Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

C -There is a real possibility of a violent act occurring over the short to medium term. Corruption risk although elevated, will not affect the casual traveller. HSE risk is significant as there is no regulation or culture in country.The country scored 103/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.66 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises against all travel to the following parts of Niger: all areas of the country north of the city of Abalak, including the Aïr Massif region; the province of Agadez (including the road linking Assamakato Agadez and the city of Agadez); areas of Tahoua province north of the city of Tahoua, including the city itself; the area of Tillabéri province north of Niamey, including the road from Niamey to Gao and the road from Niamey to Menaka; areas within 40km of the border with Nigeria in Diffa, Zinder and Maradi provinces.

 

We also advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Niger, including the capital city Niamey.

 

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. There is a threat of retaliatory attacks in Niger due to its participation in the French-led intervention in Mali and due to Niger’s involvement in the regional fight to counter Boko Haram. You should monitor developments, be alert to announcements and remain vigilant at all times.

 

Following the recent terrorist attack at the Radisson Hotel in Bamako, Mali, which led to a siege in which a number of hotel guests were killed, it’s possible that terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Ansaru will try to carry out similar attacks in Niger.

 

On 6 February 2015, Nigerien and Chadian military forces were attacked by Boko Haram in the towns of Bosso and Diffa.

 

On 8 February 2015 there was an explosion in the town of Diffa resulting in several deaths and injuries.

In October 2014, in Tillabéri region, simultaneous attacks struck a security post at the refugee camp in Mangaȉzé, the prison at Ouallam and a military patrol prison in Bani Bangou.

 

The Government of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency in its northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Borno and Yobe border southern Niger. 

There is a high threat of kidnapping from terrorist groups including Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) and Al Murabitun. These groups operate in the border areas of northern Mali, Niger, Algeria and Libya. They have proven capability of travelling long distances to carry out attacks. Westerners have been kidnapped in Niger and the wider Sahel region, including in Niamey and the north and west of Niger. There are currently around 6 westerners being held in the Sahel and surrounding region. Further kidnap attacks are likely. A number of festivals take place in Niger where we advise against all or all but essential travel because of the high threat of kidnapping.

 

 

Crime

 

Extreme poverty means that levels of crime, especially in the capital Niamey, are high. Thefts, robberies and residential break-ins can occur at any time. The main type of incident for which British nationals need consular assistance in Niger is theft. Take sensible precautions to keep important items like money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones safe. The areas around the Gaweye Hotel, National Museum and Petit Marché in Niamey are particularly prone to muggings and you should not walk alone there, or cross the Kennedy Bridge on foot at any time. Walking at night is dangerous due to the lack of street lighting.

 

Car thieves often target off-road vehicles. Make sure car doors are locked at all times.

 

Banditry, smuggling and other criminal activity is common in border areas, especially after dark.

 

Bandits are thought to be operating in the border area with Nigeria south of Zinder. You should take special care and avoid crossing the border with Nigeria during the hours of darkness.

 

There have also been incidents of Nigeriens being killed in the course of hold-ups and robberies on public transport buses travelling between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit.

 

Scams

 

Foreign nationals are increasingly being targeted by scams. The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities, and can pose great financial risk to victims. You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.

 

Local travel

 

Travel around Niger can be difficult, and conditions are poor for overland travel. You should take all necessary safety precautions, especially outside of main urban areas, have confidence in your security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. Avoid all travel between towns at night. Seek local advice and use local travel agents and guides when travelling outside main towns and in desert areas. An approved local travel agent can arrange all the necessary permits for your journey and leave details of your itinerary with the local authorities. Travel in convoy and carry an independent satellite phone when travelling off the beaten track. You should prepare well in advance and make sure you have a sufficient supply of drinking water and food.

 

Local authorities are extremely sensitive about foreigners travelling out of Tahoua to other parts of Niger in the east and the north. There is a risk of arrest and deportation for even enquiring about travel to Agadez, given the security situation in that region.

 

The MNJ armed group has launched attacks in the north including the use of land mines, and Islamist terrorist groups have recently launched attacks in Agadez, Arlit and against a prison in Niamey (see Terrorism section for more details). The Governor of the city of Agadez has banned vehicles without a security forces escort from leaving the city after 4pm. Attacks against tourists are known to take place at El Meki between Agadez and Timia. The Aïr and Ténéré regions are particularly prone to attacks. From 28 November 2014, a curfew has been implemented in the whole of the Diffa region prohibiting the movement of motorised vehicles from 8pm to 6am.

 

The roads listed below in northern Niger are permanently closed to tourists, except with special authorisation:

 

Chirfa (Djado) / Djanet (Algeria)

Achouloma (north Djado) / Salvador Pass (Libya)

Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / Djanet (Algeria)

Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / In Azawa (Algeria)

Agadez / Arlit / Iferouane

Agadez / Tahoua

 

Road Travel

 

EU driving licences are not valid. If you plan to drive in Niger, you should get an International Driving Permit.. This is valid for 3 months, after which you will need to get a Niger licence. You should carry car registration documents with you at all times.

 

The main roads between Niamey and other large towns are generally satisfactory by African standards, but some roads are pot-holed. Driving standards are poor. Vehicles are often poorly lit at night and there is little street lighting. There have been reports of land mines being used in Burkina Faso on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey. Seek local advice before making this journey.

 

Buses operate on routes between Niamey and other large towns, but distances are long and buses are prone to mechanical failure. There have also been incidents of Nigeriens being killed in the course of hold-ups and robberies on public transport buses travelling between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit.

 

Taxis are available but are often in poor mechanical condition. Driving standards are poor. On 8 January 2008, a car drove over a landmine in Niamey, killing one person and injuring another. There have also been reports of land mines being used in Burkina Faso on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey. Local advice should be sought before making this journey.

 

In the case of an accident, you should go immediately to the nearest police station to file a report: remaining on the spot risks being taken to task, sometimes violently, by the local population. Medical help in the event of an accident is likely to be limited.

 

 

Local laws and customs

 

Niger is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Don’t photograph military or government installations.

 

You should carry some form of identification at all times. This would normally mean your passport or residence permit. If you drive outside the main towns, the likelihood of having to produce some form of identification is high.

 

If you commit a criminal offence you will be subjected to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh.

 

Homosexuality is illegal, but in practice is tolerated if discreet.

 

Money

 

Niger is a cash based society. Credit cards are rarely accepted even in the best hotels and restaurants. There are no ATMs. Banks accept travellers’ cheques. You will have to produce your passport and the receipt for the cheques from the issuing bank.

 

Health

Medical facilities are poor, even in Niamey. Serious medical treatment would mean evacuation to Europe. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

In the first quarter of 2015 over 2,000 cases of measles were reported in Niger. Zinder region is the most affected.

 

In the first quarter of 2015, 345 cases of meningitis, including 45 deaths have been reported in all regions, except Diffa.

 

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 53,000 adults aged 15 or over in Niger were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 723141 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

 

Natural disasters

The rainy season in Niger is from May to November. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. You should monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.

 

Entry requirements

Visas

 

You will need a valid visa to enter Niger. 

 

Yellow Fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from all countries otherwise you will be vaccinated at the airport.

 

Passport validity

 

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

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Niger.

 

Latest advice, 21 Feb 2016

The first round of presidential elections took place on 21 February and passed off peacefully. The second round is due to take place on 20 March.  There may be a heavier than normal security presence in towns and cities, particularly Niamey, around this period. You should be vigilant and avoid any political events or protests.