Travellers planning a visit to Niger for tourism should prepare to apply for a visa in advance, as Niger does not issue electronic visas or generally grant visas on arrival except in very limited cases. Only a small number of nationals are eligible for visa free.
Who Can Enter Niger Without a Visa?
Niger maintains a visa exemption policy for citizens from select countries, primarily its neighbouring states and members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As of 2025, nationals of the following countries can travel to Niger without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
| Benin |
The Gambia |
Mali | Sierra Leone |
| Burkina Faso | Ghana | Mauritania | Togo |
| Cape Verde | Guinea | Morocco | Tunisia |
| Chad | Guinea-Bissau | Nigeria |
|
|
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) |
Liberia | Senegal |
|
Where to Apply for a Niger Tourist Visa
All tourist visa applications must be submitted at a Niger embassy or diplomatic mission. There is no official e-visa system for Niger as of 2025, so applying in person or by mail at a diplomatic mission is the only legitimate route.
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Your Home Country: Ideally, you should apply at the Niger embassy or consulate in the country where you are legally resident.
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In Neighbouring Countries: If you happen to be traveling in a neighbouring country such as Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, or Mali, it is sometimes possible to apply for a Niger tourist visa at the nearest Niger diplomatic mission there. Some embassies accept applications from non-resident foreigners, while others restrict visa issuance to residents or nationals of that country. For example, the Niger embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, processes visas for visitors in Nigeria but may require proof of legal stay in Nigeria or additional documentation.
Required Documents and Forms
The Niger tourist visa application requires specific paperwork that must be submitted in person or by mail:
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Visa Application Form: Complete and sign three copies of the official Niger visa application form. These can be downloaded from the embassy’s website or obtained directly at the consulate.
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Photographs: Submit three recent passport-sized photographs meeting international biometric standards (white background, taken within 6 months).
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Passport Copies: A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity beyond the intended stay and at least one blank visa page is mandatory. However, the passport is not submitted at the time of application – it is required when collecting the visa sticker.
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Travel Itinerary: Provide a confirmed round-trip airline booking or travel itinerary with dates matching your planned stay.
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Accommodation Proof: Reservation confirmations from hotels or proof of accommodation arrangements in Niger are necessary.
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Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid international vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever is compulsory at entry and application.
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Financial Evidence: Bank statements or proof of financial means to cover the duration of stay.
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Invitation Letter (occasionally): While not always mandatory for tourism, some embassies may request a letter of invitation from a Nigerien individual or tour operator depending on applicant nationality or past travel history.
Fees and Payment
Visa fees generally hover around US $155 for a single-entry tourist visa valid up to 30 days. Fees vary slightly between embassies and may be payable only as a bank draft or money order to the embassy; cash payments or credit cards are often not accepted. Confirm specific payment information with the embassy where you apply.
Processing Time and Collection
The typical processing time ranges between 8 to 15 business days, though some embassies may take longer depending on workload and security clearance protocols. And let’s be honest – how they feel.
