Niger

Översikt

Niger is located at the junction of West and Central Africa in a region persistently affected by instability. However, Niger maintains generally good bilateral relations with most of its neighbours and interstate conflict is not an immediate threat.

The country suffers from high levels of political instability due to high threats of terrorist attacks, corruption and kidnapping. State of emergency has been issued in several regions especially Diffa, Tillabéri and North Tahoua due to persistent attacks. The country also struggles with a series of frequent droughts. Crimes often occur in urban areas, mainly petty thefts, including bag and mobile-phone snatching. Robberies have also been reported at night on roads outside urban areas. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Niger. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Niger. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older. A vaccination certificate may also be required for travellers leaving Niger, since part of the country is in the Yellow Fever endemic zone.

Cases of cholera have recently been confirmed in Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder regions.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Niger, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Schistosomiasis is highly endemic throughout Niger, particularly in the Niger River basin and surrounding areas, including the capital Niamey. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Long-term visitors (4 weeks or more) should receive a booster dose of Polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Niger. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Niger.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in Niger and medication is often unavailable. Even the best hospitals in Niamey suffer from a lack of adequate facilities. Bring your own medication packed in the original boxes and clearly labelled. You should bring supporting documentation for any prescription medication. It is also advisable to bring your own needles.

In the event of serious medical problems it is advisable to leave the country for better medical facilities. Outside of the capital, medical facilities are extremely poor and often unavailable. Travel insurance policies must have an emergency repatriation clause that is applicable in Niger.

Pass

Passports and evidence of a Yellow Fever vaccination are required for entry into Niger. Passports need to be valid for another six months after exiting the country.

Visum

Travellers from outside the West Africa region require a visa for Niger. Travellers should, where possible, acquire these in their home country. If there is no Nigerien diplomatic representation in your country, you may be able to obtain one at the Niger border, or at Nigerien consular offices in Algeria, Benin, Chad, Mali and Nigeria.

An exit permit must be obtained from the Immigration Office in Niamey before departure.

A letter of responsibility is required for business travellers. The letter must be addressed to the Embassy of Niger explaining the purpose of the visit; and must be on your company letterhead and signed by somebody of your company other than yourself.