Niger travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Enlarge map  

Niger travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Political instability

The political and security situation in Niger remains unpredictable since the military-led coup d’État against the democratically elected government, which took place on July 26, 2023.

There is a heightened military presence near government buildings, including at the Presidential Palace on Boulevard de la République, where the ousted President remains in captivity

The unpredictable economic situation and potential supply disruptions may result in shortages of basic necessities.

• Keep a supply of water, food, medicine and cash on hand
• Monitor local and international media to stay informed on the evolving situation

If you are in Niger:

• have evacuation plans that do not rely on Canadian government assistance in case of emergency
• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• avoid areas near government buildings, where groups of security forces and large gatherings are taking place

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Niamey

Crime and the risk of kidnapping pose a threat.

• After dark, be extremely vigilant and limit or avoid your movements
• Travel between the airport and Niamey only in a convoy of at least two vehicles to minimize vulnerability

State of emergency

A state of emergency and/or movement restriction measures are in effect in many regions throughout Niger.

Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfew orders in the affected areas.

Kidnapping

There’s a high threat of kidnapping from armed terrorist groups throughout the country, including in Niamey, although it is lower there .

Foreign nationals have been kidnapped outside of Niamey.

• Don’t travel to remote areas, particularly to the regions around Agadez, Arlit, Tahoua and Tillabéry and in Zinder
• Avoid the regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso
• Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another
• Limit your movements
• Avoid travelling after dark
• Remain extremely vigilant at all times

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country. Several incidents involving armed terrorist groups have occurred, including armed attacks, bombings, and kidnappings. Additional incidents are likely to occur, especially in border areas.

Terrorists could target the following locations:

• government buildings, including police stations
• military facilities
• schools, including universities
• places of worship 
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks 
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners 
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during: 

• sporting events 
• religious holidays 
• public celebrations 
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks. 

Crime

Petty crime

Crime occurs throughout the country, including in the capital. Common crimes include mugging, theft and armed assaults. In Niamey, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching also occur.

Violent crimes

Violent crime occurs frequently throughout the country. Incidents include:

• home invasions
• armed robberies
• burglaries
• carjackings

Thieves specifically target foreign nationals.

Gangs of bandits are active in certain isolated regions of the country, particularly in areas north of the Tahoua-Zinder-Diffa axis.

• Avoid travelling after dark
• Do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• Safely store photocopies of passports, visas and travel documents in case of loss or seizure

Roads

Road safety

There are major road safety issues in Niger. Fatal accidents are common, and they often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services assistance is limited or even unavailable in rural areas.

Road conditions

Except for the main roads, roads are in poor condition throughout Niger.

Roads can be dangerous due to:

• potholes
• stray animals
• numerous motorcycles and bicycles
• lack of traffic signs
• pedestrians on the road
• insufficient lighting and vehicles not using their headlights
• floods and landslides during the rainy season
• poorly maintained vehicles

Driving habits

Drivers often disregard traffic laws and speeding is common. Pedestrians and other drivers’ rights of way are not respected.

If you choose to drive in Niger:

• always drive defensively
• always keep doors and windows closed and locked 
• consider using a four-wheel-drive vehicle outside urban centres
• fill your gas tank before you travel
• during the rainy season, confirm that the chosen route is passable

Travelling outside of Niamey

Tourists travelling at night have been attacked almost everywhere in the country, particularly on the roads connecting Agadez to Arlit, Agadez to Tahoua, and Tillabéry to Niamey, as well as in the city of Zinder. Off-road driving should be avoided in the region north of Agadez due to the presence of landmines. If you must travel outside of Niamey despite the advisory:

• do so only during daylight hours
• travel in a convoy of several vehicles in excellent mechanical condition
• be accompanied by an experienced driver at all times
• do not leave the main roads
• bring sufficient supplies of food and water, and a medical kit
• lock car doors and keep windows shut at all times
• carry a satellite phone, especially when travelling in remote areas

Checkpoints

Police and military checkpoints are common throughout the country.

• Be prepared to show your identification
• Follow the instructions of the police
• Remain calm and courteous

If you are asked to pay a fine on the spot for a traffic violation, ask for a copy of the written fine that can be paid later, or insist on going to the nearest police station.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The Charter for the Rebuilding of the State of Niger currently in force criminalizes homosexuality and any behavior considered “unnatural.” Those found guilty face fines and prison sentences.

2SLGBTQI+ persons can be victims of discrimination, harassment and acts of violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Niger.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Fraud

Fraud and scams are commonplace. They may present as romance and friendship, business ventures, loan requests or employment opportunities. They can pose serious financial risk to targeted victims. Proceed with great caution when considering such proposals.

Overseas fraud

Public transportation

Avoid using public transportation, including taxis, due to poor vehicle maintenance, overcrowding and the risk of theft.

Be vigilant if you use transportation services organized by hotels. For your safety, it is best to hire a driver.

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Niger authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Niger.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required 
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You must obtain a visa prior to your travel to Niger.

Other requirements

Employees and volunteers of non-governmental organizations must register with the Nigerien authorities and inform them of the nature of their activities before beginning work, under penalty of detention or expulsion.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and services are limited and do not meet Canadian standards, including in Niamey.

Medical supplies may also be limited. A deposit or advance payment is often required before care is provided.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication 

Some prescription medications may not be available in Niger.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country. 

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage 

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines.

Alcohol

Outside of Ramadan, Niger’s laws and customs tolerate alcohol consumption.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Niger.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Niger, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Niger.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Niger by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Niger to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Death penalty

The death penalty is prescribed by law for serious crimes; however, a moratorium has been in place since 1976.

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time. 

• Always carry valid identification
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa or travel permit in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized 
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents 

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• airports and ports
• radio and television stations
• bridges, including the Kennedy Bridge in Niamey
• military sites
• government buildings
• the presidential palace
• diplomatic premises;

Don’t photograph political or student demonstrations, or military personnel.

Always seek permission before photographing a person.

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit along your valid Canadian driver’s licence. The minimum age for driving a car is 23. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, stay at the scene and do not move your vehicle until the police have made a report. However, if you feel threatened by a hostile crowd, stay in your vehicle and go to the nearest police station to report the accident.

International Driving Permit

Ramadan

In 2026, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 17.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Dress and behaviour

Niger’s customs, laws and regulations are inspired by Islamic practices and beliefs.

Public displays of affection, including holding hands or kissing, are not socially acceptable.

Foreign women are generally not required to cover their heads with a veil. However, clothing that is too short or tight-fitting is considered inappropriate.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Money

The currency in Niger is the African Financial Community franc (FCFA).

Niger has a cash-based economy. There are no ATMs, and credit cards are only accepted in a few large hotels and restaurants.

Exchange money only at a reputable bureaus. Foreign currency exchange over 1 million CFA requires authorization from the Ministry of Finance. The authorization can be obtained from all major banks.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Niger. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans.

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from June to October. During this period, rainfall is abundant and may result in localized flash flooding. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest information, including on road conditions 
• Stay away from flooded areas 
• Monitor weather reports 
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders 

Heat waves

During the dry season, from November to April, Niger periodically experiences heat waves. Temperatures soar well above 40°C for multiple days.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Harmattan

The Harmattan is a sand-laden and dusty wind that blows in from the Sahara Desert, typically between November and March, with peak intensity from December to February. These dust-filled winds may deteriorate the air quality and affect the health of people with respiratory ailments.

The Harmattan also reduces visibility, which can create hazardous driving conditions, especially during storms.

During a storm:

• stay indoors
• keep windows closed
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for the latest information