The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Niger, raising the advisory level to 4, which means "Do Not Travel." The change was made on October 31, 2025, and reflects recent adjustments to U.S. embassy operations in the country.
The advisory cites several risks for travelers, including terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest, and health concerns. According to the statement: "Do not travel to Niger for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping."
On October 30, 2025, the Department of State authorized the departure of all family members of U.S. government employees in Niger because of safety risks. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency services to citizens outside Niamey due to these risks.
A state of emergency remains in effect across many regions in Niger with movement restrictions imposed by local authorities. Foreigners traveling outside Niamey are required by Nigerien authorities to have military escorts; this includes U.S. government personnel.
U.S. government employees in Niger must use armored vehicles for all movements and observe a mandatory curfew. They are also prohibited from visiting restaurants and open-air markets. The same precautions are advised for private U.S. citizens in the country.
Terrorist groups continue to pose a threat throughout Niger by planning attacks and kidnappings targeting both vulnerable groups and American interests. Recent incidents have occurred in areas such as Niamey; near the Malian border (Tillabéri Region); Diffa Region (Lake Chad Basin); northern Agadez; and along the southern border corridor near the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.
Violent crimes like armed robbery and residential break-ins remain a concern at any time. Demonstrations may occur unpredictably in response to political or economic issues or during large events or holidays.
Medical services are limited throughout Niger with inadequate trauma care and restricted access to medicines including antibiotics. Travelers may need medical evacuation at their own expense if faced with even minor health issues since most U.S.-based insurance plans do not cover overseas expenses.
U.S. citizens currently in Niger are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for important updates from the government (https://step.state.gov/). They should also review resources on terrorism, high-risk area travel guidelines, crime abroad information (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/crime.html), crisis preparation advice (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/crisis-support.html), as well as CDC’s latest travel health guidance for Niger (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/niger).
Travelers should keep documents up-to-date and accessible; establish communication plans with family or employers; avoid demonstrations; maintain situational awareness; minimize displays of wealth; ensure they have appropriate insurance coverage including medical evacuation; and consider leaving DNA samples with their healthcare provider for identification purposes if needed.
For assistance while in Niger:
- Contact U.S. Embassy Niamey at BP 11201 Niamey via telephone (+227) 20-72-26-61 during business hours or (+227) 99-49-90-66 after hours.
- Email: ConsulateNiamey@state.gov
- Website: https://ne.usembassy.gov/
For emergencies involving Americans abroad from within North America call 1-888-407-4747 or from other countries call +1-202-501-4444.