Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nThis is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger.
\n\nThere is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.
\n\nThe political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.
\n\nThere have been reports of gunfire around the Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International airport early morning on 29 August. The road between central Niamey and the airport may have more security checkpoints and possible short-notice travel disruptions.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nThe US Embassy in Niamey has issued a Security Alert warning that American citizens are at risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital, Niamey. British citizens are equally at risk. Read the Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Niamey (October 22, 2025).
\nSupport for British nationals is severely limited in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. In-person assistance is not available.
\n\nIf there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
\n\nDo not rely on the UK government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel against FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Niger’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Niger set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Niger Consulate in the UK.
\n\nYour passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou will need a visa to enter Niger. You can apply for a visa from the Nigerien embassy in Geneva.
\n\nVisit the embassy website for application forms, payment, and more information on requirements.
\n\nNigerien authorities have conducted enhanced security checks on foreign nationals arriving into Niger. In some cases, passports have been withheld for several days.
\n\nTo enter Niger, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Niger. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nNiger is a cash-based society. Credit cards are rarely accepted even in hotels and restaurants visited by international clients. There are few ATMs. Banks accept travellers cheques. You will have to produce your passport and the receipt for the cheques from the issuing bank.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety advice for regions of Niger.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Niger.
\nSeveral terrorist groups operate in Niger, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), Islamic State and Boko Haram.
\n\nThere is a heightened risk of attack in Niamey. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning. You should be especially vigilant and where possible avoid places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nThere may be a heightened risk of attack during election periods and religious festivals including the month of Ramadan. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere are frequent attacks across Niger, particularly in the Diffa and Tillabéri regions.
\n\n\n\nExamples of significant attacks include:
\n\nThere is a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Niger, including Niamey. Al-Qaeda affiliated groups, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram operate in the Lake Chad Basin.
\n\nA number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Niger in recent years, by Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliated groups.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nIf you’re working or travelling in Niger, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling. You should be particularly vigilant when walking (in Niamey, you should not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time), in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces like places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, nature reserves and national parks, and transport hubs. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nIf you choose to travel to Niger, remain vigilant and monitor local media.
\n\nBe careful when walking in crowded or insecure public places, including:
\n\nDo not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time.
\n\nTravel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.
\n\nThere could be disruptions to commercial flights from Niamey’s Diori International Airport at short notice.
\n\nIn July 2023, the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) launched a military coup which led to protests and unrest.
\n\nThe situation returned to calm following the coup but violent protests and changes to the security situation can arise quickly and without warning.
\n\nProtests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice and can be violent. If you become aware of any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the area immediately, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning.
\n\nLevels of crime, especially in the capital Niamey, are high. Thefts, robberies and residential break-ins can occur at any time. Take sensible precautions to keep important items like money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones safe.
\n\nThe areas around the Gaweye Hotel, National Museum and Petit Marché in Niamey are particularly prone to muggings. Avoid walking alone there, and do not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time. Be vigilant when walking anywhere in the city. Walking at night is more dangerous as there’s a lack of street lighting.
\n\nThere have been attacks on people, including westerners, as they are leaving banks and ATMs. Be careful when using ATMs on the street, never do this at night-time, and if possible use the ATMs available in most large hotels.
\n\nCar thieves often target 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Make sure car doors are locked at all times.
\n\nBanditry, smuggling and other criminal activity is common in border areas (particularly Maradi, Tillabéri and Diffa). Take care and avoid crossing borders after dark.
\n\nThere have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit. In some cases people have been killed.
\n\nKidnapping by criminal groups is widespread across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. There has been an increase in kidnappings of western nationals and gangs operate throughout Niger, including Niamey. There is a possibility that criminal groups could sell people they kidnap as hostages to terrorist organisations.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.
\n\nBritish nationals are increasingly being targeted by internet and other scams. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, or work and employment opportunities. Victims are at great financial risk.
\n\nNiger is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions and dress in case they offend, especially during the month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.
\n\nIf you commit a crime you will be subject to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh.
\n\nYou should carry identification at all times. This would normally be your passport or residence permit. If you drive outside the main towns, authorities are very likely to ask you to produce identification.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nDo not photograph military or government installations.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are illegal in Niger. Penalties include prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines. This applies to individuals who are found guilty of what is described as ‘LGBTQIA+ acts’. The laws also extend to people who officiate, witness, organise or consent to same-sex marriages. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Nigerien society.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nFCDO continues to advise against all travel to Niger. Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Niger, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can drive in Niger using a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer than 3 months, you will need to get a Nigerien licence.
\n\nYou cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nCarry your UK driving licence and car registration documents with you at all times.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel outside the capital Niamey.
\n\nThe Government of Niger will only allow foreign nationals to travel outside of Niamey if you get their permission and are escorted by Nigerien security and military forces.
\n\nAttacks on major roads and other transport routes by terrorists are increasing, including through the use of landmines and other explosive devices. This is particularly the case in areas where terrorist groups are operational, including on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey.
\n\nThere is minimal infrastructure in rural or desert areas, including a lack of phone signal or access to healthcare, food and water. Some roads are pot-holed, conditions are often worse during and just after rainy season. Driving standards are poor. Vehicles often drive without lights at night and there is little street lighting.
\n\n\n\nAvoid using buses or taxis where possible.
\n\nBuses operate on routes between Niamey and other large towns, but distances are long and buses are prone to mechanical failure. There have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses. See ‘Crime’.
\n\nTaxis are available, but are often in poor mechanical condition.
\n\nFlight options may be limited and could change at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for the latest information.
\n\nFlights within Niger remain limited.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season in Niger is from June to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Niger. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nOutside of Niamey there is a greater risk of terrorist attack and risk of kidnapping is high. The FCDO is unable to provide current and accurate information on the specific threat and risks in the regions outside Niamey.
\n\nOutside of Niamey you must be escorted by Nigerien security and military forces. We recommend that British Nationals who decide to travel to Niger remain within the city limits of Niamey.
\n\nThere is a lack of infrastructure in rural and desert areas increasing the safety risks. See road travel.
\n\nTerrorists operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and throughout northern Niger. Avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Tillaberi and Diffa regions. See Terrorism.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 15 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nPublic emergency services can be slow to respond. Some private medical clinics also have ambulance services.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Niger, including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities are poor, even in Niamey. Serious medical treatment would require evacuation to Europe. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nPrivate hospitals and clinics include:
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone:
\n\nAmbulance: 15
\nFire: 18
\nPolice: 17
\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n