U.S. Embassy in Benin

Wiring Money Directly

Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.

Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State

When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.

Repatriation Loans

Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.

Fraud Warning

Access resources, if you believe you are the victim of an internet scam and check to see if you recognize the signs of a scam.

Email Scam Alert

Embassy Cotonou has recently seen a spike in the number of Americans who have fallen victim to scams from individuals and/or companies allegedly based in Togo. These fraud schemes pose dangers of both financial loss and physical harm.

Selective Service

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad. Overseas registrants are encouraged to register with the Selective Service website On-Line Registration. Where on-line registration is not available, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be of assistance. Current brochures and guidance are also available on the Selective Service website.

Social Security

If you reside in Benin and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Paris. For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://fr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security-administration/. For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

Veterans Affairs

U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.

Voting

Your vote counts! Did you know that many recent U.S. elections have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by military and overseas voters? All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline.

Eligibility for CRBA

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) is a formal document certifying the acquisition of United States citizenship at birth for a person born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). United States non-citizen nationals are also eligible for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, using the non-citizen option.

Transmitting Citizenship

Transmission of U.S. citizenship depends on: At least one parent having the nationality of the United States at the time of the child’s birth; The existence of a blood relationship between the child and U.S. citizen parent(s); Documentary evidence demonstrating the U.S. citizen parent(s)’ presence in the United States prior to the child’s birth, as specified in the Transmission Requirements Table below.

Citizenship Services

Learn about applying for citizenship and steps to renounce citizenship.