Orientation briefing in Niger

Nomadic peoples from the Saharan north and agriculturalists from the south settled present-day Niger. The Taureg kingdom of Takedda was one of the largest kingdoms in the north and played a prominent role in regional trade in the 14th century. In the south, the primary ethnic groups were the Songhai-Zarma in the west, the Hausa in the center, and the Kanuri in the east. When European colonizers arrived in the 19th century, the region was an assemblage of disparate local kingdoms.

In the late 19th century, the British and French agreed to partition the middle regions of the Niger River, and France began its conquest of what would become the colony of Niger.  France experienced determined local resistance -- particularly during the Tuareg uprising (1916-1917) -- but established a colonial administration in 1922.

After achieving independence from France in 1960, Niger experienced single-party or military rule until 1991, when political pressure forced General Ali SAIBOU to allow multiparty elections. Political infighting and democratic backsliding led to coups in 1996 and 1999. In 1999, military officers restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and spearheaded a 2009 constitutional amendment allowing him to extend his presidential term. In 2010, military officers led another coup that deposed TANDJA. ISSOUFOU Mahamadou was elected in 2011 and reelected in 2016. In 2021, BAZOUM Mohamed won the presidential election, marking Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected president to another. Nonetheless, a military junta led by General Abdourahamane TIANI once again seized power in July 2023, detaining President BAZOUM and announcing the creation of a National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. It is ranked fourth to last in the world on the UN Development Program's Human Development Index of 2023/2024. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. The Nigerien Government continues its attempts to diversify the economy through increased oil production and mining projects. In addition, Niger is facing increased security concerns on its borders from various external threats including insecurity in Libya, spillover from the conflict and terrorism in Mali, and violent extremism in northeastern Nigeria.

In July 2023, the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) launched a military coup which led to protests and unrest.

In August 2026, an attempted military-led mutiny resulted in heavy gunfire near the Presidential Palace and Niamey’s Diori International Airport.

The situation returned to calm but violent protests and changes to the security situation can arise quickly and without warning.

Protests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice and can be violent. If you become aware of any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the area immediately, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger

This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.

The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.

US Security Alert

The US Embassy in Niamey has issued a Security Alert warning that American citizens are at risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital, Niamey. British citizens are equally at risk. Read the Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Niamey (October 22, 2025).

Limited UK government support

Support for British nationals is severely limited in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. In-person assistance is not available.

If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.

Do not rely on the UK government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety advice for regions of Niger.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Niger

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Niger.

Several terrorist groups operate in Niger, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), Islamic State and Boko Haram.

There is a heightened risk of attack in Niamey. Terrorist  attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning. You should be especially vigilant and where possible avoid places visited by foreign nationals, such as: 

• diplomatic premises
• conference centres
• locations popular with tourists and foreign nationals
• sporting and cultural events
• shopping centres
• transport hubs, including airports and major roads
• religious sites and places of worship, particularly churches
• national parks and nature reserves; including the Parc du W
• foreign, national or local government buildings
• large crowds

There may be a heightened risk of attack during election periods and religious festivals including the month of Ramadan. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

There are frequent attacks across Niger, particularly in the Diffa and Tillabéri regions.

See also road safety

Examples of significant attacks include:

• on 18 June 2026, heavy gunfire was reported near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey
• on 29 January 2026, gunfire and explosions were reported near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey
• in October 2024, one person was killed in an attack in Seno (approximately 7km south west) of Niamey city limits   
• in September 2024, 2 health workers were killed in Weze Bangou, Tillabéri
• in September 2024, around 27 soldiers were killed in an attack on the Nigerien army, in Niaktire, Tillabéri
• in August 2024, 8 humanitarian workers were killed in Maine Soroa, Diffa
• in July 2024, 2 guards were killed in an ISSP prison break of Koutoukale prison, Tillabéri
• in May 2024, 20 civilians were killed in a village attack in Diambala, Tillabéri

Terrorist kidnap

There is a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Niger, including Niamey. Al-Qaeda affiliated groups, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram operate in the Lake Chad Basin.

A number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Niger in recent years, by Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliated groups. 

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.  

If you’re working or travelling in Niger, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling. You should be particularly vigilant when walking (in Niamey, you should not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time), in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces like places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, nature reserves and national parks, and transport hubs. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.

The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Security situation in Niger

If you choose to travel to Niger, remain vigilant and monitor local media.

Be careful when walking in crowded or insecure public places, including:

• camps for displaced people
• religious gatherings and places of worship
• markets and shopping malls
• hotels
• bars, night clubs and restaurants
• nature reserves and national parks
• transport hubs, including airports and major roads

Do not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time.

Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.

There could be disruptions to commercial flights from Niamey’s Diori International Airport at short notice.

Political situation

In July 2023, the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) launched a military coup which led to protests and unrest.

In August 2026, an attempted military-led mutiny resulted in heavy gunfire near the Presidential Palace and Niamey’s Diori International Airport.

The situation returned to calm but violent protests and changes to the security situation can arise quickly and without warning.

Protests, marches and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice and can be violent. If you become aware of any protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the area immediately, as the atmosphere can change quickly and without warning.

Crime

Levels of crime, especially in the capital Niamey, are high. Thefts, robberies and residential break-ins can occur at any time. 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. Avoid walking alone there, and do not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time. Be vigilant when walking anywhere in the city. Walking at night is more dangerous as there’s a lack of street lighting.

There have been attacks on people, including westerners, as they are leaving banks and ATMs. Be careful when using ATMs on the street, never do this at night-time, and if possible use the ATMs available in most large hotels. 

Car thieves often target 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Make sure car doors are locked at all times.

Banditry, smuggling and other criminal activity is common in border areas (particularly Maradi, Tillabéri and Diffa). Take care and avoid crossing borders after dark.

There have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit. In some cases people have been killed.

Criminal kidnapping

Kidnapping by criminal groups is widespread across Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. There has been an increase in kidnappings of western nationals and gangs operate throughout Niger, including Niamey. There is a possibility that criminal groups could sell people they kidnap as hostages to terrorist organisations.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.

Scams

British nationals are increasingly being targeted by internet and other scams. The scams come in many forms – romance and friendship, business ventures, or work and employment opportunities. Victims are at great financial risk.

Laws and cultural differences

Niger is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Be aware of your actions and dress in case they offend, especially during the month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.

If you commit a crime you will be subject to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Personal ID

You should carry identification at all times. This would normally be your passport or residence permit. If you drive outside the main towns, authorities are very likely to ask you to produce identification.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.    

Using cameras in secure areas

Do not photograph military or government installations.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Niger. Penalties include prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and fines. This applies to individuals who are found guilty of what is described as ‘LGBTQIA+ acts’. The laws also extend to people who officiate, witness, organise or consent to same-sex marriages. Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in Nigerien society.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Niger. Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Niger, see information on driving abroad.

You can drive in Niger using a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer than 3 months, you will need to get a Nigerien licence.

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Carry your UK driving licence and car registration documents with you at all times.

Road safety

FCDO advises against all travel outside the capital Niamey. 

The Government of Niger will only allow foreign nationals to travel outside of Niamey if you get their permission and are escorted by Nigerien security and military forces. 

Attacks on major roads and other transport routes by terrorists are increasing, including through the use of landmines and other explosive devices. This is particularly the case in areas where terrorist groups are operational, including on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey.

There is minimal infrastructure in rural or desert areas, including a lack of phone signal or access to healthcare, food and water. Some roads are pot-holed, conditions are often worse during and just after rainy season. Driving standards are poor. Vehicles often drive without lights at night and there is little street lighting.

See also regional risks.

Public transport

Avoid using buses or taxis where possible.

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 hold-ups and robberies on public buses. See ‘Crime’.

Taxis are available, but are often in poor mechanical condition.

Air travel

Flight options may be limited and could change at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for the latest information. 

Flights within Niger remain limited.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Floods and landslides

The rainy season in Niger is from June to October. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas.

This section has safety advice for regions of Niger. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Outside of Niamey there is a greater risk of terrorist attack and risk of kidnapping is high. The FCDO is unable to provide current and accurate information on the specific threat and risks in the regions outside Niamey.

Escort requirement

Outside of Niamey you must be escorted by Nigerien security and military forces. We recommend that British Nationals who decide to travel to Niger remain within the city limits of Niamey.

There is a lack of infrastructure in rural and desert areas increasing the safety risks. See road travel.

Border areas and Northern Niger

Terrorists operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and throughout northern Niger. Avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Tillaberi and Diffa regions.  See Terrorism.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 15 and ask for an ambulance.

Public emergency services can be slow to respond. Some private medical clinics also have ambulance services.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Niger
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Niger, including:

• yellow fever
• malaria and dengue
• schistosomiasis

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Niger

Medical facilities are poor, even in Niamey. Serious medical treatment would require 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.

Private hospitals and clinics include:

• Polyclinic Magori (+227 2074 1291, or +227 2074 3347 in an emergency)
• Clinique Gamkalley (+227 9696 4886, or +227 2073 4639 in an emergency)

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.