On 3 June 2021, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Benin, upgrading the level of advice for northern Benin to “Do Not Travel” from “Reconsider Travel.” The relevant portion of the advisory reads in part as follows: “Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk.
“Northern Benin – Do Not Travel
“Extremist groups have carried out attacks in areas of Burkina Faso and Niger adjacent to Benin’s northern border, near Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin. Extremist groups have also operated in the northeastern border region between Benin and Nigeria, specifically in the border region north of Nikki. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists are at risk of kidnapping in this region. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to the regions described above.”
The full text of the advisory is available here.
