Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Niger due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. On August 2, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members from Embassy Niamey. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey has temporarily reduced its personnel, suspended routine services, and is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Niger. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[227] 20-72-26-61; US Embassy Niamey, BP 11201, Niamey, Niger; consulateniamey@state.gov; https://ne.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
227
Local Emergency Phone
199
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Niger: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north
Currency (Code)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
French, Hausa, Djerma
Major Religions
Muslim 99.3%, Christian 0.3%, animist 0.2%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Zinder; Niamey; Agadez; W Benin-Niger National Park; Ayorou
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby
Cultural Practices
Landmines are a risk throughout the country. If you travel in Niger drive only in daylight and drive in a convoy with adequate security. Taxis are old and in poor condition. Don't use public transport due to poor road conditions and the risk of violent crime.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10% of the total restaurant bill is appropriate. Tour guides and/or drivers should receive 10% and 5% respectively of the total bill.
Souvenirs
Gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, dyed fabric items, Tuareg native weapons, woven baskets, decorated gourds
Traditional Cuisine
Dambou - rice flour, fine hard wheat semolina (couscous semolina), or millet, wheat or corn couscous; the cereals are steamed for about 20 to 30 minutes and added to boiling moringa leaves; other ingredients are added including onion, chili, salt, broth, peanut, vegetable oil, meat or fish as a side dish
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Saturday, September 30, 2023
