Niger - Travel AdvisoryNiger - Travel Advisory
Insecurity persists in the northern, western and southeastern areas of Niger. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid travel along the border between Niger and Mali, as neither government is able to provide security in this area. Travel of U.S. Government employees and official visitors to areas outside of Niamey requires coordination with the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy in Niamey and final approval by the Deputy Chief of Mission. Recreational travel to tourist locales in the immediate vicinity of Niamey is restricted to daylight hours.
As noted in the U.S. Embassy Niger travel warning, dated April 11, 2017, U.S. citizens currently in or travelling to Niger should evaluate their personal security situation. The U.S. Embassy has very limited capability to assist U.S. citizens in remote and rural areas. You should take steps to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of violent acts, and avoid locations routinely frequented by westerners, such as markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, and places of worship. Violent groups have targeted these kinds of venues in the past and will likely do so again.
For travel in any remote area of the country, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to use registered guides and to travel with a minimum of two vehicles equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite phones (if possible). Travelers are advised to avoid restricted military areas and to consult local police authorities regarding their itinerary and security arrangements.
U.S. citizens are also advised to avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Large and small street demonstrations occur regularly in Niger, often near government buildings, university campuses, or other gathering places such as public parks. Although demonstrations can occur spontaneously, large student demonstrations typically begin in January and February and continue through May. U.S. citizens are urged to be particularly vigilant at these times. Many past demonstrations have involved rock throwing and tire burning, especially at key intersections in the city of Niamey.
Due to the abrupt nature of street demonstrations, it is not possible for the Embassy to notify U.S. citizens each time a demonstration occurs. Consequently, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain security awareness at all times and to avoid large public gatherings and street demonstrations. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without advance warning. While the Embassy will endeavor to inform U.S. citizens of demonstrations through the warden system when possible, local radio and television stations are good sources for information as well.
Crime rates--primarily thefts, robberies, and residential break-ins—are extremely high. Foreigners are vulnerable to bribery attempts and extortion by law enforcement authorities. Thefts and petty crimes are common day or night. However, armed attacks are normally committed at night by groups of two to four persons, with one assailant confronting the victim with a weapon while the others provide surveillance or a show of force. Tourists should not walk alone around the Gaweye Hotel, the National Museum, and on or near the Kennedy Bridge at any time, or the Petit Marché after dark. These areas are especially prone to muggings and should be avoided. Walking at night is not recommended as streetlights are scarce and criminals have the protection of darkness to commit their crimes. Recent criminal incidents in Niger have included carjacking, sexual assaults, home invasions, and muggings. Travelers should keep expensive new electronics out of sight, and always keep their vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when stopped at stoplights.
Use caution and common sense at all times to avoid thieves and pickpockets. An information sheet on safety and security practices is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.
For further information please visit the State Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Niger.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
As noted in the U.S. Embassy Niger travel warning, dated April 11, 2017, U.S. citizens currently in or travelling to Niger should evaluate their personal security situation. The U.S. Embassy has very limited capability to assist U.S. citizens in remote and rural areas. You should take steps to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of violent acts, and avoid locations routinely frequented by westerners, such as markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, and places of worship. Violent groups have targeted these kinds of venues in the past and will likely do so again.
For travel in any remote area of the country, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to use registered guides and to travel with a minimum of two vehicles equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite phones (if possible). Travelers are advised to avoid restricted military areas and to consult local police authorities regarding their itinerary and security arrangements.
U.S. citizens are also advised to avoid street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Large and small street demonstrations occur regularly in Niger, often near government buildings, university campuses, or other gathering places such as public parks. Although demonstrations can occur spontaneously, large student demonstrations typically begin in January and February and continue through May. U.S. citizens are urged to be particularly vigilant at these times. Many past demonstrations have involved rock throwing and tire burning, especially at key intersections in the city of Niamey.
Due to the abrupt nature of street demonstrations, it is not possible for the Embassy to notify U.S. citizens each time a demonstration occurs. Consequently, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain security awareness at all times and to avoid large public gatherings and street demonstrations. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without advance warning. While the Embassy will endeavor to inform U.S. citizens of demonstrations through the warden system when possible, local radio and television stations are good sources for information as well.
Crime rates--primarily thefts, robberies, and residential break-ins—are extremely high. Foreigners are vulnerable to bribery attempts and extortion by law enforcement authorities. Thefts and petty crimes are common day or night. However, armed attacks are normally committed at night by groups of two to four persons, with one assailant confronting the victim with a weapon while the others provide surveillance or a show of force. Tourists should not walk alone around the Gaweye Hotel, the National Museum, and on or near the Kennedy Bridge at any time, or the Petit Marché after dark. These areas are especially prone to muggings and should be avoided. Walking at night is not recommended as streetlights are scarce and criminals have the protection of darkness to commit their crimes. Recent criminal incidents in Niger have included carjacking, sexual assaults, home invasions, and muggings. Travelers should keep expensive new electronics out of sight, and always keep their vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when stopped at stoplights.
Use caution and common sense at all times to avoid thieves and pickpockets. An information sheet on safety and security practices is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.
For further information please visit the State Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Niger.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.