Cotonou: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Cotonou is the seat of government and largest city of Benin. The official city proper population was 679,012 in 2012; however, over two million people live in the larger urban area.

Cotonou · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places

Now in the cityCotonou+32°CCloudy · sunset 06:30 PMupdated 01:19 PM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map6

Exchange rateF CFA 585.95per 1 $XOF — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Within two hours

Fondation Zinsou≈ 25 min Abomey-Calavi≈ 30 min Stade de l'Amitié≈ 1 hr

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).

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.

crime
terrorism
kidnapping

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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: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Cotonou: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Places on the map6

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here

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