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Niger

Overview of Niger

Niamey at night
Photo credit: Jake73
Landlocked Niger lies in the heart of Africa and is known for its diverse cultures, oases of wildlife, and beautiful desert landscapes. The capital city, Niamey, is a pleasant and fairly modern settlement with great open-air markets and a picturesque setting on the banks of the Niger River. The National Museum is worth a visit, mostly for the impressive artisans collective, which produces high-quality goods for fair but surprisingly non-negotiable prices.

The country's top attraction is W National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to abundant wildlife. Koure, southeast of Niamey, is famous for its herd of giraffe, supposedly the last wild herd in West Africa. Other sites worth visiting are the old trading centres of Agadez, with its vibrant Touareg culture, and Zinder, with its maze-like old town and interesting Sultan's Palace.

Niger was a former French colony, achieving independence in 1960. It suffers from periodic droughts, widespread corruption, and an unskilled workforce, all of which combine to make it one of the poorest countries in the world. Niger also has the distinction of having one of the highest fertility rates in the world, as well as one of the highest infant mortality rates.

Travel can be arduous as the roads are mostly unpaved and potholed, and banditry is common enough for a night-time curfew to be imposed for cars. It is also astoundingly hot. Apart from aid workers and businesspeople, the only visitors Niger usually sees are intrepid backpackers and adventurers.

map of Niger


Key Facts

Language:
French is the official language of Niger and is widely spoken.
Passport/Visa:

All visitors must have a valid passport. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the currency of Niger. Cash is king as credit cards are very seldom accepted and there are few ATMs. Euros are the best foreign currency to carry, but US dollars are also easy to exchange.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pinned plugs with round pins are standard.

Travel to Niger

Climate in Niger

Niger is known for its extreme heat and aridity, which discourages many travellers. Between March and June temperatures can rise above 113F (45C). This kind of heat makes desert travel unbearable for much of the year.

The average maximum temperatures in Niger range between 87F and 105F (31C and 41C). However, the nights are generally cool or even cold, with temperatures dropping below 68F (20C) in summer and in winter; temperatures can drop below 50F (10C) in central and north-eastern parts of the country.

Niger's terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, but the extreme south of the country, on the edge of the Niger River Basin, is lusher with a tropical climate. Rain is very rare in the desert region but rainfall increases in the south, which has a brief rainy season between late May and September. Most rain falls in July and August.

The best time to visit Niger is between December and February, which is the coolest and driest period in the country. Travellers should be sure to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the heat and sun, and must stay well-hydrated at all times.

Health Notes when travelling to Niger

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers in all areas of Niger and a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. A meningococcus vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season, between November and June.

Routine vaccinations and updates for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), tetanus-diphtheria, and typhoid are recommended. Those travellers who may be at risk of animal bites or may be coming into contact with bats should consider a rabies vaccination. Everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in Niger and travellers should ensure that they have comprehensive travel insurance. Visitors should bring medication in its original packaging, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what each medicine is and why it is required. They should carry a bag of essential medical supplies as well.

Visitors should avoid drinking tap water in Niger unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. They should also be wary of food from street vendors, and should only eat cooked meals while they are still hot. Raw or undercooked meat and fish should not be eaten and fruit and vegetables should be cooked or peeled.

Safety Notes when travelling to Niger

Niger is not currently considered safe for touristic travel and most travel authorities warn against travel to the country due to the high threat of terrorism, including kidnapping, and the high crime rate. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel outside of the capital, Niamey and, even then, that's only for essential travel. The US Department of State similarly warns that travel in Niger is risky. Terrorist groups in the region have grown increasingly bold and there have been large-scale attacks on civilian and government targets, as well as recent kidnappings of foreigners. Official roadblocks are common, especially in and around Niamey, and must be respected. Local authorities may not permit foreigners to travel to certain areas.

The crime rate is high, particularly in Niamey, with robbery and residential break-ins the most common criminal activity. Petty, opportunistic crimes such as bag-snatching are common day and night in urban areas and armed attacks are not unusual.

Banditry is a problem and road travel in remote areas should never be undertaken at night. When driving in urban areas cars should be kept locked, with windows wound up. Precautions must be taken to ensure personal safety and to protect possessions such as passports, jewellery, and mobile phones. Foreigners may also experience bribery attempts and extortion by law enforcement authorities in Niger, and should be aware of scams.

Customs in Niger

Social etiquette and customs in Niger is split roughly in two: the country's French influence dominates in the cities while Muslim values prevail in the more rural areas. Visitors should make sure to be neat and to always cover the elbows and knees, and refrain from boisterous public behaviour or overt public affection. This is especially the case for same-sex couples as LGBTI rights are not protected.

Greetings are important in Niger. It's important to be friendly, inquire after the person's health, and refrain from contact with the opposite sex unless it is initiated from the local party. Travellers should note that people do drink in Niger, even Muslims, but should exercise caution and sensitivity in this regard. In some areas, it is frowned upon for a woman to smoke in public.

Visitors should always ask permission before taking someone's picture, and should not photograph military personnel or installations, airports, embassies, or any government institutions. It's considered rude to use the left hand when greeting, eating, or accepting gifts, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Duty Free in Niger

Visitors to Niger aged 18 and older may import the following goods duty free: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars or 250g tobacco, one bottle of wine and one bottle of spirits, and 0.25 litres perfume.

Doing Business in Niger

Niger's economy is predominantly agricultural, with about 90 percent of the country's workforce engaged in largely subsistence farming. However, there is also a growing interest in the region's mineral resources. Doing business in Niger is complicated by the lack of security and infrastructure, as well as by poverty and crime.

Business etiquette is formal and dress is conservative and often traditional. Women in particular should ensure that they dress conservatively and should consider a head covering. Most offices operate from 8am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturday.

Communication in Niger

The international dialling code for Niger is +227. Due to poor line quality and limited access, landlines in Niger are unreliable and service is generally better with one of the mobile phone operators; there are multiple cellular service providers in urban areas. Internet use is gradually increasing.

Tipping in Niger

Tipping is appreciated in Niger and, while a service charge is generally added to restaurant bills, extra tips are still appreciated. Taxi drivers, tour guides, barmen, and porters all take tips. A 10 percent tip is customary.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors must have a valid passport. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the departure date. Visas are required.

Niger Embassies

In the United States:

Niger Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 483 4224.

In the United Kingdom:

Niger Embassy, London: +44 0207 328 8180.

In South Africa:

Niger Embassy, Pretoria: +27 12 430 2402; +27 12 430 2337.

Foreign Embassies in Niger

American Embassy

US Embassy, Niamey: +227 20 72 26 61.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy in Bamako, Mali (consular assistance for Niger): +223 44 98 04 50.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Bamako, Mali (consular assistance for Niger): +223 4497 6913.

Australian Embassy

Australian High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria (consular assistance for Niger): +234 9 461 2780.

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria (consular assistance for Niger): +234 9 4620611.

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Niamey: +227 2072 6083.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Niger

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Yellow Fever

Health Recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Niger, so CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map - Yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).

Country entry requirement: The government of Niger requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants.

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Niger.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Niger, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Niger.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Niger. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Polio

If you will be doing work in Niger that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.)

  • If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
  • If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
get_vaccinated eat_drink hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Niger, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Niger
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Health Recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Niger, so CDC recommends yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older visiting areas south of the Sahara Desert (see map - Yellow fever vaccine recommendations in Africa).

Country entry requirement: The government of Niger requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants.

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Niger.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Niger, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Niger.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Niger. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated eat_drink hygiene
Polio

If you will be doing work in Niger that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.)

  • If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
  • If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Niger, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Niger
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Note: Zika is a risk in Niger. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Niger. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

 

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Niger, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Niger. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Note: Zika is a risk in Niger. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Niger include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Niger. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Niger’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Niger. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Niger may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Niger, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Niger for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Niger. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions

  • Polio in Nigeria July 21, 2017 The Nigerian Ministry of Health has reported several cases of poliovirus in the state of Borno in northeastern Nigeria. CDC recommends that all travelers to Nigeria be fully vaccinated against polio. Because of the risk of cross-border transmission, CDC recommends a one-time booster dose of polio vaccine for fully vaccinated adults traveling to Niger, Cameroon, or Chad to work in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The West African CFA Franc (XOF) is the currency of Niger. Cash is king as credit cards are very seldom accepted and there are few ATMs. Euros are the best foreign currency to carry, but US dollars are also easy to exchange.

Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM)
Diori Hamani International Airport
http://www.aeroport-niamey.com/index.php

Location: Niamey The airport is located in the southeastern suburbs of Niamey.

map of Diori Hamani International Airport

Time: Local time is GMT +1

Contacts: Tel: +227 20 73 23 81

Getting to the city: There is no secure public transport to and from the airport, but taxis are available. Travellers should be sure to use official taxis, identifiable by their yellow colour. Visitors are advised to arrange a pick up from their hotel if possible.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar, and Crown Car Hire.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours a day. The journey time from the airport to downtown is around 10 minutes.

Facilities: Airport facilities are limited but include some shopping (including duty free shops), a police station, a VIP room, ATMs, and restaurants.

Parking:

Overview of the Attractions in Niger

Public Holidays in Niger

  2020 2021
Birth of the Prophet Mon. October 28 to Tue. October 29 Fri. October 18 to Sat. October 19
Muharram (Islamic New Year) Mon. August 19 to Tue. August 20 Fri. August 9 to Sat. August 10
Lailatoul-Quadr (Night of Power) Sun. May 19 Wed. May 8
New Year's Day Mon. January 1 Mon. January 1
Easter Monday Sat. April 13 Fri. April 5
Concord Day Wed. April 24 Wed. April 24
Labour Day Wed. May 1 Wed. May 1
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Fri. May 24 Mon. May 13
Independence Day Sat. August 3 Sat. August 3
Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice) Tue. July 30 to Sat. August 3 Fri. July 19 to Tue. July 23
Republic Day Wed. December 18 Wed. December 18
Christmas Day Wed. December 25 Wed. December 25

News about Niger

Travel warnings: Foreign Office advises against travelling to six countries in North Africa amid risk of kidnappings and terror attacks
UK tourists have been warned against travelling to six countries in North Africa due to the risk of kidnappings and terror attacks. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to areas within 30 km of the borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger
MSN.com
Wednesday February 28, 2024
Plane lands at wrong airport, 320km from actual destination
Passengers on the United Nigeria Airlines flight from Lagos thought they had landed in the capital, Abuja. However, they were 318km in the wrong direction
Stuff
Tuesday November 28, 2023
How This Afrocentric Hotel Is Preserving Nigerian Heritage
Bogobiri brings home the true essence of Lagos, where there is infinite possibility for culture and creativity. Lagos, the most populous city in West Africa, has re-emerged as a hub for art, culture, and entertainment. Over the last few decades, many of Nigeria’s most talented
Fodor's Travel
Monday May 29, 2023
The Top 7 Neighborhoods In Lagos, Nigeria
There is so much for visitors to Lagos to enjoy – depending on the area, you can tour its heritage sites, some dating back 500 years, or taste the cosmopolitan flavors of Nigeria’s food culture. With a 186km (116-mile) coastline sprinkled with beach resorts, it's also got no
Lonely Planet
Friday March 24, 2023
The 11 Best Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s most populated nation, and Lagos is its most populous city. More than 24 million people call this collection of lakes, lagoons, sandbars, and islands home. Named by the Portuguese who first arrived in 1472 (Lagos means “lakes” in Portuguese), it is a cultural force
Fodor's Travel
Thursday March 16, 2023
Beautiful Benin: 10 Of The Best Attractions Of This Humble African Nation
Not everyone heard of Benin, a country in West Africa bordered by well-known Nigeria and the less-traveled Togo, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This strip of land is a place of wonder, and those who dared to check it out went home in awe. Benin has more than 70 miles of beaches, and the Niger River
The Travel
Tuesday September 13, 2022
Nigeria on high alert as it confirms three cases of Omicron variant
Africa's most populous nation is on high alert as three people in the country have the newly identified coronavirus variant Omicron, a statement from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed
CNN
Wednesday December 01, 2021
8 Nigerians charged with alleged internet scams promising romance, travel
Eight Nigerians have been charged in the U.S. with running widespread internet scams for at least a decade from their base of operation in Cape Town, South Africa
ABC News
Friday October 22, 2021
Immunized but banned: EU says not all COVID vaccines equal
After Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor and his wife received two doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in Nigeria, they assumed they would be free to travel this summer to a European destination of their choice
Associated Press
Tuesday July 13, 2021
Nigeria to resume international travel operations August 29
Nigeria is gearing up to resume international flights in and out of the country after shutting down its airport in March to curb the spread of Covid-19. According to a statement released Monday by the Ministry of Aviation, flights will resume August 29 from Lagos, the west African nation's commercial hub, and Abuja, its capital city.
CNN
Tuesday August 18, 2020
Travel journalist illuminates controversial sides of destinations
Nneka M. Okona is a Nigerian American freelance writer from and based in Atlanta. Her work focuses on food and travel and how race, culture and history intersect with those two themes. During her journalistic career, Okona hasn’t shied away from investigating the darker, not-so-pretty parts of travel and tourism that many tend to turn a blind eye to. She’s written about destinations like
The Hill
Thursday November 21, 2019
10 things Nigeria does better than anywhere
From email scams to oil spills and charlatan Pentecostal preachers, it's clear that Nigeria has something of an image problem. While the outside world's perception of Africa's most populous country hasn't always been overwhelmingly positive, there's plenty more to this nation than its unsavory associations. With its vibrant culture, sense of humor and adaptability, Nigeria has become the "Giant of Africa" in more
CNN
Tuesday October 01, 2019
This Is Why You Need Kidnapping Insurance For Travel
Before he left for a recent business trip to Lagos, Nigeria, Jay Libove had a thought: What if things took a turn for the worse? Specifically, did he need kidnapping insurance for travel? "I read the statistics, from various major countries' foreign offices, departments of state, and travel advisories," he says. The U.S. State Department has a warning for Nigeria, noting
Forbes
Monday May 20, 2019
Ethiopian Airlines Operates First All-Female Flight Crew In Africa
The flight from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to Lagos in Nigeria was (wo)manned entirely by women, from pilots to cabin crew, check-in staff to flight dispatchers on the ground, reports This Is Africa
The Independent
Thursday December 28, 2017
In Sacred Grove in Nigeria, Worship and Connection
The ritual drummers preceded her as she strode down the broad steps toward the Osun shrine, carefully balancing on her head a calabash filled with kola nuts, palm oil and other offerings to the Yoruba gods