If you want to have a unique experience or unique travel, Niger is the place for you. Having Niamey as its capital, it features plenty of landmarks for tourists to see. This landlocked country is bordered by Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, and Burkina Faso and Mali to the west. Because of its location, it might be difficult to travel here directly. But that’s not the only problem. If a US citizen wants to explore this country, he or she needs a visa first.

In this article, we listed down all the information that you might need in order to obtain a Niger Tourist Visa. Basic information such as visa requirements, fees, addresses, etc. are provided here. So if you’re ready for a trip to this wonderful African country, then read the article below to find out what you will need in order to have that visa.

Facts about the Republic of the Niger

Language

The official language in Niger is French.

Currency

West African CFA franc

Religion

Islam is the main religion in Niger. Almost 99% of the population are Muslims.

Main Requirements in Applying for Niger Tourist Visa

1. A valid passport.

2. Two (2) completed and signed application forms. (Please fill out the form before you print them.)

3. Two (2) latest passport-photos (2x2 format).

4. If you wish to have your passport delivered, please also submit a secure, prepaid envelope bearing your address.

Visa Fee

The visa fee for an entry visa is $155. All fees are non-refundable.

Processing time: The processing time may take up to 3 working days.

Important things to remember

All visa applications are made at the Embassy of the Republic of Niger in Washington D.C. Just go to the embassy and submit the requirements from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM ONLY, Monday through Friday.
For the passport pickups, it is from Monday through Thursday, from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM, and Friday from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
If you want your passport to be delivered at your house, just provide a secure, prepaid envelope with your home address together with the other requirements.

Embassy in the United States

Address: 2204 R Street, NW Washington DC 20008 USA
Contact number:
Tel: +(202) 483-4224
Fax: +(202) 483-3169
Email: communication@embassyofniger.org

Office hours:
Summer: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
Winter: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM (Mon-Fri)

Visa open hours:
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM (Mon-Fri)

Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a Niger Tourist Visa

1. When should I apply for a visa?

It is recommended to apply for a visa at least a month before your target travel date.

2. Is it safe to travel to Niger?

If you decided to travel to Niger, it is important to be vigilant all the time. There are threats of violent crimes, terrorism, and kidnapping in the country. Because of that, the US government provided precautionary measures for its citizens in case you want to visit this country. You can read them here.

3. Should I get travel insurance before my departure?

It is highly recommended to get travel insurance first before you go to Niger. It is better to be prepared.

4. How to get there?

Going to Niger is a bit difficult since few airports offer a direct flight there. The main airport in Niger is Diori Hamani International Airport, which is located in Niamey, the country’s capital. To go there, you need a connecting flight. To see more available and cheaper flights, visit Skyscanner.

5. When is the best time to visit Niger?

If you want to avoid the annoying rainy season in the country, you should go to Niger between November and April. These are the driest months and you’ll less likely to experience rain. Also, January is the coolest month so traveling by this time is more comfortable.

6. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?

Communicating with the locals might be a bit challenging when you arrive in Niger. Unless you speak or understand French, then you won’t have any problem. Upon going here, it is recommended to have a translation app or a travel book or guide with you. In that way, you may be able to enjoy your stay here.

7. How can I go around the area?

To get around Niger, the best way is to take a bus. It is not possible to travel by train since Niger doesn’t have railroads. Most people or tourists travel long distances using a bus. Another way is their private minibusses. Either way is possible. It depends on which one is more comfortable for you to use.

8. Why should I visit Niger?

We all know that news about Niger is mostly not good. Because of that, most people tend to exclude this awesome African country to their travel plans. But actually, this landlocked country in West Africa is the perfect getaway for a holiday trip. People who already went here can say that they left the country filled with smiles and amazing experiences and adventures.

With its rich history, going here would help you have a glimpse of what Niger had endured during the French colonization. When it comes to its attractions, Niger surely has plenty to offer for tourists. Niamey, the country’s capital offers museums and beautiful landmarks such as the Grand Mosque of Niamey. W National Park is also a place you shouldn’t miss here. It is shaped like the letter ‘W’, hence the name.

Exploring this country is absolutely an exciting one! However, it is still important to be careful about going here. It might have a lot of unique attractions, but Niger still has threats. From different crimes such as kidnapping. Tourists are not exempted from the possibility of these crimes. But if you’re well-prepared and you’re ready for an adventure to remember, then Niger is waiting for you! Apply for a visa, book a flight, and enjoy what this country has to offer!