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Country Information > West Africa > Benin Travel
Advice Country Description Benin is a developing West African country. Its capital city is Porto Novo. However, the city of Cotonou is the main port and largest city, site of the international airport and most government, commercial, and tourist activity. Tourist facilities are available in Cotonou, but are not fully developed elsewhere. The ocean currents along the coast are extremely strong and treacherous (a rough surf and a strong undertow), and they result in several drownings each year. Entry Requirements A passport and visa are required. Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Benin are limited and not all medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Travellers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage to be useful. Information on Crime Street crime, especially within Cotonou, continues to rise. Most robberies and muggings occur along the Marina Boulevard and the beach near the hotels frequented by international visitors. Some of the incidents reported involve the use of force, often by armed persons, with occasional minor injury to the victim. Isolated areas are best avoided. Business fraud stemming from Nigerian scam operations targets foreigners, and poses a danger of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals in Benin with individuals promoting investment in Nigeria, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, are strongly urged to check before providing any information, making financial commitments, or traveling to Benin. The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest embassy or consulate. Road Safety & In-Country Travel Conditions The information below concerning Benin is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance: Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Travelers should exercise caution when traveling in Benin because the roads range from fair to very poor. Travel at night, especially outside of population centers, poses a risk principally because of poor road conditions. There are paved roads in Cotonou, along the coast and one paved road north to Niger. Other roads are hard packed sand. All roads, paved or not, are pot-holed and narrow. Motorcycle traffic is very heavy, and trucks are usually overloaded. Drug Penalties Travellers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are
traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal
drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.
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