Niger travel advice
A summary of the UK government’s (FCDO) travel advice for Niger, last updated by the FCDO on 29 August 2026. The full advice on GOV.UK is the authoritative version.
FCDO status
FCDO advises against all travel to the whole country
Latest FCDO update (29 August 2026): Information on reports of gunfire early morning on 29 August near Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International airport (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
FCDO notice
Travel disruption
There have been reports of gunfire around the Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International airport early morning on 29 August. The road between central Niamey and the airport may have more security checkpoints and possible short-notice travel disruptions.
You should:
- monitor local media
- follow the instructions of local authorities
- contact your airline before travelling
Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)
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.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity is needed.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.
Recent FCDO updates
- 29 August 2026: Information on reports of gunfire early morning on 29 August near Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International airport (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
- 19 June 2026: Updated information about the re-opening of Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey and updated information about LGBT+ laws ('Warnings and insurance' and 'Safety and security' pages).
- 18 June 2026: Updated information about travel disruption following gunfire in the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey ('Warnings and insurance' page).
Plan your trip
This page shows the FCDO’s headline status and quotes its text word for word; we don’t reword safety advice. It refreshes automatically, so it can lag GOV.UK by up to a day. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: FCDO foreign travel advice on GOV.UK. FCDO advice is written for British nationals; other nationalities should also check their own government’s advice.