Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Niger.
Niger Status
DISRUPTION
Commercial flights continue to operate from Niamey, but travel in Niger is severely affected by terrorism and kidnapping risks, political instability, restrictions on movement outside the capital and dangerous conditions in border regions.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Severe travel warnings
The United States, United Kingdom and Canada currently advise against travel to Niger because of serious security risks.
Commercial flights continue
Niger is not completely closed by air. Commercial flights continue to operate from Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, although options are limited and schedules can change at short notice.
Niamey Airport security
Security around Diori Hamani International Airport remains heightened. Travellers should confirm their flight directly with their airline before attempting to travel to the airport.
Recent instability in Niamey
Gunfire was reported near the Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International Airport on 29 August 2026. Additional checkpoints and short-notice disruption between central Niamey and the airport are possible.
Travel outside Niamey
Movement outside the capital is severely restricted for foreign nationals. Current UK guidance says foreigners travelling outside Niamey require permission and an escort by Nigerien security and military forces.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups operate across parts of Niger and attacks can target security forces, roads, public places and other locations.
Kidnapping
There is a serious kidnapping risk throughout Niger, including Niamey. Foreign nationals can be specifically targeted.
Border regions
The risk is particularly severe near Niger’s borders with Mali, Burkina Faso, Libya and Nigeria. Tillabéri and Diffa are among the areas of greatest concern.
Road travel
Attacks on major roads have increased, including the use of landmines and other explosive devices. Overland travel outside Niamey carries significant risk.
Visa required
Travellers who require a visa must obtain one before entering Niger. Entry requirements depend on nationality.
Enhanced security checks
Foreign nationals can face enhanced checks on arrival. Current UK guidance says passports have in some cases been retained by authorities for several days.
Yellow fever certificate
Travellers should check current vaccination requirements before departure. Current UK guidance states that proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.
Latest Travel Changes
Security incident in Niamey
Gunfire was reported near the Presidential Palace and Diori Hamani International Airport early on 29 August 2026. Security checkpoints and short-notice transport disruption around the airport remain possible.
Commercial aviation continues
Diori Hamani International Airport continues to receive commercial flights, but current official guidance warns that services can be disrupted at short notice.
U.S. Level 4 warning
The U.S. State Department continues to classify Niger Level 4: Do Not Travel because of terrorism, kidnapping, crime, unrest and health risks.
Canada advises against all travel
Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 continues to advise avoiding all travel to Niger because of political instability, terrorism and kidnapping.
UK warning remains current
UK guidance current on 26 September 2026 advises against all travel and warns that the security situation could deteriorate rapidly.
Before You Travel
Check the latest official travel warnings before considering travel to Niger.
Confirm your flight directly with your airline because services can change at short notice.
Confirm the visa, passport and vaccination requirements applying to your nationality.
Do not assume that an overland border route is safe or open. Check the exact crossing and security situation before travelling.
Be aware that foreign nationals face significant restrictions on travel outside Niamey and may require official permission and a security escort.
Avoid border regions and areas affected by terrorist activity, kidnapping and armed conflict.
If already in Niger, maintain your own contingency plan for leaving the country because foreign governments have limited ability to provide assistance or evacuation.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.