FCDO advises against all travel; FCDO does not publish a numeric level · Updated 2026-10-23
Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:49:57Z · version b29cb873a825.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Niger
This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger.
There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.
The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.
US Security Alert
The US Embassy in Niamey has issued a Security Alert warning that American citizens are at risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital, Niamey. British citizens are equally at risk. Read the Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Niamey (October 22, 2025).
Limited UK government support
Support for British nationals is severely limited in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. In-person assistance is not available.
If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
Do not rely on the UK government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.
This is a partial extract. Read the full official advisory for all warnings and locations.
This section comes from the same source document as the advisory above.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety advice for regions of Niger.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Niger
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Niger.
Several terrorist groups operate in Niger, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), Islamic State and Boko Haram.
There is a heightened risk of attack in Niamey. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning. You should be especially vigilant and where possible avoid places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
- diplomatic premises
- conference centres
- locations popular with tourists and foreign nationals
- sporting and cultural events
- shopping centres
- transport hubs, including airports and major roads
- religious sites and places of worship, particularly churches
- national parks and nature reserves; including the Parc du W
- foreign, national or local government buildings
- large crowds
There may be a heightened risk of attack during election periods and religious festivals including the month of Ramadan. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
There are frequent attacks across Niger, particularly in the Diffa and Tillabéri regions.
See also road safety
Examples of significant attacks include:
- on 18 June 2026, heavy gunfire was reported near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey
- on 29 January 2026, gunfire and explosions were reported near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey
- in October 2024, one person was killed in an attack in Seno (approximately 7km south west) of Niamey city limits
- in September 2024, 2 health workers were killed in Weze Bangou, Tillabéri
- in September 2024, around 27 soldiers were killed in an attack on the Nigerien army, in Niaktire, Tillabéri
- in August 2024, 8 humanitarian workers were killed in Maine Soroa, Diffa
- in July 2024, 2 guards were killed in an ISSP prison break of Koutoukale prison, Tillabéri
- in May 2024, 20 civilians were killed in a village attack in Diambala, Tillabéri
Terrorist kidnap
There is a very high threat of kidnapping throughout Niger, including Niamey. Al-Qaeda affiliated groups, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), operate throughout Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram operate in the Lake Chad Basin.
A number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Niger in recent years, by Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliated groups.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
If you’re working or travelling in Niger, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times, including when travelling. You should be particularly vigilant when walking (in Niamey, you should not cross the bridges over the River Niger on foot at any time), in crowded public places, including camps for displaced people, religious gatherings and insecure spaces like places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, night clubs, restaurants, nature reserves and national parks, and transport hubs. You should avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours.
The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Transport risks
FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Niger. Travel within or out of Niger is at your own risk. The FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any departure point within Niger.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Niger, see information on driving abroad.
You can drive in Niger using a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer than 3 months, you will need to get a Nigerien licence.
You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Carry your UK driving licence and car registration documents with you at all times.
Road safety
FCDO advises against all travel outside the capital Niamey.
The Government of Niger will only allow foreign nationals to travel outside of Niamey if you get their permission and are escorted by Nigerien security and military forces.
Attacks on major roads and other transport routes by terrorists are increasing, including through the use of landmines and other explosive devices. This is particularly the case in areas where terrorist groups are operational, including on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey.
There is minimal infrastructure in rural or desert areas, including a lack of phone signal or access to healthcare, food and water. Some roads are pot-holed, conditions are often worse during and just after rainy season. Driving standards are poor. Vehicles often drive without lights at night and there is little street lighting.
See also regional risks.
Public transport
Avoid using buses or taxis where possible.
Buses operate on routes between Niamey and other large towns, but distances are long and buses are prone to mechanical failure. There have also been hold-ups and robberies on public buses. See ‘Crime’.
Taxis are available, but are often in poor mechanical condition.
Air travel
Flight options may be limited and could change at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for the latest information.
Flights within Niger remain limited.
Partial safety extract; read the full official section.
This section has safety advice for regions of Niger. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Outside of Niamey there is a greater risk of terrorist attack and risk of kidnapping is high. The FCDO is unable to provide current and accurate information on the specific threat and risks in the regions outside Niamey.
Escort requirement
Outside of Niamey you must be escorted by Nigerien security and military forces. We recommend that British Nationals who decide to travel to Niger remain within the city limits of Niamey.
There is a lack of infrastructure in rural and desert areas increasing the safety risks. See road travel.
Border areas and Northern Niger
Terrorists operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and throughout northern Niger. Avoid travel to Niger’s border regions, particularly the Tillaberi and Diffa regions. See Terrorism.