Niger Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Niger.
Healthcare System
Niger has one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world, with severe shortages of medical personnel, equipment, and supplies. Healthcare facilities are concentrated in Niamey, with very limited services in rural areas. The country faces endemic diseases including malaria, meningitis, cholera, and measles.
Hospitals
Hôpital National de Niamey is the main referral hospital but has significant limitations. Private clinics like Clinique Gamkalley and Clinique les Hirondelles in Niamey offer somewhat better services but still fall short of international standards. Medical evacuation insurance is essential as local facilities cannot handle complex cases.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Niamey and major towns but may have limited stock and counterfeit medications are a concern. Bring essential medications from home with prescriptions. Refrigeration for medications requiring cold storage is unreliable. Pharmacies typically close by 8 PM and have limited weekend hours.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $500,000 is absolutely essential. Verify that your policy covers Niger specifically, as some insurers exclude high-risk countries. Medical facilities often require cash payment upfront before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, anti-malarial medication, rehydration salts, and any prescription medications for the entire trip plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in French if possible
- Identify evacuation routes and nearest adequate medical facilities before traveling
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
- Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid ice
- Consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever (required), meningitis, and rabies vaccinations before travel
- Malaria prophylaxis is essential year-round throughout the country
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Terrorist groups including ISIS-affiliated organizations and Al-Qaeda-linked groups operate in Niger, particularly in border regions. Attacks have targeted military installations, government buildings, and civilian areas. Kidnapping of foreigners for ransom is a significant threat.
Kidnapping of foreigners, particularly Westerners, for ransom or ideological purposes is a serious threat. Several foreigners have been kidnapped and killed in recent years.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft occur in Niamey, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and at night. Motorcycle-mounted thieves target pedestrians and vehicles stopped in traffic.
Armed robberies occur, including carjackings and home invasions. Criminals may be armed with weapons and use violence.
Road conditions are poor with limited paved roads outside major cities. Driving standards are dangerous with speeding, overloaded vehicles, livestock on roads, and lack of lighting. Accidents are common and often fatal. Banditry on rural roads is also a concern.
Following the 2023 coup, political tensions remain high. Demonstrations can occur with little warning and may turn violent. Security forces may use tear gas, rubber bullets, or live ammunition.
Cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other diseases transmitted through contaminated food and water are common. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Malaria is endemic throughout Niger year-round, with increased transmission during and after the rainy season. The disease can be fatal if untreated.
Niger is in the African meningitis belt with seasonal epidemics typically occurring during the dry season (December-June). Bacterial meningitis can be fatal within hours.
Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), particularly from March to June. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as police or military personnel at fake checkpoints to extort money or rob travelers. They may demand to see documents and then claim there are problems requiring payment.
Taxi drivers quote inflated prices to foreigners or take unnecessarily long routes. Some may claim the meter is broken or simply not use it.
Street money changers offer better rates than banks but may use sleight of hand to short-change you, give counterfeit bills, or work with accomplices who rob you after the transaction.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, help with permits, or access to restricted areas at inflated prices. They may take payment and disappear or provide no actual service.
After taking photos, individuals claim you photographed them or their property without permission and demand payment. In some cases, police or officials demand fees for photographing certain buildings or areas.
Individuals approach foreigners with stories of sick relatives, orphanages needing supplies, or schools needing donations, directing them to specific shops where they receive commissions on inflated purchases.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Security
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival and maintain regular contact
- Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing nationality, travel plans, or political views publicly
- Vary your daily routines and routes to avoid predictability
- Keep multiple copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) in separate locations
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly
- Have an emergency evacuation plan and know routes to the airport
- Keep emergency cash in US dollars or euros hidden separately from your main funds
- Learn basic French phrases for emergencies
- Avoid displaying wealth through jewelry, expensive cameras, or designer clothing
Accommodation
- Stay only in hotels with 24-hour security guards and secure perimeters
- Choose accommodations in secure neighborhoods, preferably where diplomatic missions are located
- Keep room doors locked at all times and use additional security devices if available
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel staff
- Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
- Keep curtains closed at night to avoid being visible from outside
Transportation
- Never travel after dark outside urban areas due to banditry and poor road conditions
- Use only reputable transportation companies and pre-arranged drivers
- Avoid public transportation and shared taxis due to safety and security risks
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving
- Have sufficient fuel for your journey plus reserve as fuel stations are scarce
- Travel in convoys when going to remote areas if security situation permits
- Carry emergency supplies including water, food, first aid kit, and communication devices
- Inform someone of your route and expected arrival time
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Be aware that internet and phone services can be unreliable or cut during political unrest
- Have multiple means of communication including satellite phone if traveling to remote areas
- Keep phone charged and carry backup battery packs
- Save important numbers including embassy, hotel, and emergency contacts
- Be cautious about what you share on social media regarding your location and activities
- Use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive communications
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed without interruption
- Apply insect repellent multiple times daily, especially at dawn and dusk
- Drink only bottled water with sealed caps; use bottled water even for brushing teeth
- Carry oral rehydration salts and use them at first signs of dehydration or diarrhea
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Avoid contact with animals due to rabies risk
- Seek medical attention immediately for fever, severe diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms
- Carry adequate supplies of any prescription medications plus extras
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, particularly outside Niamey
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting; the left hand is considered unclean
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women
- Respect prayer times and Islamic customs, especially during Ramadan
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Learn basic greetings in French and local languages like Hausa or Zarma
- Be patient as concepts of time may differ from Western expectations
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs only during daylight hours at secure locations like banks or major hotels
- Carry small denominations as change is often unavailable
- Keep money in multiple secure locations on your person
- Credit cards are rarely accepted; carry sufficient cash in West African CFA francs
- Bring US dollars or euros for exchange, but exchange only at official locations
- Don't flash cash in public when making purchases
- Be aware that ATMs may be unreliable or empty, especially outside Niamey
Photography
- Never photograph military installations, government buildings, airports, bridges, or security personnel
- Always ask permission before photographing people and respect refusals
- Be aware that some areas may require special photography permits
- Keep camera equipment inconspicuous to avoid attracting thieves
- Be particularly cautious about photography during political tensions
- Respect religious sensitivities, especially regarding mosques and religious ceremonies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face additional challenges in Niger due to conservative social norms and potential harassment. While serious assaults on foreign women are relatively rare, verbal harassment and unwanted attention are common. Women traveling alone are unusual in Nigerien society and may attract extra attention. Professional women working in Niger generally manage by maintaining conservative dress and behavior, establishing professional relationships, and often working with local female colleagues or fixers.
- Dress very conservatively: cover shoulders, chest, and knees at minimum; loose-fitting clothing is preferable
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and consider claiming to be married or traveling to meet your husband
- Avoid direct eye contact with men as it can be misinterpreted as flirtatious
- In taxis or shared spaces, try to sit near other women or families
- Avoid going out alone at night; use trusted male companions or security when necessary
- Book accommodations with good security and female-friendly reputations
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; aggressive responses can escalate situations
- Carry a local phone and have emergency contacts readily available
- Consider hiring a female guide or fixer who understands local customs
- Learn key phrases in French to firmly decline offers or assistance
- In rural areas, seek permission from village elders before interacting with communities
- Be aware that handshaking with men may be avoided by conservative Muslims; follow their lead
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Niger under Article 282 of the Penal Code, punishable by imprisonment of six months to three years and fines. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics or rights with locals unless you know them very well and trust them completely
- Be extremely cautious about using dating apps as they could be used to target or entrap LGBTQ+ individuals
- Book separate beds/rooms if traveling with a same-sex partner and present as friends or colleagues
- Remove any LGBTQ+ identifiers from social media profiles and devices before arrival
- Be aware that hotel staff may report suspicious behavior to authorities
- Have contact information for your embassy in case of arrest or harassment
- Consider whether travel to Niger is necessary given the significant risks
- If arrested, request immediate contact with your embassy and do not sign documents you don't understand
- Understand that your embassy's ability to assist may be limited in cases involving local laws
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to Niger and should be considered non-negotiable. The country's healthcare infrastructure cannot handle serious medical emergencies, and evacuation to Europe or South Africa can cost $100,000-$500,000. Additionally, the security situation means travelers may need emergency evacuation due to terrorism, civil unrest, or kidnapping threats. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude Niger or limit coverage due to government travel warnings, so specialized insurance is often necessary.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries