+/- 0 h; - 1 h during our summer time

Niamey

French

Local languages: Hausa (widely spoken), Zarma, Tamasheq (Tuareg), Fulfulde (Fulani), Kanuri and others.

• 220 volts
• A travel adaptor for plug types C, D, E and F is required

Banks

8.00 am - 4.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

8.00 am - 12.30 pm and 3.00 pm - 6.30 pm (Mon - Fri)
8.00 am - 12.00 pm (Sat)
In rural areas and at smaller shops, businesses may be closed on Sundays, while in urban areas some shops, particularly supermarkets or markets, remain open.

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 24 April - Concord Day
• Easter Monday - date varies
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 3 August - Independence Day
• Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) - date varies
• Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) - date varies
• Mawlid an-Nabi (birthday of the Prophet Muhammad) - date varies
• Islamic New Year (Muharram) - date varies
• 18 December - Republic Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day

The following documents are required to enter Niger:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months on entry.

• Swiss nationals must apply for a visa before travelling to Niger. Applications are made through the Embassy of Niger in Geneva, as visas on arrival are generally not available.

• Travellers must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means.
• A booking confirmation or other proof of accommodation must be presented.
• A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Niger.

• Minors: For minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents, a travel authorisation is recommended.

As of: March 2025

Niger fascinates with an impressive variety of climatic conditions that give each region its own distinctive character:

• Northern regions (e.g. Agadez, Ténéré Desert): Northern Niger, dominated by the Sahara Desert, is extremely dry and hot. In summer (March to June), temperatures can reach up to 45 °C, while during the cooler season (November to February) they fall to 30–35 °C during the day and 5–10 °C at night.
• Central regions (e.g. Tahoua, Zinder): The central regions lie within the Sahel belt, a transitional zone between desert and savannah. Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40 °C, while winters are milder at 20–30 °C. The rainy season from June to September brings 200–400 mm of rainfall.
• Southern regions (e.g. Maradi, Dosso): Southern Niger has a savannah-like climate, with heavier rainfall of 400–600 mm during the rainy season from June to September. Temperatures reach 35–40 °C in summer and fall to 25–30 °C in winter. 
• Western regions (e.g. Tillabéri, Niamey): The western regions, including the capital Niamey, lie along the Niger River and have a semi-arid climate. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 45 °C, while winters are milder at 25–35 °C. The rainy season brings 300–500 mm of rainfall, which can lead to flooding. 
• South-eastern regions (e.g. Diffa): The area around Diffa, near Lake Chad, has a hot climate, with temperatures of 35–40 °C in summer and 25–30 °C in winter.

Best time to visit Niger:

• City visits and cultural travel (e.g. Niamey, Zinder): The months from November to February are ideal for visiting cities such as Niamey or Zinder. During this period, temperatures are milder at 25–35 °C and there is very little rainfall.
• Nature tourism and desert expeditions (e.g. Agadez, Ténéré Desert): The dry season from November to February is the best time for desert travel in northern Niger. Temperatures are more manageable at 30–35 °C during the day and cooler at night, while the dry conditions make travelling through the desert easier.
• Agricultural regions and nature observation (e.g. Maradi, Dosso): The transitional months from April to May and September to October are suitable for visiting the southern regions. During these periods, temperatures are more moderate at 30–35 °C, and the rainy season has either not yet begun or has already ended, leaving the landscape greener and conditions more favourable for exploring nature.

• Using a mobile phone in Niger can incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available to a limited extent. In larger cities such as Niamey, free Wi-Fi can be found in some hotels, restaurants and cafés, but availability is very limited in rural areas. Internet speeds can also vary and are often slower than in Europe.
• To avoid roaming charges, it is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Niger, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.  SIM cards are available in many shops, at airports or from official operator outlets. Proof of identity, such as a passport, is generally required when purchasing one.

• The Aïr Mountains – This impressive mountain range is known for its dramatic landscapes and ancient rock engravings.
• W National Park – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions and numerous bird species.
• Agadez – A historic city known for its spectacular mud-brick mosque and as an important centre of Tuareg culture.
• The Niger River – A vital waterway and beautiful natural resource, ideal for boat trips and observing local wildlife.
• Zinder – A city combining traditional and colonial architecture, known for its Sultan’s Palace and lively market.
• Termit and Tin-Toumma Nature Reserves – Protected areas supporting a wide variety of desert wildlife, including some of the rarest and most endangered animal species.
• The Ténéré Desert – Part of the Sahara, known for its otherworldly landscapes and the “Tree of Life”, an isolated acacia.
• The Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Hassan – A historic monument in the town of Bilma reflecting the rich history of the region’s royal dynasties.
• Boubon Museum – A cultural centre dedicated to preserving the art and crafts of local ethnic groups.
• Maradi Market – A bustling trading centre known for its colourful fabrics, handicrafts and lively atmosphere.

Nigerien cuisine reflects the country’s ethnic diversity and its adaptation to local geographical conditions, resulting in a hearty and flavoursome culinary tradition.

• Hearty stews: Niger is known for its nourishing stews, often prepared with millet, sorghum or maize and combined with vegetables, meat or fish. These staple foods offer an insight into the country’s culinary traditions and form a central part of many meals.
• Dried meat: Similar to South African biltong, dried and seasoned meat is also very popular in Niger. It reflects the need to preserve food in a climate where refrigeration and other preservation options may be limited.
• French influences: As a result of the country’s French colonial past, French influences can be found in foods such as baguettes and pâtés. These are particularly common in urban areas and provide an interesting contrast to traditional Nigerien cuisine.
• Freshwater fish: In areas along the Niger River, a variety of fish dishes are available, highlighting the importance of local waterways to the population’s diet.
• Street food: In Niger’s cities, street food, particularly grilled meat and local snacks, is not only an important part of everyday eating but also a social meeting point that encourages a sense of community and offers an insight into daily life.

• Greetings: In Niger, it is customary to greet people with a handshake. Sometimes the left hand is then placed over the heart as a sign of respect and sincerity.
• Saying please and thank you: Polite expressions such as “please” and “thank you” are essential in social interactions in Niger. In Hausa, “Don Allah” is used for “please” and “Na gode” for “thank you”, while in French “S’il vous plaît” and “Merci” are used to show politeness and respect.
• Clothing: Conservative dress is appropriate in Niger, particularly in rural and traditional areas. Women should cover their knees and shoulders, while men should also avoid shorts and wear long trousers instead.
• Dining culture: In Niger, it is common to share food from a large communal dish, with each person eating from the section in front of them. The right hand is used for eating, as the left hand is considered unclean. It is polite to compliment the food.
• Tipping: Tipping is not widespread in Niger, but it is appreciated, particularly in urban and tourist areas. In restaurants, you can leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service. Rounding up the bill or giving a small amount to service staff is also considered a friendly gesture.

• Tap water in Niger is not safe to drink and should be avoided; travellers should use bottled water to minimise health risks.

• A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Niger. Regardless of whether travellers are arriving from a yellow fever risk area, proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination) must be presented on entry. It is also advisable to check standard vaccinations in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule before travelling and update them if necessary.
• Additional vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella and chickenpox are recommended. In some cases, vaccination against hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid fever, influenza and meningococcal meningitis may also be advisable.

• Malaria is widespread in Niger, particularly during the rainy season. Preventive medication as well as protective measures such as mosquito nets and insect repellent are advisable.

• Medical care in Niger is generally basic compared with Western standards, particularly in rural and remote areas. However, emergency and basic medical care is available in the larger public hospitals and some private clinics. 
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international travel health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Pharmacies generally stock a sufficient range of important standard medicines, but there is a risk of counterfeit medication with uncertain contents. Travellers should therefore bring any important medicines they require with them.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The security situation in Niger is currently extremely tense and is affected by a range of complex factors, including political instability, terrorist threats and armed conflicts. Travel to Niger is currently advised against. Swiss nationals are advised to leave the country.
• Niger is severely affected by terrorist activity, particularly in border regions. 
• Crime rates, particularly kidnappings, are high in many regions of Niger. Armed groups exploit the unstable situation to demand ransoms, posing a risk to both the local population and foreign nationals. 

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: October 2025

• In Niger, a Swiss driving licence is generally recognised. However, it is strongly recommended to also obtain an international driving permit, which is only valid when accompanied by your national driving licence. Please note that an international driving permit allows you to drive in Niger for up to three months; after this period, you are required to apply for a local driving licence.
• The minimum age for renting a car in Niger is between 21 and 25, depending on the rental company. The driver must also have held a driving licence for at least one year. 
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰.

• Trains: Niger currently has no operational railway network. There are no commercial passenger train services in the country, making Niger one of the few countries in the world without rail transport.
• Buses: Buses form the backbone of local and long-distance public transport in Niger. Various private bus companies operate routes connecting major cities such as Niamey, Zinder, Maradi and Tahoua. However, the vehicles are often older and not always comfortable.
• Bush taxis (shared taxis): In addition to buses, so-called bush taxis are a widely used form of transport. These shared taxis operate both within cities and between towns and villages. They are inexpensive, but often overcrowded and offer little comfort. Drivers generally wait until the vehicle is full before departing.
• Lorries: In rural areas, particularly in the north, lorries are often used as improvised means of transport. People and goods are carried on the loading platform, which can be adventurous but also unsafe.
• Motorcycle taxis: In cities such as Niamey, motorcycle taxis (“Kabou-Kabou”) are a popular and quick way to get around. They are inexpensive, but safety can be an issue, as helmets are rarely worn and traffic rules are often ignored.

Air travel in Niger is limited and is concentrated mainly on the capital, Niamey. Due to the country’s large size and difficult road conditions, air transport provides an important connection, although it is significantly restricted by the economic situation and security conditions.

• Niamey International Airport (Diori Hamani International Airport): Niger’s main airport is located in Niamey and serves as the principal gateway for international and domestic flights. It offers connections to several African cities (e.g. Abidjan, Ouagadougou, Algiers) and occasionally to Europe (e.g. Paris with Air France or via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines). The infrastructure is basic but functional.
• Other airports: Smaller airports are located in cities such as Agadez, Zinder and Maradi and are mainly used for domestic or charter flights. Domestic flights are rare and irregular, however. There are no major national airlines offering regular services.
• Charter flights: Private charter flights can be arranged for remote regions or tourist purposes (e.g. desert expeditions), although these are expensive and require careful planning.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss number)

• Police: 17
• Ambulance: 15
• Fire brigade: 18

Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency
267, rue du Souvenir
Niamey

Tel. +227 20 73 39 16
Email: niamey@eda.admin.ch

• It is recommended not to visit outlying districts of Niamey or travel around the city after dark without the company of someone familiar with the area.
• Keep money, identification documents, your driving licence and other important documents in a safe place, and carry only as much cash as you need each day. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
• Power cuts are common in Niger, particularly in rural areas. While hotels in Niamey are often equipped with generators, electricity supply may be limited in remote regions. It is advisable to fully charge mobile phones, other communication devices and power banks whenever electricity is available.