112
Ambulance · Benin
112 is the Benin Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministère de la Santé. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 112 — Ambulance in Benin
📍 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 112
- • 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
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 112 in Benin?
112 is the official Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) emergency number in Benin. This number is operated by Ministère de la Santé and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 112. SAMU Benin operates in Cotonou and major cities. Response may be limited outside urban areas.
When to Call 112
Call 112 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in Benin. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 112 in Benin
Here are the key technical facts about calling 112 in Benin:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministère de la Santé
How to Call 112 from Abroad
If you are calling 112 from outside Benin, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +229 followed by 112 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Benin, simply dialing 112 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU). The universal number 112 is also active across Benin and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Benin
Besides 112 (Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)), Benin has the following emergency services available: National Police (Police Républicaine): 117 · Emergency Medical Service (SAMU): 112 · Fire and Rescue Service: 118. Save all these numbers before traveling to Benin.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 112 is listed as the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) emergency line for Benin based on data from Ministère de la Santé. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 112 (Benin)
What is 112 in Benin? ▼
112 is the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) emergency number in Benin. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 112. SAMU Benin operates in Cotonou and major cities. Response may be limited outside urban areas.
Can I call 112 without a SIM card in Benin? ▼
Yes, you can dial 112 in Benin without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling 112 free in Benin? ▼
Yes, calling 112 is completely free in Benin. No airtime credit needed.
Does 112 work from mobile in Benin? ▼
Yes, 112 works from all mobile phones in Benin.
Who do I reach when I call 112 in Benin? ▼
Calling 112 in Benin connects you to Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) (Ministère de la Santé), available 24/7.
What is the source for 112 being the Ambulance number in Benin? ▼
Verified from Ministère de la Santé: https://sante.gouv.bj/. Last verified: 2026-01.
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.