Benin Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Benin
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated January 7, 2026
Benin recorded 1.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2017, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Benin #142 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Benin at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#54 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2017
Homicide Rate Trend (2017-2017)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Benin Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Benin has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
77(2024)
Military Spending
0.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Benin:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "unrest" risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. 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 . Advisory summary Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Benin
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 04, 2026).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected and focused on vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Extremist groups have carried out attacks in areas of Burkina Faso adjacent to Benin’s northern border, near Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones. Attacks may occur with little or no warning.
Crime
Street crime is a significant problem in urban areas. Robbery and muggings occur on major thoroughfares and in neighborhoods, including those where expatriates and diplomatic staff live, where popular bars and restaurants are located, and on the beaches near hotels frequented by international visitors. Most reported incidents involve the use of force, by armed persons, with minor injury to the victim. There have been reports of individuals impersonating police officers. Travelers should avoid the Dantokpa Market between the hours of dusk and dawn.
Demonstrations
occur occasionally. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Benin. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Contracts with promises of large commissions Grandparent/Relative targeting Work permits/job offers
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +(229) 21-30-30-25 or +(229) 21-30-20-11, and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(229) 21-30-75-00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . Those who witness or are victimized by police fraud and/or corruption can call the “Green Line” of the Beninese Police at 166 to report what they have experienced. The U.S. Embassy can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is limited. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Depending on the nature of an injury or illness, appropriate medical treatment may not be available in Benin. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
Beach Safety
: Swimming conditions along Benin’s coastline are dangerous due to strong tides, waves, and rip currents, and several people drown each year. Some private beaches offer increased protection, such as sea walls. Always learn about the water conditions at any beach before attempting to swim.
Maritime Security
: Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to trend upwards. Pirates/armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship’s property continue to be common occurrences.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Benin Population & Demographics
Population of 14,462,724, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benin safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Benin at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Benin?
Benin has an intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people (2017, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #142 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Benin?
Benin is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Benin compare to other countries?
Benin's homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.