Niger

🇳🇪

Phone Code

+227

Capital

Niamey

Population

25 Million

Native Name

Niger

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

West Africa Time

UTC+01:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Niger is a landlocked Sahel country in West Africa, bordered by Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Algeria. One of the world's largest countries (1.27 million km², larger than Texas and California combined), approximately 80% of Niger is Sahara Desert. Niamey, the capital, is located on the Niger River in the southwest. Niger is one of the world's poorest countries despite significant uranium mining operations. Population of 25+ million with high growth rate. Former French colony that gained independence in 1960. Niger historically attracted visitors to Agadez (desert gateway with historic mosque), Aïr Mountains, Ténéré Desert, Niamey markets, and W National Park. IMPORTANT: Multiple governments including the UK, United States, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia currently maintain high-level travel warnings for Niger. Travelers should consult current official advisories from their respective foreign ministries before making any plans.

Visa Requirements for Niger

Niger requires visas for most nationalities with exceptions for ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member citizens. Standard tourist visa applications are processed through Niger embassies and consulates, requiring passport with 6+ months validity, invitation letter, yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport photos, and visa fee. Processing typically takes 5-15 days. IMPORTANT ADVISORY INFORMATION: The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Niger, the US State Department maintains a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory, and similar warnings are in place from German, Swiss, Australian, and Canadian authorities. According to the UK FCDO, support for nationals is 'severely limited' with assistance provided remotely. The US State Department notes that government services are unavailable outside Niamey due to safety concerns. Travel insurance may be invalidated when traveling against official government advice. Consular support availability is significantly limited due to current conditions.

Common Visa Types

Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)

Typically 30-90 days; requires passport (valid 6+ months), invitation letter or hotel confirmation, yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport photos, completed application form, visa fee ($50-150 depending on visa type); processing time 5-15 days; travelers should consult current travel advisories from their government before applying as multiple nations advise against travel.

For tourism purposes, applied through Niger embassy or consulate in advance of travel.

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry

ECOWAS nationals (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo) can enter Niger without advance visa under regional protocols; duration varies by nationality; yellow fever certificate required; travelers should verify current entry procedures.

For citizens of ECOWAS member states under regional free movement agreement.

Business/Work Visa

30 days to 12 months depending on purpose; requires invitation from sponsoring company or organization in Niger, employment contract or business documentation, passport, photos, yellow fever certificate; fees vary by duration; primarily used by personnel in mining, development, or diplomatic sectors.

For business activities or employment in Niger, requires sponsorship from Niger-based entity.

Transit Visa

48-72 hours typically; required for some nationalities transiting Niger by land; travelers should verify current requirements and security conditions for overland routes.

For travelers transiting through Niger to neighboring countries.

Important Travel Information

Government Travel Advisories: Multiple governments maintain high-level warnings for Niger. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel, the US State Department has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory citing 'crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping,' and similar warnings are in effect from German, Swiss, Australian, and Canadian authorities. Travelers should consult their respective foreign ministry for current advice.

Consular Support: Diplomatic support for foreign nationals in Niger is significantly limited. Most Western embassies operate with reduced staff or remotely. The UK FCDO notes assistance is 'provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos' with no in-person support available. The US government indicates it 'cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks.'

Travel Insurance: Government warnings may affect travel insurance validity. The UK FCDO cautions that insurance 'could be invalidated if you travel against advice.' Travelers should verify coverage with insurance providers and understand potential limitations when traveling to regions with active advisories.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Niamey
States & Regions in Niger

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Niger

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Niger
United States in Niger

All countries by continent

Planning travel to Niger?

Check current advisories