Messages for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Cotonou
SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS
Kidnapping of U.S. Citizen
May 29, 2012
A U.S. citizen was recently kidnapped in Benin. The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou has no reason to believe that other U.S. citizens or interests are at risk. The investigation is ongoing, and there are no further details at this time. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to remain conscious of their personal security, and to review the current Worldwide Caution.
You can obtain Embassy updates by checking the website of the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warning, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips. If you don't have internet access, current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
All U.S. citizens in Benin are urged to register online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Benin and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. Please note the following contact information:
The Embassy is located at Rue Caporal Bernard Anani in Cotonou. The Embassy's mailing address is B.P. 2012, Cotonou, Benin. Telephone: The 24-hour telephone numbers are (229) 21-30-06-50, 21-30-05-13, and 21-30-17-92. Facsimile: (229) 21-30-66-82. Additional local information, including recent warden messages, is available on the U.S. Embassy Cotonou web site.