Risk level

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. The ousted President remains in captivity in Niamey.

There is a heightened military presence near government buildings, including at the Presidential Palace on Boulevard de la République.

The unpredictable economic situation and potential supply disruptions may result in shortages of 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
• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• avoid areas near government buildings, groups of security forces and where large gatherings are taking place

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly in Niamey, especially in relation to the presence of Western foreign forces in Niger. Security forces may use tear gas to disperse crowds.

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

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.

Crime

Petty crime

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

Robberies

Home invasions and car jackings occur periodically. Many thieves specifically target foreign nationals.

Bandits operate freely in certain isolated regions of the country. There is a heightened risk of armed robberies in areas north of the Tahoua–Zinder–Diffa axis.

• Avoid walking after dark
• Don’t display any sign of wealth or affluence in public
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Safely store photocopies of passports, visas and travel documents in case of loss or seizure

Road safety

Except for main routes, road conditions are poor throughout Niger.

Road hazards include aggressive drivers, bicycles, mopeds, pedestrians, roaming farm animals, slow-moving carts and broken-down vehicles.

In case of an accident, go to the nearest police station to file a report.

Emergency roadside or medical assistance is not available.

Travelling outside of Niamey

Don’t travel after dark. Nighttime attacks on tourists have occurred in most of the country, particularly on the Agadez–Arlit, Agadez–Tahoua and Tillabéry–Niamey roads and within the city of Zinder. In particular, avoid off-road driving in the northern region of Agadez due to residual 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
• don’t 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

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

Kidnapping

There’s a high threat of kidnapping from terrorist groups throughout Niger. This includes the capital, Niamey.

Terrorist groups and bandits have kidnapped foreign nationals.

• Don’t travel to isolated 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’s a threat of terrorism. In July 2024, terrorists attacked a village near the border with Burkina Faso.

Additional attacks are likely to occur, especially in border areas.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations 
• Schools, including universities  
• places of worship 
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks 
• public areas such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, tourist attractions 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. 

Public transportation

Avoid using public transportation, including transportation organized by hotels.

Most taxis are in poor condition and don’t meet basic safety standards.

You should consider hiring a driver, for safety and security reasons.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides 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 use for travel.

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, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

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

You must obtain a visa prior you travel to Niger.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited in Niamey and inadequate outside the capital. Emergency and ambulance services are very limited. In the event of a serious illness or accident, you’ll need medical evacuation.

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

Health and safety outside Canada

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.

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 applies to serious crimes such as murder.

Drugs 

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences.

Alcohol

Outside of the month-long observance of Ramadan, Niger’s laws and customs tolerate alcohol consumption.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It’s illegal to photograph military zones, military installations, diplomatic premises, radio and television stations, airports, and the presidential palace and Kennedy Bridge in Niamey.

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

If you’re unsure, seek permission from local authorities before taking any photograph.

Always seek permission before photographing a local.

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Driving rules

Drivers must not turn on their headlights during daylight hours.

You must pull over for:

• official motorcades or military convoys with headlights on
• public emergency vehicles with sirens on
• funeral processions

Accidents

If you’re involved in a serious accident, don’t move your vehicle before the police arrive.

Working in Niger

Employees and volunteers with non-governmental organizations must register with the Government of Niger and inform the authorities of their plans before starting any work. Failure to fulfil these requirements can result in detention and/or expulsion from Niger.

Dress and behaviour

Niger’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• cover your arms and legs in public
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Although the laws of Niger do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated. 2SLGBTQI+ persons could face arrest under other charges, such as committing “unnatural acts.”

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

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

Money

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

There are no ATMs in Niger.

Few businesses, including major hotels and restaurants, accept credit cards.

Only change money at a reputable exchange bureau. Foreign currency exchange over 1 million CFA requires authorization from the Ministry of Finance. Forms are available from all major banks.

Natural disasters and climate

There are three seasons in Niger:

• the cool dry season, from November to February
• the hot dry season, from March to June
• the rainy season, from June to October

During the rainy season, heavy rains can cause floods and landslides. Most of Niger’s secondary roads may be impassable.

If you decide to travel to Niger during the rainy season:

• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities