The Republic of Niger is a landlocked Sahelian state in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Niger is a member of ECOWAS and the African Union. Following a military coup in July 2023, Niger’s political situation has been volatile, and certain travel restrictions and diplomatic changes have affected visa arrangements with some countries. The visa policy is administered by the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Civil Status and Foreigners (DGEC).

Important note: The United States of America is one of the very few countries whose nationals are officially refused entry to Niger, including transit.

2. ECOWAS Freedom of Movement — Visa-Free

Citizens of all ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free access to Niger, reflecting the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. Citizens can enter, reside, and work across ECOWAS member states without visa restrictions.

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry • Benin • Burkina Faso • Cape Verde • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) • Gambia • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea-Bissau • Liberia • Mali • Nigeria • Senegal • Sierra Leone • Togo

3. Visa-Free Access — Other Countries

In addition to ECOWAS members, Niger has bilateral visa-free agreements with a small number of other countries:

Country	Duration	Notes
Chad	3 months	Bilateral agreement
Hong Kong (SAR)	14 days	Special Administrative Region
Mauritania	3 months	Bilateral agreement
Morocco	3 months	Bilateral agreement
Tunisia	3 months	Bilateral agreement

4. Visa on Arrival

The United Arab Emirates enjoys visa-on-arrival access to Niger. Additionally, nationals of any country who have obtained a pre-approved visa from the National Police (Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire) may collect their visa on arrival at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, subject to prior authorisation.

Visa on Arrival Details • UAE nationals: automatic visa on arrival • Pre-approved VOA: available at Niamey airport with prior National Police confirmation • Applicants must contact the Nigerien embassy or Ministry of Interior in advance

5. Non-Ordinary Passport Arrangements (Diplomatic & Official)

Country	Passport Types	Notes
China	Diplomatic	Visa-free for diplomatic passport holders
Cuba	Diplomatic	Visa-free for diplomatic passport holders
Italy	Diplomatic	Visa-free for diplomatic passport holders
Russia	Diplomatic/Service	Visa-free for diplomatic and service passports
Turkey	Diplomatic	Visa-free for diplomatic passport holders
United Arab Emirates	Diplomatic	Visa-free for diplomatic passport holders

6. Transit Policy

Passengers transiting through Niger for up to 24 hours do not require a transit visa, provided they remain airside and continue on their same aircraft. However, nationals of 28 specific countries must remain on the same aircraft and may not transit through Nigerien airports even airside. The list of restricted transit nationalities is maintained by the Directorate of Border Police.

Transit Rules • Transit without visa: up to 24 hours airside, same flight • 28 nationalities must remain on the same aircraft — no airside transit permitted • Contact the Nigerien embassy for the current list of restricted nationalities

7. US Nationals — Entry Refused

United States nationals are officially refused entry to Niger and are also refused transit. This policy reflects the deterioration in diplomatic relations following the 2023 military coup and the subsequent expulsion of US military forces. US citizens should not attempt to enter Niger via any means.

US National Entry Status • Entry: REFUSED for all US passport holders • Transit: REFUSED for all US passport holders • This applies regardless of visa type or diplomatic status

8. Visa Application for Other Nationals

Nationals not covered by visa-free or visa-on-arrival provisions must obtain a visa prior to arrival from a Nigerien embassy or consulate. Niger has a limited diplomatic presence globally, so applicants may need to apply at the nearest accredited mission. Standard required documents include a valid passport, application form, photographs, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and proof of funds.

9. Health Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers entering Niger. An International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) must be presented on arrival. Travellers are also advised to be vaccinated against meningitis, typhoid, and hepatitis A, and to take malaria prophylaxis given Niger’s high malaria risk.

10. Important Notes

Niger is classified as a high-risk travel destination by most Western governments due to ongoing security threats from armed groups in the Sahel region, particularly near borders with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Libya. The security situation deteriorated further following the 2023 coup. Travellers should consult their government’s travel advisory before visiting and register with their embassy upon arrival.