Safest cities in Benin
11 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
Areas the UK FCDO advises against visiting
- Northern border regions
- Eastern Benin
- Alibori and Atacora
- the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
- the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
- all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso
In full or in part — the official advisory lists exact boundaries and exceptions.
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in BeninTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Benin.
- Terrorist kidnapForeigners, government officials and civilians have been kidnapped by groups originating in bordering countries including Niger and Burkina Faso. Groups include Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), who may travel across the region’s porous borders. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in areas…
Political situation
- Political demonstrations and unrest can occur without warning. Benin experienced an attempted coup on 7 December. Avoid all demonstrations, large crowds, political gatherings and rallies. In the event of unrest, monitor local media and follow instructions and announcements from the local authorities. Comply with any checks or security measures,…
Crime
- Street crimeStreet crime, including theft and mugging, is common in Cotonou. Pickpockets often operate in places visited by international travellers.
- Vehicle crimeBe alert to the risk of carjacking both in Cotonou and on roads outside towns and cities. Always keep doors locked and windows closed when driving and avoid driving after dark. Do not slow down or stop if people signal you to pull over.
- ScamsScam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities – and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Benin. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made…
Laws and cultural differences
- Voodoo cultureBenin 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.
- Illegal drugs and prison sentencesPossession, 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 areasIt is illegal to take photos at or near sensitive or government sites, such as military installations or the airport.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted. Showing affection in public can receive negative attention.
- BribesYou should politely and firmly decline requests for ‘gifts’ from officials to facilitate administrative matters as this could implicate you in illegal activity.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Swimming safetyOcean currents are very strong along all parts of the coast. Many drownings occur each year. Do not swim unless you have reliable local advice and confidence in your ability. See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Benin, see information on driving abroad.
- Sea travelPiracy is a risk in the Gulf of Guinea, including in ports across the region. Take precautions to avoid piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Benin, updated 2025-12-15 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- no data
- Income inequality
- Gini 34.42021
- Human development
- HDI 0.5152023
- Income
- $4,760/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 26.8 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 59/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 50/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 45/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 6.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.59GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 39.7 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 18%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.2 doctors /1k0.4 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 354 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Flood
- 6.7/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Benin (as of 2025).
How Benin compares
| Measure | Benin | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 2.4 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 34.4 | 35.2 | −0.8 — better for Benin |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.515 | 0.763 | −0.248 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 26.8 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +11.4 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 50/100 | 52/100 | −2/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 45/100 | 39/100 | +6/100 — better for Benin |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 39.7 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +20.0 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 6.1/10 | 3.8/10 | +2.3/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | Benin | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | no data | 4.5 /100k | — |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 34.4 | 38.5 | −4.1 — better for Benin |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.515 | 0.563 | −0.048 — better for Africa median |
| Road deaths | 26.8 /100k | 28.2 /100k | −1.4 /100k — better for Benin |
| Rule of law | 50/100 | 42/100 | +8/100 — better for Benin |
| Corruption perceptions | 45/100 | 30/100 | +15/100 — better for Benin |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 39.7 µg/m³ | 27.3 µg/m³ | +12.4 µg/m³ — better for Africa median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 6.1/10 | 5.2/10 | +0.9/10 — better for Africa median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 11 cities, safest first
- Parakou78.6 · #2029 worldwide
- Djougou78.6 · #2030 worldwide
- Aplahoué78.6 · #2031 worldwide
- Lokossa78.6 · #2032 worldwide
- Bohicon72.3 · #3153 worldwide
- Whydah72.3 · #3154 worldwide
- Cotonou66.6 · #3789 worldwide
- Porto-Novo61.1 · #4355 worldwide
- Kandi60.6 · #4368 worldwide
- Pobè60.1 · #4443 worldwide
- Malanville58.6 · #4552 worldwide