Border areas
Do not travel to Benin’s border region with Burkina Faso and Niger. Do not travel to the Benin-Nigeria border in the departments of Alibori and Borgou. Reconsider your need to travel to the Benin-Nigeria border south of the Department of Borgou.
If you travel to Benin’s border regions, despite our advice, be aware that border crossings can close at short notice. Check with local authorities before travelling.
Driving permit
You can drive in Benin with:
a valid Australian driver’s licence
an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Road travel
You’re more likely to die in a road accident in Benin than in Australia.
Driving hazards include:
poor road conditions
poor street lighting
overloaded vehicles
people or animals on roads
Criminal activity, unofficial checkpoints and highway bandits are common.
Most roads outside of Cotonou are unsealed and poorly maintained. Some unsealed roads are unusable during the rainy seasons.
Fuel shortages are common in rural areas of northern Benin.
Police sometimes check vehicles at temporary roadblocks. They may ask for your ID and vehicle registration papers.
Witnesses to road accidents can react strongly towards people they think are at fault.
To stay safe on the road:
learn about local traffic laws and practices before driving
always carry copies of ID, vehicle registration, and ownership papers
avoid driving at night
keep doors locked and windows up, even when driving
If you travel to rural areas, take extra fuel, drinking water and first aid supplies.
More information:
Motorcycles
Ensure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Only use registered taxis and limousines. It’s best to arrange them through your hotel.
Public transport
There is no reliable public transport in Benin.
Avoid long-distance buses. They’re poorly maintained and often overloaded.
Boat travel
Travelling on boats can be dangerous. Safety standards are often low. Boats may not have lifesaving equipment, and operators may not be licenced by authorities.
Always wear a life jacket, even if others don’t.
Piracy and armed robbery at sea happen in coastal areas of Benin. Pirates have attacked large vessels in waters off Benin and nearby countries.
The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.
More information:
Source link : https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/benin
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Publish date : 2024-04-09 07:00:00
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