Niger

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. These numbers operate 24/7, but they often go unanswered, especially outside normal working hours.

• Dial 17 or 8383 on a Nigerien phone for police. From a cell phone, dial +227-20-72-25-53.
• Dial 15 to reach emergency medical help (Service d'Aide Médicale d'Urgence or SAMU).
• Dial 18 to reach the fire department.

Terrorism

• Several terrorist groups operate in Niger. These include Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), al-Qa’ida, ISIS in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS), Boko Haram, and ISIS West Africa (ISIS-WA).
• Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens.
• Terrorists may target:
  • Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • Places of worship
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Shopping centers and open-air markets
  • Public transportation (including buses and commercial flights)
  • Major roads and transportation hubs
  • Diplomatic premises, as well as foreign, national, or local government buildings
  • National parks and nature reserves, including Parc du W
• Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom (KFR) as a business model. They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests. KFR activity increased in 2025, targeting foreign nationals and workers connected to infrastructure or extractive projects. The following incidents happened in 2025:
  • A U.S. citizen was kidnapped from his home in Niamey in October 2025.
  • 4 Moroccan truck drivers disappeared near the Burkina Faso border. Criminal actors are suspected.
  • 2 Westerners were abducted from their homes in Agadez in January and April.
  • 2 Chinese nationals were kidnapped on February 1, 2025.
  • 5 Indian nationals were kidnapped after their convoy was ambushed in the Tillaberi region.

Demonstrations

There have been no mass demonstrations since 2023. Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable and sometimes turn violent.
• The current government requires a protest permit, but unplanned gatherings do still occur.
• Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• The Nigerien government will bolster security presence around planned protests to include stationary checkpoints and roadblocks

Crime

• Niamey has a high level of crime. Thefts, robberies, and residential break-ins can occur at any time.
• Do not walk alone or at night. There is poor street lighting and infrastructure throughout the city.
• Non-violent crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft of backpacks or cell phones are common. This is especially in areas Westerners visit. Crimes are usually opportunistic rather than actively targeted.
• Violent crimes are less frequent. This includes muggings and assaults. Criminals may display weapons. Knives are the most common.
• Residential robberies, including home invasions, primarily occur after dark and can be violent. Some incidents have involved attacks on residential guards or occupants. Residential robberies or home invasions may occur whether a home has visible security protection.
• Exercise extra caution in areas with limited entries and exits.
• Police response is generally slow, regardless of the nature of the crime or the status of the victim.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are not common in Niger. But be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters.  Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Potential scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Niger:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 17 or 8383 from a Nigerien phone or +227-20-72-25-53 from a mobile number.

If you have been the victim of a crime that has already taken place, visit a police station directly. Each commune in Niamey has at least 1 police station. You must file a formal complaint to begin an investigation.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Cellphone service in Niger is intermittent and unreliable, even in cities.

Cybercrime

• The Nigerien government’s law on cybercrime includes a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years and a fine of up to 5,000,0000 CFA (approx. USD 10,000). This is for defamation and insult via electronic means of communication.
• Dissemination of “data likely to disturb public order or undermine human dignity” carries the same punishment. 

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe. Planned routes may not be possible.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place::

• Niger lacks most standard services to support a tourism sector.  Paved roads and formal transportation services are limited.
• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response and medical treatment is not available.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Frequent and unannounced road closures may occur at any time. They may happen due to weather, construction, accidents, or security checkpoints.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

• The judicial system follows the French model.
• The judicial system is less independent than that of the United States. Prosecutors very rarely grant bail.
• The judicial system is slow, routinely resulting in detention period exceeding what is stated in the law.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Niger, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

• If you are unable to make the notification from the prison, work with relatives and friends to notify the embassy.
• It may take some time before someone from the embassy can visit you while detained. This is due to the requirement to receive host government permissions. 

Detention conditions

• Prisoners are allowed to make phone calls from prison. They are generally allowed access to personal phones during certain hours to communicate with family, friends, and lawyers.   
• Prisoners are allowed visits from family members and relatives. Visitors generally are allowed to bring food, medications, hygiene products, clothes, and money.
• Prisons have an on-site clinic for medical needs. Prisoners are transported with a guard to the nearest medical facility in case of an emergency.
• Prisons do not have individual cells.
• Cells may be overcrowded.
• The length of time between arrest and trial can depend on the crime and investigation.
• Per Nigerien law, a prisoner must be informed by the second day of detention that they have the right to an attorney.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of potential attorneys that can be accessed here.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

• Counterfeit and pirated goods are available, but transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. Be sure to verify the label of any products you buy. Misspellings and misplaced capitalization are common indicators of a counterfeit good. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.
• Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There is strong societal stigma against same-sex sexual activity in Niger. Anyone engaged in same-sex activity could face prosecution for public indecency.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

• Nigerien law mandates the state provide for persons with physical and mental disabilities, but there are no specific regulations mandating accessibility to buildings, transportation, and communication for those with special needs.
• Expect extremely limited accessibility to public transportation, road crossings, taxis, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other tourist spots.
• U.S. Embassy Niger maintains a list of medical providers.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) in Niger is punishable by a fine and a jail sentence.
• According to the 2012 Niger Demographic Health Survey, around 2 percent of women aged 15-49 and 1.4 percent of girls aged 15-19 are victims of FGM/C. However, ethnic and regional disparities remain, with a pocket of the most intense FGM/C practice persisting in far western Niger.
• Forced marriage or marriage without the consent of one or both parties still occurs in Niger. Victims are often girls aged 15 to 18. Some 65 percent of girls are married by the age of 18. 
  
• Women have limited access to education and employment. Niger’s overall illiteracy rate is 64 percent.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Dress restrictions

• Local culture and Islamic tradition encourage conservative dress for both men and women.
• There have been incidents of groups of men assaulting women who appear to be African and who are wearing clothing other than traditional garments.

Photography restrictions

• Do not take photos near military installations, radio and television stations, the Presidential Palace, airports, or diplomatic facilities.
• Do not photograph military or police personnel, or political or student demonstrations.
• You must seek prior permission before taking a close-up “portrait” photo of someone.

Human rights

• There have been credible reports of:
  • Arbitrary or unlawful killings.
  • Disappearances.
  • Arbitrary arrest or detention.
  • Serious abuse in a conflict.
  • Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists.
  • Trafficking in persons, including forced labor.
  • Significant presence of any of the worst forms of child labor.
• The government of Niger signed an ordinance creating an antiterrorist database. It authorizes putting people on a new terrorist registry and suspending their citizenship for “suspicion” of offenses. These include threatening state security, supporting terrorism, or providing “intelligence” to a foreign entity. A conviction carries a prison sentence of more than 5 years. The suspension of citizenship becomes permanent. Suspicion alone is enough to be listed on the registry.
• Journalists can view the information on our page about risks of practicing journalism abroad.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Niger prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Niger Traveler Information provides Niger specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 17 or 8383 on a Nigerien phone for police. From a cell phone, dial +227-20-72-25-53.
• Dial 15 to reach emergency medical help (SAMU).
• Dial 18 to reach the fire department.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable in most areas outside Niamey and are likely not equipped with advanced medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Niger. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Niger.
• Most care providers only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not available.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Healthcare facilities

• Health and emergency services are extremely limited in Niamey, and poor outside the capital.
• Outside of the capital, adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine and emergency procedures, is often unavailable, and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation.
• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, only minimal staff is available for overnight hospital stays. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are not available, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
• The Direction de la Pharmacie, Laboratoires et Médecine Traditionnelle (DPHL/MT) is the regulatory agency for medicines in Niger. It is under the Ministry of Public Health.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal and penalized in Niger.
• If you are considering traveling to Niger to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Niger is not potable.
• In some locations, tap water is not available.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Road conditions and safety

• Road safety throughout Niger is a concern. Some specific highways and roads in the Tillaberi region are high risk. Areas around the borders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are frequent sites of armed conflict. 
• Travel outside Niamey and other cities often requires 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Avoid driving at night. It is dangerous.
• There have been occasional car-jackings and highway robberies throughout the country.
• The main causes of accidents are inexperienced drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, and degraded road surfaces.
• Urban traffic includes bicycles, pedestrians, livestock, donkey carts, and hand carts, as well as motor vehicles.
• Overloaded trucks, buses, and other vehicles are common.
• Disabled vehicles are generally repaired in place, often partially blocking traffic lanes.
• Police checkpoints are common both in cities and on rural roads.
• On rural roads, police will check for license, registration, proof of insurance, and destination.
• Traffic signs and signals may be missing, damaged, obscured, or may not work.
• Rainy season from July to September causes floods in travel routes every year.
• Minimal to no street signs exist. Traffic lights are rare and almost never functional.
• Travelers should not count on emergency services or roadside assistance.
• Passersby and emergency personnel react to automobile accidents with good intentions but limited abilities and resources.
• Advanced emergency response services are generally not present in the country.
• Any trip by road outside of the capital requires intensive planning for spare tires, extra fuel, and self-recovery equipment. 
• Motorcycles do not obey traffic rules. This causes extra dangers.  

Traffic laws

• All drivers must have either a valid Nigerien or international driver’s license.
• Local liability insurance is required for all vehicles.
• Traffic laws are based on the French system.
• Drivers are required to pull over for official motorcades or military convoys with headlights on, public emergency vehicles with sirens on, and funeral processions.
• If you are involved in an accident, you must wait for traffic police to arrive and write a report.
• Accidents involving more serious damage or injuries, or where there is any dispute over insurance or who is at fault, will require police involvement. Do not move the vehicle before the police arrive.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Embassy personnel are not allowed to take local taxis.
• Taxis are available at a fixed fare in Niamey. But most are in poor condition and do not meet basic U.S. road safety standards.
• Inter-city “bush-taxis” are available at negotiable fares. But these vehicles are overloaded, poorly maintained, and driven recklessly. They include minibuses, station wagons, and sedans.

Public and commercial transportation

• Embassy personnel are not allowed to take public transportation.
• A national bus company (SNTV) operates coaches on inter-city routes.
• Air Transport, Rimbo, and Garba Messagé are private bus companies operating in Niger.
• Private bus drivers may be inexperienced and may drive recklessly.
• Visit the website of Niger’s National Tourist Office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Niger’s Civil Aviation Agency for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Niger’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is the authority responsible for developing and implementing civil aviation regulation, supervision, and control activities in accordance with national requirements, community provisions, and ICAO standards and recommendations.

Niger is also one of 19 member states in the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa (ASECNA) responsible for the cooperative management of airspace. It also provides air navigation safety services. ASECNA is mandated to discharge the following:

• Providing en-route air navigation services in compliance with the ICAO provisions, publishing aeronautical information, forecasting and transmitting information related to aviation meteorology.
• Defining the implementation of safety and quality management system pursuant to the ICAO standards and recommended practices.
• Providing aerodromes under its control with air traffic, approach, and aerodromes services in addition to firefighting and aircraft rescue services. 

• Severe rain and flooding – These events cause most natural disasters. Limited local infrastructure makes the country particularly vulnerable to transportation disruptions due to flooded roads.
• Extreme heat – The majority of the country experiences a hot desert climate. Travel outside of population centers requires intensive planning.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.