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Benin Travel Health Guide

High risk

Benin carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Benin. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

Overall risk

High risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and shingles.

Recommended

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers one year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers of any age going to Benin.

Recommended

Measles

Measles cases are rising worldwide. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months.

Recommended

Polio

Poliovirus has been identified in Benin in the past year. Adults may need a booster dose, unvaccinated travelers need complete series before travel.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to Benin, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Recommended

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into Benin for all travelers 9 months and older, and is also recommended for protection.

Recommended

Cholera

Cholera vaccine is not recommended as there is no longer active cholera transmission in Benin.

Situational

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for travelers 2 months and older going to areas of Benin in the meningitis belt during dry season (December to June).

Situational

Rabies

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Benin. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you'll have increased animal exposure or limited access to medical care.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists throughout Benin. CDC recommends taking prescription antimalarial medication. The primary species is P. falciparum with chloroquine resistance.

Emergency numbers

Police

117

Medical / Ambulance

118

Fire

118

U.S. Embassy

+229-21-30-06-50

Benin travel health FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel to Benin?▼

For travel to Benin, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Polio, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended; Cholera, Meningococcal Disease and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Is there malaria in Benin?▼

Yes — malaria is present in Benin. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.

Is it safe to travel to Benin?▼

From a travel-health standpoint, Benin is currently rated high risk. Benin carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Benin. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

What are the emergency phone numbers in Benin?▼

Key emergency numbers in Benin are Police 117, Medical / Ambulance 118, Fire 118 and U.S. Embassy +229-21-30-06-50. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.