Benin

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
• You must have a visa to enter or travel through Benin. For further information on entry requirements, contact the Beninese Embassy in France (in French).
• To enter Benin, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination. For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Benin guide.

• At least 8 weeks before your trip:
• Medical facilities are poor, particularly in rural areas. Emergency medical facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation is necessary.

No particular vigilance zone is listed on the official page (in French) (updated on 15 Sept 2026) · see the page.

• There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

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

• There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Benin (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Population · 2025

14,814,460

Time zone

no time difference with Paris

Plugs and voltage

Type C and E plugs · 220 V

Driving side

Driving on the right

Calling code

+229

Languages

French

Area

114,763 km²

Highest point

Mont Sokbaro, 658 m

Main religions

Muslim 27.7%, Roman Catholic 25.5%, Protestant 13.5%, Vodoun 11.6%, other Christian 9.5%, other traditional religions 2.6%, other 2.6%, none 5.8%