The American citizen who was kidnapped in Benin was released May 31

June 5, 2012

The American citizen who was kidnapped in Benin was released May 31. He was released unharmed. The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou has no reason to suspect that other American citizens or interests are at risk. All American citizens are encouraged to remain conscious of their personal security, and to review the current Worldwide Caution.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling 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).

U.S. citizens living or traveling to Benin are encouraged to enroll with the Embassy through the Department's Smart Traveler Enrolloment Program (STEP) website, so they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Benin.  Citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the Embassy.  In using STEP, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

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.