🇧🇯Benin
Africa· Updated 06/03/2026
Information
Capital
Porto-Novo
Population
14,026,034
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF CFA)
Languages
Français, Fon, Yoruba
Continent
Africa
Calling code
+229
Timezone
Africa/Porto-Novo
Area
112,622 km²
Government
Presidential republic
National day
August 1 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.bj
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About
Benin is a West African country bordering the Gulf of Guinea. It is known for its rich history including the Kingdom of Dahomey and features beaches, national parks, and vibrant markets. It is a stable democracy with an economy based on agriculture and cotton.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(medium)
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Do not display valuables
Terrorism(medium)
- Monitor alerts at northern borders
- Avoid gatherings
Transport
- Use official taxis
- Wear a helmet on motorcycle
Natural risks(Seasonal flooding and heavy rains)
- Follow weather alerts
- Avoid flood-prone areas
Health(Limited healthcare system, overcrowded hospitals)
- Mandatory vaccines: yellow fever
- Bottled water, anti-malarial measures
Practical tips
- Register with the consulate
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Enhanced Vigipirate security
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD · as of 11/06/2025
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants
Photos
Point de vue panoramique
Benin
Min An
Point de vue panoramique
Benin
Markus Spiske
Sommet montagneux
Benin
limshig
Architecture traditionnelle
Benin
Iwaria
Architecture traditionnelle
Benin
David Iloba
Architecture traditionnelle
Benin
Iwaria
Architecture traditionnelle
Benin
David Iloba
Architecture traditionnelle
Benin
David Iloba
Skyline de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Jérémy Glineur
Skyline de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Marcos Túlio
Skyline de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Jérémy Glineur
Skyline de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Egor Kunovsky
Skyline de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Aaron Porras
Monument de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Alexjo
Monument de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Bob Jenkin
Monument de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Kelly
Monument de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Egor Kunovsky
Monument de Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo
Sonny Vermeer
Lieu incontournable
Benin
Torie Roman
Lieu incontournable
Benin
Wilfred Panakkal
Visas
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- Pre-filled form for your nationality
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Plan your trip
Tours and activities
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation.
Travel insurance
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
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Guides to prepare your trip
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The “digital nomad” lifestyle has become a major trend, profoundly transforming the way people work and travel. In 2026, over 60 countries…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Benin?▾
It depends on your nationality: some passports enter visa-free, others need an e-visa or a consular visa. Select your nationality in our checker to get the exact rule for your passport, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality→Is it dangerous to travel to Benin?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate to high risk depending on areas, with urban crime and terrorist threats near northern borders.". See the Safety section on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Benin?▾
The official currency is West African CFA franc (XOF CFA). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Benin?▾
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo. The main spoken languages are: Français, Fon, Yoruba.