Benin

Recommended Vaccinations For Benin

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningitis vaccination is recommended if travelling in Benin during the dry season from December through June.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers 1 year of age or more arriving in this country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (but not the WHO or the British NaTHNaC) recommends vaccinations for people 9 months of age or more.

Recommended Medications For Benin

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers going to Benin. Recommended medications are atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Benin

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Benin.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Benin.

Cholera

Cholera occurs in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

**There is a risk of dengue in this country.**

For Some Travellers

African Tick Bite Fever

Sporadic cases of this disease are reported in this country.

Malaria

There is a risk for malaria all year long throughout Benin.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Benin during the dry season (December through June).

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Benin.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Benin, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Benin. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Benin. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Zika Fever

Zika fever can occur in this country.

Safety & Security in Benin

Personal Safety

Although the safety and security situation is stable, petty crime and criminal violence do occur in Benin, particularly in tourist areas, near hotels, railroad stations, markets, and beaches. Robbery is common on and around the Cotonou beach areas even in the daytime. Avoid walking alone, day or night. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.

Public transportation is not reliable, road conditions are poor, roads may be unlit and fuel may not be available at times in rural areas. Avoid driving at night.

Very strong ocean currents cause many drownings every year. There is a risk of piracy off the coast of Benin.

There are severe penalties for drug offences.

Homosexuality is legal in Benin. LGBT+ travellers should note that there could be intolerance towards public displays of affection.

Photography is illegal around government buildings, military zones, and/or military personnel.

Political Unrest

Sitata reminds travellers to minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations and the risk that they may turn violent.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid the areas along the borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, including national parks, in the departments of Atacora, Alibori, and Borgou, as well as the area north of National Highway 7, due to the presence of armed groups. There is a high risk of incursions by Nigerian militants in the departments of Collines, Plateau, and Ouémé.