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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Benin, please see Ireland.ie.

Benin

If you’re travelling to Benin, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

Latest Travel Alert

There is an increased risk of terrorism in the northern regions along the border with Burkina Faso and Niger.  We advise against all travel to this region, including Parc du W, Pendjari National Park and areas within 5km of the Burkinabé border.

Irish citizens should exercise caution and avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Benin. Further information on how to apply for a visa can be found on the Government of Benin’s eVisa platform.

Visitors to Benin are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Nigeria on social media (Twitter and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Benin by dialling 117.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Benin we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria.

Safety and Security

Safety and Security

Terrorism

There is an increased risk of terrorism in the northern regions along the border with Burkina Faso and Niger.  We advise against all travel to this region, including Parc du W, Pendjari National Park and areas within 5km of the Burkinabé border.

Political Situation

The situation remains volatile after violent protests related to the legislative elections which took place in April 2019. We suggest to exercise caution and avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations.

Practical advice

  • get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
  • Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may been seen as improper, hostile or maybe even illegal.

Health

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can't advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your description in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens need a visa to enter Benin. Further information on how to apply for a visa can be found on the Government of Benin’s eVisa platform.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Benin and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria . We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

  • Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
  • If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.

 

 

 

 

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Irish citizens who require urgent assistance while the Embassy is closed can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs on +353 1 408 2000.

The Duty Officer will refer the matter to the Embassy.

Embassy of Ireland
11 Negro Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Nigeria

Tel: +234 9 462 1080
Fax: + 234 9 4131805

Monday 09:00 to 16:00, Friday 09:00 to 12:00

Contact us