Reconsider travel to Niger due to COVID-19, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Niger due to COVID-19.
Niger has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Niger.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common.
Terrorist groups continue plotting kidnappings and possible attacks in Niger. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting foreign and local government facilities and areas frequented by Westerners. Terrorists operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger. Avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region. Mali-based extremist groups have crossed the border and conducted multiple lethal attacks on Nigerien security forces.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote and rural areas as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of the capital, Niamey, due to security concerns. Outside of Niamey, all U.S. Embassy personnel are required to travel only during daylight hours and in a minimum of a two-vehicle convoy accompanied by armed Nigerien government security escorts.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Niger:
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.