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Benin: Travel guide, visas and free housing · 2026

Benin, officially the Republic of Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is a country in West Africa.

Benin · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places
EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.
Places on the map22
Exchange rateF CFA 585.95per 1 $XOF — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026
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Cities to start with10

Highlights of the country

Cities of the country

Cities with free hosts and a known monthly budget

Visa and practicalities

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Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Avoid parts of the countryPart of the country is off limits entirely.
Full text

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).

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.
  • crime
  • terrorism
  • kidnapping
Full text

Exercise increased caution in Benin due to unrest , crime , terrorism , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso ; Niger ; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi , Niger , and Kwara due to crime , terrorism , and kidnapping .

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory
Cities of Benin
Places in Benin
Countries nearby

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