history
2023-03-17 10:26
Removal of outdated information (‘Coronavirus’ page), updated information on curfews (‘Safety and security’ page) and updated information on visas to neighbouring Togo (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-07-06 11:54
Updated information on the lifting of COVID testing requirements for entry and departure (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-06-15 14:51
Update to information and advice on the threat from terrorism in Benin, reflecting an increased threat (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages)
2022-05-19 15:00
Factual update about the re-opening of the land border with Togo to fully vaccinated travellers (‘Entry requirements’ page ‘If you are transiting Benin’ section)