Africa
Is Niger safe?
L4Do not travel
Is Niger safe?
The UK advises against all travel to Niger because of terrorism and kidnapping, with gunfire reported near government buildings in Niamey in August 2026.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2025-10-30.
- Homicide rate: 4.4 per 100,000 people (2012, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 25.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
- Solo women: Conservative Muslim society; modest dress is essential. Kidnap risk makes solo travel inadvisable.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Kidnapping and attacks by jihadist groups
- Coup instability in Niamey
- Banditry on roads and near borders
- Flash floods in rainy season
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing officials, soldiers or government buildings leads to detention.
- Alcohol is hard to find and discouraged.
- Entry to the Agadez region needs authorisation.
Quick answers
Is Niger safe for tourists?
The UK advises against all travel to Niger because of terrorism and kidnapping, with gunfire reported near government buildings in Niamey in August 2026.
Is Niger safe for solo female travelers?
Conservative Muslim society; modest dress is essential. Kidnap risk makes solo travel inadvisable.
What is the emergency number in Niger?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Niger
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.