Updated to reflect the addition of a risk indicator for health and additional information about travel to border areas.

Reconsider travel to Niger due to risk of crime, civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, and health.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region due to terrorism. 

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, are common.

Demonstrations, while generally peaceful, may become violent at any time.  They can lead to civil unrest.

Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings and possible attacks in Niger.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:

• Tourist destinations visited by foreigners
• Foreign and local government facilities
• Areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger

Access to medical care in Niger is limited.  Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities.  It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Niger.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Niger.

If you decide to travel to Niger:

• We recommend you stay in hotels with armed Nigerien security presence.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay alert in locations visited by foreigners.
• Make backup plans to leave the country.  There are limited means to leave the country.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Niger.
• Update vaccinations to include all up-to-date standard vaccinations, plus Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and a Polio booster.
• All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis.  Niger is high risk for Malaria.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Niger.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Border Regions – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.  The U.S. Embassy requires U.S. government personnel working in Niger to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling to these areas, for both official and personal travel.  Terrorist groups have crossed the border and launched multiple deadly attacks on Nigerien security forces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.