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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Segbe Cyrille OGUIN
Embassy: 2124 Kalorama Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: (202) 232-6656, 6657, 6658
Fax: (202) 265-1996

US diplomatic representation:
Ambassador: Susan Tuller
Embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou
Mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou
Telephone: [229] 21-30-06-50.
Fax: [229] 21-30-14-39

Beninese Embassies and Consulates around the World

Algeria
16 Lotissement du Stade, Birkhadem, Les Sources Birmandreis
BP 103
Algiers
Tel: (213) 256 5271

Belgium
Avenue de l'Observatoire 5
1180 Brussels
Tel: (32-2) 375 0674, 374 9191

Canada
58 Glebe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2C3
Tel: (613) 233-4868, 233-5273

China
36 Kouang Houa Lou
Beijing
Tel: (86-10) 532 3054

Congo-Kinshasa
3990 Avenue des Cliniques
BP 3265
Kinshasa
Tel: (243-12) 28822

Côte d'Ivoire
Boulevard Andre Latrille, Lot 244
09 BP 283
Abidjan
Tel: (225) 41 44 14, 41 50 58

Cuba
Calle 20, No 119/F1, Ray 3 na Avenue Miramar
Havana

France
87 Avenue Victor Hugo
75116 Paris
Tel: (33-1) 45 00 98 82

Germany
Rudigestrasse 10
Postfach 228
5300 Bonn-Mehlem
tel: (49-228) 344 031, 349 961

Ghana
Volta Street, 2nd Close, No. 19, Airport Residential Area
PO Box 7871
Accra
Tel: (233) 21 77 48 60

Libya
BP 6676
Tripoli
Tel: (218) 72914

Niger
BP 11544
Naimey
Tel: (227) 72 39 19

Nigeria
4 Abudu Smith, Victoria Island
PO Box 5705
Lagos
Tel: (234-1) 614 411

Russia
4a Uspenski Pereoulok
Moscow
Tel: (7-095) 299 2360

United Nations
4 East 73 Street
New York, NY 10021
Tel: (212) 249-6014/5


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Benin

U.S. Embassy Web Site in Benin


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Benin (then called Dahomey) in 1960, following its independence from France. Between 1960 and 1972, a succession of military coups brought about many changes of government, followed by one-party, Marxist-Leninist rule until the early 1990s, when the country transitioned to a democratic government. In the years since then, the history of bilateral relations has been excellent. The United States supports the consolidation of democracy and economic liberalization in Benin. Presidential and legislative elections in 2011 were peaceful and benefited from strong citizen participation and robust press freedom. However, poor health care, low quality of public education, and insufficiently transparent governance persist as obstacles to national development.

U.S. Assistance to Benin

The United States 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. Trade between Benin and the United States is small, but interest in U.S. products is growing. U.S. exports to Benin include vehicles, oil, machinery, low-value shipments, and perfumery/cosmetics. U.S. imports from Benin include Shea butter and cashews. The United States aims to promote increased trade with Benin and thereby with Benin's neighbors, particularly Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso, whose imports pass through Benin. The United States also works to stimulate U.S. investment in key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation. Benin and the United States have a bilateral investment agreement. The United States also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Benin is a member.

Benin's Membership in International Organizations

Benin and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Benin also is an observer to the Organization of American States.

Bilateral Representation

There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to Benin; the U.S. Charge d'Affaires is Susan Tuller. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Benin maintains an embassy in the United States at 2124 Kalorama Road, Washington, DC 20008, tel. 202-232-6656.

More information about Benin is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Benin Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Benin Page
U.S. Embassy: Benin
USAID Benin Page
History of U.S. Relations With Benin
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information






TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Benin check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (XOF) Africaine Franc
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 229, City Code Atlantic and Coastal Area 3+5D, Mono and Couffo 4+5D, Zou and Collines 5+5D



Transportation:
Within all large cities, towns, and some villages, you'll find motorcycle-taxis called "zemidjans." You'll recognize the drivers by their colored shirts (yellow in Cotonou, purple in Porto Novo, etc.). These are by far the fastest, most convenient, cheapest way to travel from place to place within a city, or between neighboring cities and towns. The quality of drivers and motorbikes, however, varies greatly, and breakdowns are not uncommon. Be sure to discuss price with your driver before getting on the bike. Travel within Cotonou, for example can range from 100-200 CFA to get from one part of the city to another; the fares increase after dark.

Currency:
The unit of currency in Benin is the West African CFA.
The value is (estimated) 700 CFA = $US 1. You can change money at the airport upon arrival. There are a variety of banks in Cotonou that will change money and travelers checks, including Ecobank, Financial Bank and Bank of Africa. Financial Bank will also let you withdraw money on your Visa card. There are branches of some of these banks in major cities outside of Cotonou (for example, Porto Novo and Parakou) but in general, your best bet is to change your money in Cotonou. Most banks are open 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays; the exception is Ecobank in Cotonou, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Credit cards are not widely accepted, except at the upscale hotels and restaurants in Cotonou and major cities.

Communications:
The postal service is fairly reliable in Benin, and there are branch offices all over Cotonou, in all large cities, and many smaller villages. Look for the PTT sign.

Telecommunications is a burgeoning business in Benin, and making an overseas call is quite easy from Cotonou, although it is expensive. Aside from the telephone facilities at most PTTs, there are many "Cabine telephones" throughout the city, from which you can place your call (look for signs). However, the concept of international telephone calling cards is not widely known here, so you may encounter some difficulties as you try to explain the concept. Your best bet is to go to a busy PTT in Cotonou. Calling overseas from other points in Benin ranges from easy to difficult; generally speaking, phone service is better in the southern part of the country and once you get north of Parakou, increasingly difficult.

Internet cafes with e-mail service are springing up all over Cotonou, and can also be found in some southern cities such as Porto Novo, Lokossa and Allada. Rates vary, so your best bet is to check out several, or ask a local friend.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco.................200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 25g of tobacco proudcts

Currency.................Should be declared on arrival

Liquor.....................One bottle of wine and 1 bottle of spirits

Perfume..................500ml of eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume

Gifts.........................Duty free allowance $50.00

Cameras..................No restrictions

Agriculture items.....Refer to Consulate



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