Benin: Current Travel and Safety Advice as of July 27, 2026

On July 27, 2026, the travel and safety advisories for Benin were updated. The revised version continues to focus on the security situation in the northern border regions, as well as adjustments reflecting the country’s domestic political developments. Travelers planning a trip to Benin should take a close look at the affected areas before embarking on their trip or applying for a visa.

Specifically: Travel to the entire border area (50 kilometers on either side of the border) in the departments of Atakora and Alibori is not recommended. Travel to the departments of Atakora and Alibori north of the line connecting Boukoumbé – Natitingou – Kérou – Kandi – Segbana—including the towns of Boukoumbé, Tanguieta, Natitingou and its surroundings, Segbana, and Kandi—is strongly discouraged. The same applies to the entire border area with Nigeria in the Borgou Department, including the Forêt des Trois-Rivières and the towns of Kalalé and Nikki. This advisory is based on ongoing terrorist activities along the borders with Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, as well as an increased risk of kidnapping in these regions. Most recently, incidents and attacks have also occurred in Natitingou and its surrounding areas, which is why increased checks and roadblocks are to be expected there.

Regarding the domestic political situation, it is noted that the parliamentary and local elections in early 2026, as well as the presidential elections in April 2026, took place without major incidents. However, in early December 2025, there was an attempted coup involving armed clashes between rebel and pro-government members of the armed forces in parts of the capital, Cotonou. The attempt was thwarted, and the security situation has since stabilized. In the north of the country, there are also occasional, sometimes violent clashes between herders and the sedentary, farming population.

Caution is also advised outside the border regions: In major cities, in addition to petty crime such as pickpocketing, robberies occasionally occur, especially after dark, on the beach in Cotonou, at the Dantokpa Market in the morning and evening hours, and near the port. Riding in motorcycle taxis carries not only a high risk of accidents but also an increased risk of robbery, and robberies—in which people have been injured—are occasionally reported on rural roads throughout the country.

For travelers, this means first and foremost that stays in the northern part of the country—especially in the aforementioned border regions with Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria—should currently be avoided. Anyone traveling in Benin for business or personal reasons should stay informed about the local security situation, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and exercise particular caution during the evening and nighttime hours. These assessments should be taken into account when planning your trip, as well as when choosing accommodations and itineraries.

Regardless of the security situation, a valid visa is still required to enter Benin. Travelers can easily submit the appropriate application through our platform—an overview of available visa types can be found on our website, and the application itself can be submitted directly online. We handle the review of documents and guide you through the entire process so that travelers can focus on preparing for their trip.