Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is a high threat from terrorism.  Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in the region and we believe that further kidnap attacks are likely.  On November 14, 2009, there was an attempted kidnap in Tahoua, Niger by heavily armed individuals against employees of the American Embassy.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the following: all areas of the country north of the city of Abalak including the Aïr Massif region; the province of Talak, Agadez and the road linking Assamaka, Arlit and Agadez; the province of Tahoua (including the city of Tahoua); and the area of Niamey province north of Niamey and east of the Niger River, including the road from Niamey to Gao and the road from Niamey to Menaka. Armed groups are operating in the North and are known to be using land mines.   Extreme caution should be exercised when travelling to the following areas:  the Ténéré and Kaouar regions; the Azawagh area, particularly the area between the Malian and Algerian borders and the east of the Aïr Massif.
  
  
• Travel in Niger can be difficult and conditions are poor for overland travel.  You should take all necessary steps to protect your safety, especially outside of main urban areas, and you should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance.  See the Terrorism and Local Travel sections of this advice.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Niger.  The British Ambassador to Niger resides in Accra, Ghana. We are unable to provide you with formal consular assistance in Niger.  The Consular Section in the British High Commission in Accra can only offer limited consular assistance in an emergency.  See the General (Consular assistance) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Following a referendum in August 2009 (on a constitutional change to Presidential terms in office) there were political rallies and demonstrations in the main urban areas throughout Niger, but particularly in Niamey, and more of these are likely to occur. You should avoid large public gatherings such as political rallies which may appear peaceful but could have the potential to turn violent or develop into wider civil unrest. You should monitor developments through the local media.
  
  
• We advise caution when travelling out of Niamey by road.  As with travel in other parts of Niger you should travel in convoy and with a local guide. You should seek advice from the police for all travel out of Niamey. See guidance below on travel and security within Niger.
  
  
• Due to the presence of armed bandits, you should avoid all travel between towns by road at night. You should always use local guides and seek local advice when travelling outside of the main towns and in desert areas.  See the Crime and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There were two cases in 2008 of British nationals who required consular assistance in Niger.  You should take precautions to keep safe important items such as money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones.  See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.