Government advisories for Benin
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest , crime , terrorism , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso ; Niger ; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi , Niger , and Kwara due to crime , terrorism , and kidnapping . Do not travel…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jan 7, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · regionalAdvises against all travel to some areas and all but essential travel to others
Latest change: Updated information about applying for a visa (see 'Visa requirements' on the 'Entry requirements' page).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Nov 4, 2026
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution (some regions differ)
Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 14, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Terrorist kidnap: Foreigners, government officials and civilians have been kidnapped by groups originating in bordering countries including Niger and Burkina Faso. Groups include Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), who may travel across the region’s porous borders. There is a…
- Street crime: Street crime, including theft and mugging, is common in Cotonou. Pickpockets often operate in places visited by international travellers. To reduce your personal risk: take care in crowded areas, including hotels, bars and on public transport avoid walking alone at night and in isolated areas be alert in Grand Marché…
- Vehicle crime: Be alert to the risk of carjacking both in Cotonou and on roads outside towns and cities. Always keep doors locked and windows closed when driving and avoid driving after dark. Do not slow down or stop if people signal you to pull over.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Nov 4, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Nov 4, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Women's safety (Government of Canada): Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Benin
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to Benin take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
- Polio (children): Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Benin who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a...
CDC health page for Benin · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
US State Department: advisories for specific areas
- Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Read the official advisory for the exact areas
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jan 7, 2026
Government of Canada: regional advisories
Border areas with Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Togo - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to the following areas due to the threat of terrorism, banditry, and the risk of kidnapping:
- along the border with Togo in the Atacora Department west of the Boukoumbé-Tanguiéta axis
- within 50 km of the border with Burkina Faso
- within 50 km of the border with Niger and all the area north of the Interstate 7 motorway
- within 50 km of the border with Nigeria, north of the town of Nikki in Borgou Department
Northern departments - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the departments of Atacora and Alibori due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.
Portion of the Borgou Department along the border with Nigeria - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to within 50 km of the Nigerian border south of the town of Nikki in the Borgou Department.
Read the full Canadian advisory
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca (Government of Canada, Open Government Licence - Canada) · updated Oct 14, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · partial travel warningPartial travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks (regions differ, up to red)
De kleurcode van het reisadvies is rood voor de noordelijke regio’s van Benin die grenzen aan Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger en Nigeria. Wat uw situatie ook is: reis niet hierheen. Het is er te gevaarlijk. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Kleurcode oranje geldt voor het gebied tussen de stad Kandi en de lijn Kouandé-Bemb
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Oct 15, 2026
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L3 · Avoid all travelHighest level: Avoid all travel
Level 3 in 1 area, level 2 in 1 area, level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
ベナンの危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Oct 27, 2026
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Where in Benin the UK advises against travel
Northern border regions
FCDO advises against all travel to the Parc du W National Park and the hunting zones of Mékrou and Djona. The park is tri-national, sharing an open border with Burkina Faso and Niger. There is a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park.
FCDO also advises against all travel to:
- 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
Eastern Benin
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area between the Interstate Highway (RNIE) 2 from Tchaourou to Malanville and the Benin-Nigeria border, due to increasing criminality.
Alibori and Atacora
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Alibori and Atacora departments.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Nov 4, 2026
Entry requirements for Benin
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You must have a visa to enter or travel through Benin.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Benin’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Benin set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Beninese Embassy in France (in French).
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter or travel through Benin.
For further information on entry requirements, contact the Beninese Embassy in France (in French).
Applying for a visa
Apply for a Benin visa online at least 4 working days before your arrival date. You will receive your e-visa by email.
Visas for Nigeria, Ghana and Togo
You cannot get entry visas for Nigeria, Ghana or Togo in Benin. For onward travel you must apply for visas before travelling to Benin.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Benin, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Benin (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Nov 4, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: required
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Benin.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
You must obtain your visa prior to arriving in Benin. You can apply online through the Benin government website.
Some fraudulent websites claim to offer Benin visas.
Make sure you use Benin’s official website only for your entry visa and stay applications.
E-visa - Republic of Benin
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 14, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Benin).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Police 117 Ambulance 112 Fire 118
- Plugs: type C, E
- Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the right
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +229
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: high. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
Bénin French
Essential phrases in French
| Hello | Bonjour | |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Merci | |
| Help! | Au secours ! | |
| Where is the hospital? | Où est l'hôpital ? | |
| I need the police | J'ai besoin de la police | |
| I need a doctor | J'ai besoin d'un médecin | |
| How much is it? | C'est combien ? | |
| Where is the toilet? | Où sont les toilettes ? |
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
Health and safety numbers for Benin
| Measure | Value | Year | What it means | World median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safely managed drinking water % of people | 17.7 | 2024 | Share of people whose drinking water is on their premises, available when needed and free from contamination. Origin: WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. World Bank data page | 80.6 (151 countries) |
| Doctors per 1,000 people | 0.22 | 2023 | Generalist and specialist doctors for every 1,000 people. Origin: WHO Global Health Workforce Statistics, OECD, country data. World Bank data page | 1.62 (208 countries) |
| Hospital beds per 1,000 people | 0.43 | 2021 | Inpatient beds in public, private and specialist hospitals for every 1,000 people. Origin: WHO, country data. World Bank data page | 2.39 (201 countries) |
| Malaria cases per 1,000 people at risk | 354.25 | 2024 | New malaria cases in a year for every 1,000 people living in areas where malaria is present. Origin: WHO. World Bank data page | 3.83 (107 countries) |
| Measles vaccination % of children aged 12-23 months | 44 | 2024 | Share of young children who have had a measles vaccine dose. Origin: WHO/UNICEF. World Bank data page | 90 (193 countries) |
| Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people | 26.8 | 2019 | Estimated deaths from road traffic injuries for every 100,000 people. The newest year WHO published is 2019. Origin: WHO. World Bank data page | 14.9 (190 countries) |
| Intentional homicides per 100,000 people | 1.13 | 2017 | Unlawful deaths inflicted on a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury, for every 100,000 people. Origin: UNODC. World Bank data page | 2.61 (196 countries) |
These are yearly statistics, not live data. They are estimates by WHO, UNICEF, IHME and UNODC, republished by the World Bank, and they describe the whole country, not a city or resort. Countries measure and report these figures in different ways, and the year of the newest figure differs from row to row.
Official notice Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0). Underlying estimates by WHO, UNICEF, IHME and UNODC, republished by the World Bank, database updated 2026-11-11. World median worked out by Voyaggora from the same World Bank data (median of countries with data, each country's latest year). · checked
Local laws to know before you go (Government of Canada advice)
Written by the Government of Canada for Canadian travellers. Laws change; the full, current text is on the Government of Canada page.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
2SLGBTQI+ persons
The laws of Benin law do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Benin. Homosexual behaviour could lead to arrest under laws such as indecent exposure.
2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Benin.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Dress and behavior
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
- seek permission from locals before photographing them
Photography
Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:
- military sites
- government buildings
- bridges
Official notice Source: Government of Canada, Travel Advice and Advisories for Benin. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Canada. The text is the Government of Canada's own words, shown unchanged (long entries end at a full stop); Voyaggora adds nothing and interprets nothing (advice last updated November 2, 2026 07:27 EST; data file generated 2026-11-02). · checked
Taiwan travel warning
- Level 4 (red) 第四級：紅色儘速離境 - 貝南共和國 - Benin,Republic of
Chinese label 紅色儘速離境 (literally: red, leave the country as soon as possible) · text is in Chinese: open the original · published
Live feed Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan (BOCA) (dataset data.gov.tw/dataset/116026, Government Open Data License v1.0). The Chinese title is shown unchanged; the English wording of the level is a literal translation by Voyaggora. This is Taiwan's own government warning and does not mean BOCA endorses Voyaggora. · checked
Emergency numbers in Benin
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 117 |
| Ambulance (emergency medical services) | 112 |
| Fire (fire department) | 118 |
From Wikidata (CC0). Wikidata is edited by volunteers and lists a role only where an editor has recorded one; check locally, for example with your embassy or hotel, before you rely on a number.
Live feed Source: Wikidata, Wikidata property P2852 “emergency phone number” · Wikidata data is CC0 (public domain) · checked
Is Benin on the UK visa national list?
The UK government lists Benin among the nationalities that need a visa to visit the UK.
List: Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list, paragraph VN 1.1(a), 115 countries and territorial entities. Latest change recorded by GOV.UK: Mar 5, 2026. This is only the visa national list; the Rules contain other conditions, so read the full page on GOV.UK.
Official notice Source: GOV.UK, UK Home Office · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 · checked
Is Benin on the US Visa Waiver Program list (ESTA)?
Benin is not on the list of countries DHS shows as currently designated for the US Visa Waiver Program.
DHS page “Last Updated”: Oct 28, 2026. The page lists countries; whether a particular traveller qualifies is set by DHS, see the page.
Official notice Source: Visa Waiver Program, US Department of Homeland Security · US government work, not subject to copyright (17 U.S.C. § 105) · checked
Canada visitor visa processing time for applications made from Benin
IRCC’s processing-time tool answers the question “Where are you applying from?”. For visitor-visa applications made from Benin, it shows:
- 91 days: Visitor visa (from outside Canada)
IRCC’s own figures, as of November 4, 2026. IRCC says: “Your application may take longer than the times shown here. They’re not a maximum or a guarantee.” The time depends on where the application is made, not on citizenship, and whether a visa or an eTA is needed depends on the traveller; check IRCC. Tool and details: IRCC check processing times.
Live feed Source: Check processing times, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · checked
US proclamation naming Benin (Federal Register)
Benin is named in the list of countries in the text of the newest entry proclamation in the Federal Register: “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect the Security of the United States” (Proclamation 10998, signed Dec 16, 2025, published Dec 19, 2025). Full text: govinfo PDF (official) · Federal Register
It is named in:
- Section 5, headed “Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern”
This page only reports that the country is named in those sections, using the document’s own headings. It does not say what that means for any traveller, whether exceptions apply, or whether a later document changes it. Read the full text. Only this newest document was read for this list.
Official notice Source: Federal Register: proclamations, Office of the Federal Register (NARA) / US Government Publishing Office · US government work, not subject to copyright (17 U.S.C. § 105) · checked
More governments' travel advice for Benin
Australia: Smartraveller (DFAT)
AU · Exercise a high degree of caution
“Exercise a high degree of caution in Benin overall due to the threat of violent crime and the risk of civil unrest. Higher levels apply in some areas.”
Smartraveller page last changed Aug 6, 2026 · level and wording as published (text shortened to its opening sentences where long)
Read the official Australian advice
Live feed Source: Smartraveller (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence; terms on the Smartraveller copyright page). Attribution: “Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website - www.smartraveller.gov.au”. Not an endorsement of Voyaggora by the Australian Government. Checked .
Belgium: FPS Foreign Affairs
Belgium publishes its advice as text. The opening text of its ‘Laatste update’ page (in Dutch):
“Niet-essentiële reizen en verblijven ten noorden van de denkbeeldige lijn die Boukoumbé – Natitingou – Bembéréké – Pèrèrè verbindt evenals reizen en verblijven in het grensgebied tussen het departement Borgou en Nigeria worden sterk afgeraden.”
Laatst bijgewerkt op (last updated) Sep 2, 2026 · text quoted unchanged, long text shortened to its opening sentences
Read the official Belgian advice (Dutch) · Translate to English
Live feed Source: diplomatie.belgium.be, FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Belgium. Information free of rights (Creative Commons-0), legal notice. Source and date shown as the ministry recommends. Checked .
France: Conseils aux voyageurs (France Diplomatie)
FR · zones: formellement déconseillé Zones formellement déconseillées
Level word, literal translation by Voyaggora: formally advised against. This is a heading of France’s zone list, not a level for the whole country; the areas are listed on the official page.
FR · zones: déconseillé sauf raison impérative Zones déconseillées sauf raison impérative
Level word, literal translation by Voyaggora: advised against, except for an imperative reason. This is a heading of France’s zone list, not a level for the whole country; the areas are listed on the official page.
FR · zones: vigilance renforcée Zones de vigilance renforcée
Level word, literal translation by Voyaggora: reinforced vigilance. This is a heading of France’s zone list, not a level for the whole country; the areas are listed on the official page.
Alerts France lists for this country (titles as published, in French):
- Risque sécuritaire aux frontières nord · en ligne le Oct 1, 2025; mis à jour le Sep 16, 2026
Sécurité: mise à jour le Sep 15, 2026; zones: actualisation le Apr 21, 2026; alerts page: mise à jour le Sep 16, 2026 · text quoted unchanged
Read the official French advice (French) · Alerts page · Translate to English
Live feed Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr, Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie), Conseils aux voyageurs. Licence Ouverte / Open Licence version 2.0 (avril 2017), mentions légales; the source and the date of last update are shown as the licence requires. Excerpts are reproduced unchanged and may not show the whole advice: read the full official page. Not an endorsement of Voyaggora by the French government. Checked .
Each government’s own words and date, shown side by side. Voyaggora does not compare or rank them.
Official weather warnings
- METEO Orages et pluies au Sud et au Centre ·
Des orages et des pluies, accompagnés de vents forts, qui ont affecté les localités du Sud au cours de cet après-midi, persisteront par endroits en soirée et s’étendre aux localités des Collines. En conséquence, la vigilance jaune est… Agency website - METEO Alerte météo du 12 novembre 2026 à 17h00 ·
Des orages et des pluies, accompagnés de vents forts, qui ont affecté les localités du Sud au cours de cet après-midi, persisteront par endroits en soirée et s’étendre aux localités des Collines. En conséquence, la vigilance jaune est… Agency website - METEO Orages et pluies au Sud ·
Des orages et pluies d'intensité faible à modérée localement, accompagnés de vents forts sont attendus par endroits dans les départements du Sud, cet après-midi. La vigilance jaune est donc maintenue. Agency website - METEO Alerte météo du 12 novembre 2026 à 12h50 ·
Des orages et pluies d'intensité faible à modérée localement, accompagnés de vents forts sont attendus par endroits dans les départements du Sud, cet après-midi. La vigilance jaune est donc maintenue. Agency website
Live feed Source: national weather service via WMO Alert Hub · checked · shown in the service's own words
More live hazards and notices
Getting around
- Planets tonight Above the horizon after dark (about 19:58 local): Saturn. Calculated from astronomy (astral, Astronomy Engine) and the IANA time zone database.
Weather, sea and nature
- Official weather/hazard alerts:
- Alerte météo du 12 novembre 2026 à 17h00: Des orages et des pluies, accompagnés de vents forts, qui ont affecté les localités du Sud au cours de cet après-midi, persisteront par endroits en soirée et s’étendre aux localités des Collines. En c
- Alerte météo du 12 novembre 2026 à 12h50: Des orages et pluies d'intensité faible à modérée localement, accompagnés de vents forts sont attendus par endroits dans les départements du Sud, cet après-midi. La vigilance jaune est donc maintenue.
- UV index forecast, Porto-Novo: peak 10.0 (very high) around 11:00 UTC (Fri) in the next 24 hours, if the sky is clear. Cloud lowers it; protect your skin from 3 upward. Source: MET Norway (NLOD 2.0 and CC BY 4.0), forecast of 2026-11-13 01:19 UTC. Checked .
- 3-day forecast for Cotonou (computer model): Fri 13 Nov: 26 to 31 °C, dry; Sat 14 Nov: 26 to 31 °C, dry; Sun 15 Nov: 26 to 32 °C, dry. Statistical forecast from the German weather service for the capital’s station, in UTC days, not an official forecast of this country’s own weather service; local conditions can differ. Issued . Source: Deutscher Wetterdienst MOSMIX (CC BY 4.0). Checked .
Events, holidays and sport
- Next public holidays: Christmas Day (Fri 25 Dec); New Year's Day (Fri 1 Jan); Vodoun Festival (Thu 7 Jan) · Shops, banks and attractions may close and prices rise. Computed with the open-source python-holidays library (MIT); check the official calendar.
- Solar eclipse An annular ("ring of fire") solar eclipse on 6 February 2027 is visible from inside Benin (best near Cotonou, Ouémé). Porto-Novo is inside the annular ("ring of fire") path. Calculated from astronomy (astral, Astronomy Engine) and the IANA time zone database.
Other live notices
- Daylight today in Porto-Novo (capital): sunrise 06:38, sunset 18:28 (11 h 50 min of daylight, local time Africa/Porto-Novo); moon: waxing crescent, about 11% lit. Calculated from astronomy (NOAA solar-position equations), accurate to a couple of minutes; not an official feed. Moon phase from the mean lunar cycle. Updated .
- Light and clocks in Porto-Novo (capital): Golden hour (soft photo light) 06:38 to 07:07 and 17:59 to 18:28; blue hour after sunset 18:28 to 18:59; daylight is about the same length each day. No clock change is scheduled in the next 14 months. Local time in Porto-Novo: UTC+1. Calculated from astronomy and the international time-zone database; governments can change clock rules at short notice, so check before you travel. Not an official feed.
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Model estimates, next 24 hoursBenin
- Model forecast Next 24 hours in Porto-Novo (model forecast, not an official forecast): 25.5 to 31.7°C, 0.9 mm of rain, gusts to 22 km/h, cloud 22%. Feels like up to 40°C in the heat of the day. Derived from the NOAA GFS model output via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination programme. NOAA does not endorse this site.
- Sea state Sea off Benin in the next 24 hours (model, open water only): waves about 1.0 m; swell 0.9 m at 10 s. Not a swimming or boating safety signal: follow local flags and warnings. Derived from the NOAA GFS-Wave model output via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination programme. NOAA does not endorse this site.
- Air (model) Fine particles (PM2.5) in Porto-Novo, modelled for the next 24 hours: about 23 µg/m³, 1.5 times the WHO 24-hour guideline of 15 µg/m³. A model estimate for the city, not a measurement. Derived from the NOAA GEFS-Aerosols model output via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination programme. NOAA does not endorse this site.
These are computer-model estimates from NOAA open model data (model run 12 Nov 18:00 UTC), not official forecasts, measurements or warnings. The official advisories, warnings and live sources for Benin are listed on this page.
Pictures from space and the weather agenciesBenin
Credits: We acknowledge the use of imagery provided by services from NASA's Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS), part of NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS). NOAA pictures are public domain and shown unaltered; this is not an endorsement by NOAA. Click a picture to open it at its source.
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Airport weather right now
| Airport | Temperature | Wind | Visibility | Conditions | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotonou/Cadjehoun Arpt DBBB | 27°C / 81°F | 8 kt from 200° | 6+ mi | Clear flying weather |
Live feed Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center · checked
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 590.62 XOF · 1 euro ≈ 655.96 XOF
Central-bank reference rate for Nov 12, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Official sources for Benin
- Weather service: Météo-Bénin (in French)
- Weather warnings: Alertes (in French)
- Disaster and civil protection: Agence béninoise de protection civile (in French)
- Main airport or aviation authority: Aéroport de Cotonou (in French)
- Official tourism board: Bénin Tourisme
- Emergency number(s): Police 117; Fire 118; SAMU 112 (official page)
Links to the official government bodies, checked by us. Voyaggora does not run these sites. For anything urgent, use the official emergency number.
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Benin?
- Is it safe to travel to Benin right now?
- It depends on where you go. As of Nov 13, 04:22 UTC. The US State Department rates Benin Level 2 of 4, "Increased caution". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Benin and all but essential travel to others. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Which parts of Benin do governments warn about?
- Governments warn about parts of Benin rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Benin and all but essential travel to others. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Benin right now?
- As of Nov 13, 04:22 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Benin: official weather warnings, more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.