Benin

Border areas

Benin’s border with Nigeria can close at short notice. Check with local authorities before travelling.

Driving permit

You can drive in Benin with:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You’re 5 times more likely to die in a road accident in Benin than in Australia.

Driving hazards include:

• poor road conditions
• poor street lighting
• overloaded vehicles
• people or animals on roads

Criminal activity happens, especially near the Benin-Nigeria border. Unofficial checkpoints and highway bandits are common.

Most roads outside of Cotonou are unsealed and poorly maintained. Some unsealed roads are unusable during the rainy seasons.

Fuel shortages are common in rural areas of northern Benin.

Police sometimes check vehicles at temporary road blocks. They may ask for your ID and vehicle registration papers.

Witnesses to road accidents can react strongly towards people who they think are at fault.

To stay safe on the road:

• learn about local traffic laws and practices before driving
• always carry copies of ID and vehicle registration and ownership papers
• avoid driving at night
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when driving (see Safety)

Don’t travel overland to or from Nigeria.

If you travel to rural areas, take extra fuel, drinking water and first aid supplies.

More information:

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. It’s best to arrange them through your hotel.

Public transport

There is no reliable public transport in Benin.

Avoid long-distance buses. They’re poorly maintained and often overloaded.

Boat travel

Travel on river craft is dangerous. They can be overloaded and may not have lifesaving equipment.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don’t.

Piracy and armed robbery at sea happen in coastal areas of Benin. Pirates have attacked large vessels in waters off Benin and nearby countries.

The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

More information:

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Benin’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government