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TRAVEL REPORT
Niger

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has changed.

Sections 6 and 7 have been updated (information on polio and malaria updated and moved from section 7 to section 6).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Niger

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Niger.

There is a risk to personal safety throughout the country. There are concerns over the risk of kidnapping by the group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). As a result of this risk, all travel should be particularly avoided to the regions of Tillabéry, Tahoua, the border regions with Mali and near the border with Burkina Faso. 

In December 2008, two Canadian diplomats were kidnapped by AQIM in the department of Tillabéry, thirty kilometres from Niamey. They were held captive for more than four months. Other foreign nationals have also been kidnapped since and military camps have been attacked.

The risk of car theft, armed attacks and kidnapping is very high. Foreign nationals in particular are targeted.

A coup took place in Niamey on February 18, 2010 and a transitional government, appointed on March 1, 2010, will rule until elections are held.

The Tuareg Rebellion laid down its weapons last summer and the state of emergency, in effect since August 2007, which had effectively sealed off the northern third of the country, was lifted in November 2009. However, the presence of AQIM, rebel groups, bandits, drug and arms traffickers and landmines continue to pose a significant risk in the northern third of the country.  

Canadians should check with local authorities, with the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) or with the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Niamey for the latest security information (see section 5 below).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

There is a moderate level of crime in Niger, including in the capital. However, muggings, armed assaults and theft can happen. In Niamey, pickpocketing and purse snatching also occur, especially in tourist areas and markets.  After dark, certain areas in Niamey such as Petit Marché, around the Gaweye Hotel, the Kennedy Bridge and the National Museum, should be avoided.

Bandits and terrorist groups exist in certain parts of the country. The regions of Dosso, Maradi, Zinder and Diffa should be avoided because of banditry and the risk of armed hold-ups.

General safety information

Travellers should carry identification at all times and safely store photocopies of passports, visas, and travel documents.

Canadians should remain discreet and avoid walking alone and displaying any signs of affluence in public. Valuables or bags should not be left unattended.

Canadians are advised to refrain from approaching any area where demonstrations organized by students, workers or political figures are ongoing.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Niger authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Niger and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Niger. Canadians must also obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Niger. The Niger authorities no longer issue entry visas to Canadians upon arrival at the border.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Official Visa: Required

You are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Travellers can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Niger - NIAMEY, Office of the Embassy of Canada
Address: Boulevard Mali Béro, Niamey, Niger
Postal Address: P.O. Box 362, Niamey, Niger,
Tel.: 227 20 75 36 86/7
Fax: 227 20 75 31 07
E-Mail: niamy@international.gc.ca

The Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, has consular responsibility for Niger. The address is as follows:

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - ABIDJAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4104, Abidjan, 01, Côte d'Ivoire
Tel.: 225 20 30 07 00
Fax: 225 20 30 07 20
E-Mail: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/cotedivoire/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire or the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Niger and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is a contagious disease, spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water, that can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are limited in Niamey and inadequate outside the capital. Emergency and ambulance services are very limited. In the event of a serious illnesses, or accident, medical evacuation will be necessary. Medical insurance should be up to date and travellers should have emergency contact numbers immediately available.

Medications

As shortages of medecine supplies do occur or simply are scarcely available, even in hospitals in Niamey, Canadians should bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labelled. We also recommend that travellers carry a signed, dated letter from their primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names.

Diseases

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis) are prevalent in Niger, with more serious outbreaks occuring from time to time. The risk of cholera outbreaks is particularly high during the rainy season. Travellers are reminded that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates and to developing countries poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes as well as raw and undercooked food. Canadians should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality

Niger does not recognize dual citizenship. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Practices

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., travellers should cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

The consumption of alcohol is tolerated.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

Illegal and/or restricted activities

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

It is not recommended to photograph political or student demonstrations.

Photography of military installations, radio and television stations, the airport, bridges and the Presidency Building is prohibited. Permission should be sought before taking photographs.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Except for main routes, roads are generally in poor condition throughout the country. Local driving habits, bicycles, mopeds, pedestrians, roaming farm animals, slow-moving donkey carts, and broken-down vehicles pose hazards.

Travel within the country is strongly discouraged and should be undertaken only if essential. All travel should be undertaken during daylight hours, in a convoy of several vehicles in excellent mechanical condition and accompanied by an experienced driver. Travellers are also advised to bring sufficient supplies of food and water as well as a medical kit. Car doors should be locked and windows shut at all times. Carrying a satellite phone is recommended when travelling in remote areas. Emergency roadside or medical assistance is unavailable.

All travel after dark should be avoided. Nightime attacks on tourists have been reported on the roads between Agadez and Arlit, Agadez and Tahoua, in the city of Zinder, on the road between Tillabéry and Niamey, hence, in most of the territory.

Travellers should not leave the main routes. Landmines are present in the northen region of Agadez and continue to cause occasional injuries and deaths.

In case of an accident, report to the nearest police station to file a report.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Air travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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Currency

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (FCFA). Niger is a cash-based society and credit cards are rarely accepted. Travellers should avoid offers of large amounts of banknotes in exchange for foreign currency from other than reputable exchange bureaus.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

There are three seasons in Niger. The cool, dry season lasts from November to February; the hot, dry season from March to June and the rainy season from June-July to September-October. During the rainy season, most of the secondary roads may be impassable. Travellers should follow weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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