🚑 Ambulance in Benin
+229 · Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)
Benin Ambulance emergency number is 112. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Ministère de la Santé. One-tap call, works offline.
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.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ 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 Benin can be critical for safety and 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 Call the Ambulance in Benin
To reach the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) in Benin, dial 112 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone does not have a SIM card active. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 112
When you call the ambulance number in Benin, you will be connected to a trained operator at Ministère de la Santé. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Please note that Benin utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. 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 European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Benin and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
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 us 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.