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Benin

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International Travel Information

What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.

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Current Travel Advisories

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

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COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

We were pleased to announce the donation of 302,400 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Benin on July 26 in close coordination with Gavi, the African Union, and COVAX. This is part of approximately 25 million COVID-19 vaccine donations to AU member states.

We were proud to announce our donation of an additional 332,280 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Benin on September 30, in partnership with the African Union via Gavi COVAX. Vaccines are a vital source of hope for improved health and safety during this pandemic.

The U.S. delivered an additional 336,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Benin on November 2. We are proud to work with Gavi COVAX, the African Union, Government of Benin, and UNICEF Benin to help save the lives of children and adults — in Benin and around the world.

On December 9, the United States partnered with Gavi COVAX to deliver 168,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Benin.

The United States partnered with Gavi COVAX to deliver 278,460 free, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses to Benin on January 12.

Learn more about our work Delivering Vaccines and on COVID-19 Recovery.

Highlights

December 13, 2021

Benin: Trial and Sentencing of Political Opponents

November 16, 2021

Cotonou, Benin: QSI International School of Benin 2021-2022 Fact Sheet

August 1, 2021

Benin National Day

April 23, 2021

Arrests of Opposition Figures in Benin

April 8, 2021

Department Press Briefing – April 8, 2021

Top Tags

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U.S. Relationship

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U.S.-Benin Relations

The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Benin in 1960, following its independence from France. The U.S. supports the consolidation of democracy and economic liberalization in Benin. Legislative and presidential elections in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were peaceful and benefited from strong citizen participation and robust press freedom. Poor health care, the low quality of public education, and endemic corruption, however, persist as obstacles to national development.

U.S. Assistance to Benin

The U.S. supports efforts to improve the health of Beninese families by reducing the malaria disease burden, improving the health of mothers and young children, and strengthening the health system. U.S. assistance also provides support to Benin’s defense and military capacity enhancement, enabling the country to maintain domestic peace and security while contributing to regional stability.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Benin is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The U.S. aims to promote increased trade with Benin and to stimulate U.S. investment in key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation. Benin and the U.S. have a bilateral investment agreement. The U.S. also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Benin is a member.

Benin Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red (bottom) with a vertical green band on the hoist side; green symbolizes hope and revival, yellow wealth, and red courage. Note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia. [CIA World Fact Book]

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of State

External Resources

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future