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Benin

🇧🇯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

Populaire
Apply for a visa to Benin
(9.5/10)
Recommended

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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 level :Moderate to high risk depending on areas, with urban crime and terrorist threats near northern borders.

Risk areas

North (Niger, Burkina Faso borders) - Terrorism and kidnappingsCotonou and urban south - Petty crime and thefts

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

Studio city center200
1-bedroom apartment in city center300
1-bedroom apartment in suburb200
3-bedroom apartment in city center500
3-bedroom apartment in suburb350

Food

Inexpensive restaurant meal3
Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant15
McDonald's menu5
Local beer (0.5L)2
Cappuccino2
Water (1.5L)1
Bread (500g)1
Milk (1L)1.5
Eggs (12)2
Chicken (1kg)5
Apples (1kg)3
Bananas (1kg)1

Transport

Public transport ticket0.5
Monthly transport subscription20
Taxi ride (start)1
Taxi (1km)0.5
Gasoline (1L)1

Leisure

Fitness membership (monthly)30
Tennis court (1h weekend)10
Cinema5
Theater10

Health

General practitioner consultation10
Dentist consultation20
Antibiotic medications5
Cold medications (6 days)10

Others

High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)30/mois
Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)10/mois
Public services for 85m² apartment50/mois
Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)40
Nike sports shoes60
International primary school (monthly)200

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage220V
Frequency50Hz
Plug typesType C, Type E

Emergency numbers

Police112
Ambulance112
Fire department112

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

unsafe

Tipping

10-15% in restaurants

Photos

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Benin

Min An

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Benin

Markus Spiske

Sommet montagneux

Sommet montagneux

Benin

limshig

Architecture traditionnelle

Architecture traditionnelle

Benin

Iwaria

Architecture traditionnelle

Architecture traditionnelle

Benin

David Iloba

Architecture traditionnelle

Architecture traditionnelle

Benin

Iwaria

Architecture traditionnelle

Architecture traditionnelle

Benin

David Iloba

Architecture traditionnelle

Architecture traditionnelle

Benin

David Iloba

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Jérémy Glineur

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Marcos Túlio

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Jérémy Glineur

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Egor Kunovsky

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Skyline de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Aaron Porras

Monument de Porto-Novo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Alexjo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Bob Jenkin

Monument de Porto-Novo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Kelly

Monument de Porto-Novo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Egor Kunovsky

Monument de Porto-Novo

Monument de Porto-Novo

Porto-Novo

Sonny Vermeer

Lieu incontournable

Lieu incontournable

Benin

Torie Roman

Lieu incontournable

Lieu incontournable

Benin

Wilfred Panakkal

Visas

Apply for a visa to Benin
(9.5/10)

Submit your visa application online in minutes — no consulate visit required.

Leader mondial du visa en ligne depuis +10 ans
  • Pre-filled form for your nationality
  • Real-time application tracking
  • 24/7 customer support
From €50