Genvisec advises that prior to any business or leisure travel to Benin professional security advice is sort.

 

Crime

 

There are incidents of mugging, personal assault and car-jacking in Cotonou with armed robberies being reported in other areas, notably the border area with Nigeria.

 

Highway bandits are known to operate. Vehicle-jackings by bandits in the capital have resulted in deaths and injuries. Take personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places especially at Dantokpa market in Cotonou and around large hotels and other tourist areas. Avoid unlit side streets.

 

Make sure you keep a legalised copy of your passport and visa in a separate place in case your passport is lost or stolen.

 

Scams

 

Foreign nationals are frequently defrauded by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss to victims. If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Benin you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

 

Scam artists are also targeting individuals in the UK. There are a myriad of schemes in operation by West African criminal networks designed to facilitate victims parting with money, known as advance fee or 419 fraud.

 

Road travel

 

Driving standards are well below those in the UK. Genvisec recommends the use of a local driver at all times.

 

To drive in Benin you must obtain an International Driving Permit before arrival. Avoid driving out of the main towns at night as roads are poorly lit. Take care after dark within cities, avoiding secondary roads and areas where other traffic is light.

 

In the past few years, major work has been done on the roads in Benin. There are plans for a new international airport with access roads. Other projects are under way in the north of Benin to improve conditions in rural areas.

 

The rainy seasons are from March to July and September to November in southern Benin, and from June to October in the north. Heavy rains can cause flooding. Monitor local weather reports and expect some of the smaller unpaved roads to become impassable.

 

Public transport is dangerous. You should avoid taxis and long distance buses as they are poorly maintained and often overloaded. Most major hotels offer cars for hire with drivers. However, the reliability and serviceability of hotel drivers and vehicles is also variable. If you are self-driving take care as traffic on main roads is fast-moving and ill-disciplined.

 

Swimming

 

Ocean currents are very strong along the coast. Many drownings occur each year.

 

Sea travel

 

Offshore Benin is located in the Gulf of Guinea, a high piracy area, appropriate precautions should be taken. If you require further info please contact Genvisec for more specialist advice.

 

Air travel

 

You should reconfirm flights 48 hours prior to departure. The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community for further information please contact Genvisec.

 

Political situation

 

While the overall political situation is stable, you should follow news reports and be alert to any developments, which might trigger public protests or unrest.

 

You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should leave the area immediately.

 

Consular assistance

 

Not all countries are epresented in Benin . Please check before departure.

 

There is no consulate building for UK citizens in Bening. There is a Community Liaison Officer who can help in emergencies only. Her name is Pauline Collins, address: The English International School, Haie Vive, 08 BP 0430, Cotonou, Benin. Telephone: +229 2130 0976/1274; Mobile: +229 95353494; Fax: +229 30 61 95; e-mail: paulinemcollins@eis-benin.org paulinemariecollins@gmail.com

 

Other contacts: 

 

French Consulate, Avenue Generale de Gaulle, 01 BP 605 Recette Principale Cotonou (telephone: +229 31 26 38/80).

 

 US Embassy, Rue Caporal Anani, 01 BP 2021, Cotonou (telephone: +229 30 06 50).

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are poor, particularly in rural areas. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Water-borne diseases (including cholera), tuberculosis, meningitis and malaria are common.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial (229) 301769 or 300656 and ask for an ambulance.

 

You can call the police by dialing 21 31 58 99.

 

You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Local laws and customs

 

You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

 

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

 

Do not take pictures of military zones, airports or government offices. 

 

Homosexuality is not accepted in Benin and sexual relations between members of the same sex are illegal.