Benin
VERIFIED · MAY 202620 ENTRIESOTHER
Benin is in Other. Review the laws below before your trip — every entry has a source link, and the verdict layer is sorted worst-first.
HEADS UP
West African coastal country. Drug penalties strict. Same-sex relations decriminalized (2025 Penal Code reform). Photography of military restricted. Vodun (Voodoo) is recognized religion.
DO NOT BRING
Drug trafficking
Medications
4 entriesSubstances
4 entriesItems
3 entriesActivities
4 entriesDigital
3 entriesCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
- Cotonou's nightlife is liberal but rural areas remain conservative on dress and PDA.
- Camera attention from police can be a soft-extortion attempt — be polite, decline politely.
JURISDICTION NOTES
- Northern border regions (with Burkina Faso and Niger) have insurgency-spillover security advisories.
- Vodun (Voodoo) is an official religion — Vodun Day (January 10) is a national holiday.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Last verified · May 2026
Information only. Not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies — consult a qualified attorney for your jurisdiction before acting.