Benin Ambulance Number: 112
+229 · Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)
The ambulance emergency number in Benin is 112. Operated by Ministère de la Santé. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)
Benin · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services via 112. SAMU Benin operates in Cotonou and major cities. Response may be limited outside urban areas.
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Benin
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 117 for administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Beninese law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact SBEE
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — Benin
Emergency response is most reliable in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Outside major cities, response times may be significantly delayed. SAMU ambulance service operates in urban areas. Private clinics in Cotonou offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
🛡️ Traveling to Benin? Protect Yourself
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Ambulance Emergency Service in Benin — Complete Guide
When traveling to Benin or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number in Benin is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Benin is 112, which is operated and monitored by Ministère de la Santé. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 112. SAMU Benin operates in Cotonou and major cities. Response may be limited outside urban areas.
How to Dial 112 in Benin
To reach the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) in Benin, dial 112 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone has no SIM card inserted or if the SIM card is locked. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Benin using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 112 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Benin from an international location, the country calling code is +229.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Benin communicate primarily in fr. If you do not speak fr, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 112
When you call the ambulance number in Benin, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ministère de la Santé. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (ambulance assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Please note that Benin utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Ambulance (112), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Police (Police Républicaine) (117), Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) (112), Fire and Rescue Service (118). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Benin and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 112 is verified against official directories published by Ministère de la Santé. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in Benin
What is the Ambulance number in Benin? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Benin is 112. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 112. SAMU Benin operates in Cotonou and major cities. Response may be limited outside urban areas.
Does 112 work from mobile in Benin? ▼
Yes, 112 works from all mobile phones in Benin.
Can I call 112 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 112 without a SIM card in Benin.
Is calling 112 free in Benin? ▼
Yes, calling 112 is free in Benin. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Benin? ▼
The Ambulance service in Benin is operated by Ministère de la Santé. Source: https://sante.gouv.bj/
Can I call 112 from a mobile phone without credit in Benin? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 112, 117, and 118 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Benin? ▼
French is the primary language for emergency services. English-speaking capability is not confirmed. Travelers should communicate in French.
What emergency services are available outside Cotonou? ▼
Police posts exist in all departments, but emergency response is slower. Ambulance services are concentrated in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Fire stations exist in major towns only.