Niamey

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You will need a visa to enter Niger. You can apply for a visa from the Nigerien embassy in Geneva.

Visit the embassy website for application forms, payment, and more information on requirements.

Enhanced security checks

 Nigerien authorities have conducted enhanced security checks on foreign nationals arriving into Niger. In some cases, passports have been withheld for several days.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Niger, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

Customs rules

There 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.

Money

Niger 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.

Customs rules

There 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.

Emergency services in Niger

Telephone:

• Ambulance: 15

• Fire: 18

• Police: 17  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers
• dealing with a death abroad
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger

This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.

The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.

Travel disruption

There 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.

You should:

• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• contact your airline before travelling

US Security Alert

The 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).

Limited UK government support

Support 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.

If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.

Do 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.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Niger 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.

If you commit a crime you will be subject to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Personal ID

You 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.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.    

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not photograph military or government installations.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-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.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.