Niger

Recommended Vaccinations For Niger

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

**There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers aged 9 months and older. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also state that the yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or older travelling to areas south of the Sahara Desert, and that the vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas in the Sahara Desert.**

Meningitis Vaccine

Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.

Recommended Medications For Niger

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Niger

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Niger through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Niger.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever occurs in this country.

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Niger. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Schistosomiasis

**There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this country.**

Malaria

All areas of Niger are at high risk for malaria.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis (“sleeping sickness”) occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Niger. Travellers to Niger are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Niger. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Niger, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

**There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers aged 9 months and older. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also state that the yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or older travelling to areas south of the Sahara Desert, and that the vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas in the Sahara Desert.**

Zika Fever

Zika fever may occur in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Niger. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Niger

Personal Safety

The crime level is high, especially theft, and foreigners are often targeted. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up.

Do not walk alone at night. Do not walk alone around the following areas as muggings have been reported: Petit Marché, Gaweye Hotel, Kennedy Bridge, and National Museum areas.

Criminal activity is reported in border areas. Do not cross the border with Nigeria after dark. There are reports of robberies on public transportation between Agadez and Arlit and between Tahoua and Agadez. Some people have been killed in these robberies.

Road travel in this country can be difficult due to poor road conditions and lack of infrastructure. Avoid road travel between towns after dark.

There is no law against same-sex activity, however, there is strong social stigma and possible discrimination against homosexuality in Niger.

Extreme Violence

There is a high threat from terrorism. The threat of kidnapping is particularly high for Westerners in Niger. Kidnappings have occurred and some individuals have been executed, including tourists.

Political Unrest

There is political instability in Niger. Protests can turn violent quickly and without notice. Avoid government buildings, demonstrations, large crowds and political gatherings. On 26 July 2023, a coup d’état occurred in this country.

Areas To Avoid

It is advised to avoid travelling to this country due to ongoing security concerns.