Located in West Africa, the Republic of Niger has faced many political, economical and indoor difficulties. These difficulties are still present and are just some of the few reasons why many countries have advised their citizens not to travel to Niger. However, foreigners who must travel to Niger for different reasons can read the article below and be more informed regarding the Niger visa policy.
Who Needs a Visa for Niger?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter and stay in Niger:
- Hong Kong
- Sierra Leone
- Chad
- Liberia
- Togo
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
- Tunisia
- Gambia
- Mauritania
- Ghana
- Morocco
Other Visa Exemptions
Diplomatic passport holders issued from the following countries do not need a visa to enter Niger:
- China
- Cuba
- Italy
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Transit Visa
Everyone can transit through Niger for 24 hours without a visa, except the following nations:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- China
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Georgia
- Hungary
- Kazakhstan
- North Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Visa On Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to holders of a pre-approved confirmation from the National Police. Applicants must enter the country through Niamey (Niger’s capital city). Applicants must have a valid passport, accommodation proof, and an ongoing or return flight ticket.
How to Apply for a Niger Visa?
Applicants who want to apply for a Niger visa must submit their visa applications at the nearest embassy or consulate of Niger in their home country. For an easier application process, follow these steps:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Niger in your home country and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Niger visa application form and sign it at the end. Do not leave any blank spaces; any missing information can lead to your visa refusal.
- Gather the required documents. See ‘Niger Visa Requirements’ for further information.
- Submit the requested documents to the embassy or consulate of Niger.
- Finish the Niger visa application fee payment and attach the receipt to your application form.
- Wait until you receive a response from the embassy or consulate of Niger with your visa result.
Note: The visa application fee payment is nonrefundable.
Niger Visa Requirements
To apply for a Niger visa, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least six months after the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
- A passport-sized photo taken within the last three to six months. The photos should follow Niger visa photo requirements.
- An accommodation proof document (printed).
- A fully completed Niger visa application form. The application must have all your correct personation information.
- A letter of invitation from a friend or family member residing in Niger. The invitation letter must state the purpose of your visit to the country.
- A fee payment receipt.
- A yellow fever vaccination card.
Note: Any missing, incorrect, or incomplete information can lead to your visa refusal. The embassy or consulate may request additional information or documents to support your visa application.
Niger Visa Processing Time
The Niger visa processing time is between two to three working days. The embassy of Niger can extend the processing time if the applicant has submitted a visa application with any missing, incomplete, or incorrect information.
If the processing time is more than a week, contact the embassy or consulate of Niger and ask them about your visa application result.
Important: The applicant must submit their visa application at least two to three weeks before travelling to Niger.
Duration of a Niger Visa
The duration of a Niger visa is up to three months. There are two types of Niger visas; a single entry visa and a multiple entry visa. However, the embassy will inform the applicant about their visa type and the duration of their visa once it is issued.
Travelling Tips for Niger
The Republic of Niger has been facing many difficulties for a long time. So, before entering Niger, travellers who MUST travel to Niger must remember these tips:
- Avoid travelling alone (day, night). Walking at night is more dangerous due to the lack of street lighting.
- Make sure you keep your valuable things in a safe place. There can happen a lot of mugging.
- Avoid taking cash from the bank since there have been many cases when people have been attacked after leaving the bank and ATMs.
- Do not travel to Niger to meet someone you have been talking to online.
- Do not trust anyone.
- Do not take pictures or videos to arm people, government buildings, bridges, and airports.
- Try keeping a low profile.
- Avoid public, political gatherings.
- Do not stay in open places, and be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not stay close to borders and armed people.