Niger

Political Instability

There's political instability in Niger with military authorities having seized control of Niamey. There's a heightened military presence around government buildings, including the Presidential Palace, and critical infrastructure. The security situation remains highly volatile.

Protests and civil unrest are expected to continue and can turn violent quickly without warning. Avoid government buildings, demonstrations, large crowds and political gatherings. Movement restrictions may be implemented at short notice.

Some land borders remain closed, and others may close without warning. Trying to leave Niger by land borders is likely to be dangerous. We advise do not travel to several countries neighbouring Niger, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, and Chad. We also advise do not travel to Algeria, Nigeria, and Benin's border areas with Niger. 

More information:

• Travel advice for Algeria 
• Travel advice for Benin
• Travel advice for Burkina Faso
• Travel advice for Chad
• Travel advice for Libya
• Travel advice for Mali

If you cannot depart or decide to stay in Niger, limit your movements and avoid protests. Keep a supply of water, food and medicine. Stay in contact with family and friends.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent without warning. Demonstrations often occur near:

• government buildings
• universities
• public parks

Mobile phone and internet access may be disrupted during civil unrest. Movement restrictions may be implemented.

Violence can occur without warning. Security forces have used force to break up protests.

Clashes between security forces and armed groups have happened in many regions of Niger.

Curfews may be in place in some towns. They can change at short notice.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Niger:

• avoid political rallies, protests, demonstrations and large gatherings
• if caught in a protest, leave as soon as it's safe
• monitor international and reliable local media for possible unrest
• obey curfews
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There is a threat of terrorism in Niger, including in Niamey. Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreigners.

Several attacks have occurred in Niger in recent years and more attacks are likely. Be aware of your surroundings, be alert to threats and exercise caution, especially around: 

• hospitality venues, including hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars
• locations popular with tourists and foreigners
• transport hubs
• religious sites and places of worship
• sporting and cultural events
• shopping centres, supermarkets and markets
• government buildings
• security facilities
• international organisations
• diplomatic buildings
• police stations

Some attacks target foreigners who are taking part in activities that militant groups are opposed to. Other attacks are random or may target places where crowds gather.

In recent years, government sites have also been targeted by various militant groups.

In August 2020, French aid workers were among 8 people killed in a wildlife park in Koure, approximately one hour’s drive from Niamey.

If there's a terrorist attack:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks

Attacks along any of Niger's borders are also possible.

If you decide to travel to Niger despite our advice:

• monitor international and reliable local media and other sources for threats
• avoid hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners and other possible targets
• have an exit plan if you need to visit an area that's a possible target
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• take official warnings seriously

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping is a threat across Niger, especially outside Niamey. Foreigners are particularly at risk.

Kidnappers may kidnap foreign workers, tourists and expats from their:

• homes
• vehicles
• workplaces

Kidnappers may execute hostages.

Various militant groups are active in Niger and neighbouring countries.

The US Embassy in Niamey and UK Foreign Office have warned in recent years that terrorist groups may kidnap foreigners and other international humanitarian workers in Niger.

In October 2020, a US citizen was kidnapped in the village of Massalata in southern Niger, about 10km from the border with Nigeria.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you travel to Niger despite our advice:

• get professional security advice
• arrange suitable security measures

Violent crime

Violent crime is common across Niger, including in Niamey. Crimes include:

• armed home invasions
• kidnapping
• carjackings
• muggings

The risk of violent crime increases at night, but it can happen at any time.

Criminals often work in groups to target foreigners and 4WD vehicles.

Outside central Niamey, the threat of violent crime is much higher. 

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and other petty crime is common in Niamey.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Niger:

• pay close attention to your personal belongings
• avoid walking in isolated areas or along dark streets at night
• lock your accommodation, even when you're inside
• keep car windows and doors locked, even when moving

Scams and fraud

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and job offers.

Once the online friendship develops, your friend or prospective marriage partner might ask you to send money so they can travel to Australia.

Criminals might also:

• ask to transfer large amounts of money to an overseas bank account and offer you a percentage
• provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for fake government contracts
• lure you to Niger for a business opportunity

You could be lured to Africa to meet your friend. Once in Africa, you could become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery, or extortion.

Some scams ask you to transfer money through the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. Some scammers pretend to work there.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked them

Check with the Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, if you're asked to send money or details to them (see Local contacts).

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice. Don't travel to Niger to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger. Some victims have been killed.

If, despite our advice you travel to Niger, warn your friends and family about scams relating to your welfare. They may get fake phone calls and emails claiming you're in legal, financial or medical trouble. The scammers will ask for money to help.

While you're in Niger, be cautious about giving out personal information. Don't throw away personal documents.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

The rainy season is from June to October. Flooding and landslides may occur, blocking roads.

The dry season is from November to May. 

During the dry season, Niger may be affected by the “Harmattan” seasonal wind. This seasonal wind blows a lot of sand and dust in the air. Visibility may be very limited. This wind can be an issue for people with respiratory problems.

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• monitor reliable local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Niger.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Niger. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Niger. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's preventable by vaccination. Get vaccinated for before you travel.

Insect-borne diseases including Malaria are common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is high. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• cholera
• rabies
• hepatitis
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• tuberculosis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks can occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Niamey, including emergency help, are limited and poor quality.

Outside the capital, facilities are inadequate, non-existent or under the control of armed militias.

You'll probably need to pay up-front for medical services. If you can't, this may delay your treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. The Australian Government is unable to organise or pay for medical evacuation.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Some parts of Niger are not under the control of the government. This means that militant groups in those areas may dictate what laws and standards apply.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs can include:

• heavy fines
• a long jail sentence

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

The death penalty applies to serious crimes, such as murder.

Always carry your passport with a valid visa or residence permit.

NGOs must register with the Government of Niger before they start their mission. If you work without permission, you could be detained or deported.

It's illegal to take photos of:

• military personnel, zones and assets
• radio and television stations
• airports
• the Presidency Building and diplomatic buildings
• the Kennedy Bridge in Niamey
• political demonstrations

LGBTI information

It's illegal to perform what the law calls an 'unnatural act' with a person of the same sex and who is under 21.

Same-sex relationships are otherwise legal in Niger. However, the community is generally intolerant of them.

More information: 

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Niger doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you enter Niger with a Nigerien passport, local authorities will treat you as a Nigerien citizen. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Respect religious and cultural customs and laws.

Ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

Dress standards

Standards of dress and behaviour may be conservative. Take care not to offend.

If you're a woman, consider wearing a headscarf and loose clothes that cover your arms and legs, especially where locals are doing so.

If you're not sure, get local advice.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Niger. 

It's illegal to eat, drink and smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. If you're not fasting, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

If you travel to Niger despite our advice, you'll need a visa to enter the country.

Border measures

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Niger for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Niger. Some airlines may ask to see it when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).

Only change money at a reputable exchange bureau.

Australian dollars aren't accepted. You can convert US dollars and euros to XOF.

Cash traveller's cheques at commercial banks. You'll need to show the original receipt and your passport.

Be aware that:

• Niger is a cash-based society
• ATMs are not available
• credit cards are rarely accepted, even in major hotels and restaurants

Bring enough cash to cover your needs.

Restrictions on travel

Several roads in Niger are closed for travel, except with special authorisation.

Without these authorisations, you could be arrested or deported.

Landmines

Unexploded weapons and landmines are a risk throughout the country.

Driving permit

You can drive in Niger with:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a vehicle accident in Niger than in Australia.

Other than a few main routes, most roads are in bad condition or unsealed.

Dangers include:

• poor vehicle maintenance
• poor street lighting
• hazardous local driving habits

Roads can be dangerous, with traffic including

• bicycles
• pedestrians
• animals
• tractors

Checkpoints are common across Niger, including in Niamey.

Carry your vehicle registration and ownership papers. Authorities may ask for these at any time, especially outside main towns.

There's no roadside assistance.

Before you drive, check your insurance covers you and learn local traffic laws and practices.

If, despite our advice, you have to travel by road:

• carry enough fuel and drinking water
• avoid driving at night
• carry photo ID and vehicle registration and ownership papers
• keep car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• stay on marked roads

If you travel to Niger despite our advice:

• get local advice on road and security conditions before you travel
• leave your travel itinerary with a reliable person
• drive only in daylight
• drive in a convoy and with adequate security
• travel in well-maintained vehicles
• carry a satellite phone and first-aid kit

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis are old and in poor condition.

Hire a private car with a professional driver.

Public transport

Don't use public transport.

Roads are in poor condition and there's a risk of violent crime.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Niger's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Dust storms are common during the "Harmattan" season (December to February). Flights can be re-routed when visibility is poor.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call 20 72 31 41 or go direct to a hospital.

Police

Call 17 or 20 72 25 53 or go to the nearest police station.

These phone numbers often go unanswered, especially outside normal working hours.

Always try to get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Niger.

You can access limited consular services from the Australian High Commission in Nigeria. The Australian High Commission in Abuja has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Niger.

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Web: www.nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
Twitter: AusHCAbuja

Contact the High Commission to ask about available services and to make an appointment.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia