Dunes dominate the Nigerien landscape; dry, arid with terracotta hues under the blazing sunshine. From a bird’s eye perspective, it seems that the country is monotone, but immerse deep into its streets, crevices, people and its culture, foreigners will find a vibrant and colorful country, despite the stormy situation surrounding it. Here’s some useful information for you next trip.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Niger and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
American International School of Niamey
The American International School of Niamey is a non-profit, tuition-based, coeducational private international day school, serving students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Curriculum: American
Address: B.P. 11201, Niamey, Niger
Tel: +227 20-72-39-42
Fax: +227 20-72-34-57
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aisniamey.org
AllAfrica – Niger
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic.
Website: allafrica.com/niger
Location: Africa
Capital City: Niamey
Currency: CFA franc
Language: French
Calling Code: +227
Internet TLD: .ne
Electricity: The country runs on 220V 50Hz. A major power company is the Niger Delta Power, NDPHC.
Address: 17, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: +234 8155888805
Email: [email protected]
Website: ndphc.net
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 199
Fire: 199
Police: 199
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/niger
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals from the following countries are exempted from visas: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia. Others will have to obtain a visa through a Nigerien embassy or consulate in their home or host country.
There are different types of visas available: diplomatic/official, ordinary visit/regular, tourism and business visa.
Documents required:
- Valid passport: for at least six (6) months.
- Three (3) completed and signed visa application forms
- Three (3) recent passport-size photos
- International Vaccination Certificate:
o Yellow fever is mandatory
o Cholera is required only if traveling from a neighboring country where an outbreak of the disease has been reported.
- US$100.00 for one (1) year visa with double/multiple entries, incash or money order or company check. No personal checks will be accepted.
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- from Niger embassy in the US site: www.embassyofniger.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=301
The US government has issued a travel warning:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger. U.S. citizens in Niger, and those considering travel to Niger, should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats to safety and security. On June 13, 2013, the Department of State approved authorized departure for family members of Embassy personnel because of extensive problems with the electrical power grid in Niger and associated difficulties guaranteeing a potable water supply for Embassy personnel and their family dependents. Since that time, circumstances have improved and, as of July 12, the U.S. Embassy in Niger is no longer on authorized departure status. This replaces the Travel Warning for Niger dated July 15, 2013, to update information about the current security situation. The Government of Niger continues to maintain security checkpoints in Niamey to address security concerns. The Embassy recommends that citizens traveling in Niger remain especially careful around security checkpoints, as security forces continue to be on a heightened state of alert. Do not drive away from, or through, a checkpoint until you are given clear permission to do so. If you are unsure of what to do, please request verbal confirmation before proceeding.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the Department of State since 2002, continues its threats to kidnap Westerners in Niger, including U.S. citizens, and has kidnapped Europeans in the region. On January 7, 2011, two French nationals were kidnapped in the capital city of Niamey. They were found dead less than 24 hours later following a rescue attempt by French and Nigerien military forces. In September 2010, seven people, including five French citizens, a Togolese, and a Malagasy were kidnapped by AQIM from the northern mining town of Arlit. The last four were released in November 2013. Although there have been no kidnappings of Westerners in Niger since January 2011, the Department of State Worldwide Caution dated September 25, 2013 reminds U.S. citizens to maintain a high-level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness when traveling in the region.
- from US and International Travel: travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/niger-travel-warning.html
The safety risks in the Niger, means that expats must try to find accommodation in the capital, Niamey where government and international services are located. Niamey is less hectic and less crowded than the rest of the country. Modern amenities are available, including markets and shopping complexes. Rental apartments are quite expensive costing anywhere from $500 to $900 per month for a one bedroom apartment. Expats staying for short duration should consider budget hotels, which are adequate with minimal facilities.
An international driving license may be used legally in Niger, for up to 3 months. Road infrastructures in Niger are poor; hazards such as cyclists, mopeds, and cattle are common. Travelling at night is discouraged as security risks are high, especially in remote areas and along the borders.
Facilities and services in Niger are limited and confined in the capital. Emergency services are also inadequate. Medicine is scarce, so expats are advised to stock up on prescription medication before travelling. Medical evacuation is the most recommended for extreme, complicated cases. It is important to secure health insurance that can cover medical evacuations, as this service is expensive.
Insurance Companies
Air Rescue Card
The Air Rescue Card is owned and operated by a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing affordable and reliable medical evacuation services. We serve an ever-expanding customer base of individuals, families, expatriates, non-profit organizations, travel groups, and businesses of all sizes.
Address: 54505 26th Street, Building C, South Bend, IN 46635
Tel: +1 574-272-5400
Fax: +1 574-272-6400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theairrescuecard.com
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna Global Health Options specialise in providing expatriate health plans that are designed to give comprehensive overseas medical cover for people who are living and working abroad. They provide medical evacuation insurance cover.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com
Hospitals
Hospital National de Niamey
Address: Niamey, Niger
Tel: +227 722 855, + 227 722 442
Clinique du Plateau
Address: BP 11631, Niamey, Niger
Tel: +227 75 27 25
Fax: +227 75 35 06
Clinique Jean Kaba
Address: B.P. 232, Niamey, Niger
Tel: +227 732 108, + 227 732 652
Fax: +227 736 280
