What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Benin, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
No numbered levels
Updated 15 December 2025
Latest change, in the source's words:FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of the Alibori and Atacora departments. FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel and all travel to other areas in Benin (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Benin” of the UK government's travel advice for Benin, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Fire and ambulance: 118
Police: 117
Emergency response is very limited and you may need to ask for local advice to get emergency help.
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Benin, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Voodoo culture
Benin is one of the main centres of Voodoo practices, and Voodoo culture is prevalent. You should research and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
Most people in Benin celebrate Voodoo Festival, an annual public holiday in early January. Make sure you’ve arranged travel and accommodation as options are limited during the festival. Watch out for pickpockets.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and heavy fines.
Using cameras in secure areas
It is illegal to take photos at or near sensitive or government sites, such as military installations or the airport.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention.
You should politely and firmly decline requests for ‘gifts’ from officials to facilitate administrative matters as this could implicate you in illegal activity.
Travelling with medicines
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Benin, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesCE
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
34 °C (94 °F)
Rain
2 mm (0.1 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
February
Average
29 °C (85 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
37 °C (98 °F)
Rain
9 mm (0.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
March
Average
31 °C (88 °F)
Lows
25 °C (76 °F)
Highs
38 °C (100 °F)
Rain
28 mm (1.1 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
April
Average
31 °C (88 °F)
Lows
25 °C (77 °F)
Highs
37 °C (98 °F)
Rain
64 mm (2.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
May
Average
29 °C (85 °F)
Lows
24 °C (76 °F)
Highs
35 °C (94 °F)
Rain
121 mm (4.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
June
Average
28 °C (82 °F)
Lows
23 °C (73 °F)
Highs
32 °C (90 °F)
Rain
145 mm (5.7 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
July
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
30 °C (87 °F)
Rain
178 mm (7.0 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
August
Average
26 °C (78 °F)
Lows
22 °C (71 °F)
Highs
30 °C (85 °F)
Rain
211 mm (8.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very wet month on average: waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and a dry bag.
September
Average
26 °C (79 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
31 °C (87 °F)
Rain
191 mm (7.5 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
October
Average
28 °C (82 °F)
Lows
22 °C (72 °F)
Highs
33 °C (91 °F)
Rain
91 mm (3.6 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
November
Average
28 °C (83 °F)
Lows
21 °C (70 °F)
Highs
35 °C (96 °F)
Rain
8 mm (0.3 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
December
Average
27 °C (81 °F)
Lows
20 °C (68 °F)
Highs
35 °C (94 °F)
Rain
3 mm (0.1 in)
Light, breathable clothes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Very hot days on average: loose clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Big difference between day and night: pack layers.
Usually dry.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
Packing checklist
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Entry requirements and visas
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Benin.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.