Niger
About
| Niger remains one of the world's least-developed countries. A largely desert landscape, shortage of arable land and recurring drought mean alleviating poverty will prove difficult. Adventurous travellers to Niger might encounter nomadic tribes and spot baboons, take a canoe down the River Niger or tour the fabulous old Tuareg capital, Agadez. Catch a festival. Celebrate the end of the rainy season with the Peulh people's lively knees up, or witness the Cure Salée, when the nomads gather their cattle to go to new pastures and the Wodaabé tribe hold the gerewol festival. Climb the mosque minaret at sunset for a spectacular view of Agadez: This beautiful old Tuareg capital is still a caravan trading city: it also has a thriving tourist trade. Beautiful silver and leatherwork can be bought in the back streets. Venture into the Aïr Mountains, which were, until recently, home to many species not generally seen at this latitude, including leopards, lions and giraffes. However, the recent droughts have caused animal populations to dwindle rapidly. Arrange an expedition through the mountains to the springs at Igouloulef and Tafadek or the prehistoric site at Iferouane and beyond the Ténéré Desert and the Djado Mounta. |
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| Capital: | Niamey (NIM) |
| Currency: | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Language: | French and Arabic |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 227 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +1 hour (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1; Apr 18, 24, 29; May 1, 3; Jul 10-11, 30; Aug 3; Oct 8; Dec 18, 25 |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November to February |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Independent travellers need to register with police on arrival in any town or city. It is prohibited to travel by a different route than that entered in your passport by the police at the previous town. |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | Niger is a cash-based society with no ATMs. Certain areas are not considered safe for travel. Roadblocks are common. Travellers may experience bribery attempts from law enforcement officials. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Niger without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine • 500ml of eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume |
| Prohibited Imports: | Pornography is prohibited. You must obtain a licence to import sporting guns. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Digging up or attempting to export ancient artefacts is prohibited. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Niger
821 Thomas Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 430 2402 / 2337
E-mail: ambanigeras@gmail.com
Submissions Mon-Thur: 09:00-11:00
Collections Mon-Fri: 14:00-15:00
No appointments necessary (walk-in service)
You may use a courier service
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders and must be applied for prior to arrival in Niger.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- One fully completed visa application form. NB: The form must be printed in colour, as black&white copies will be rejected.
- Original valid passport (passport to be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit and must have at least one unused page when presenting for endorsement)
- Two recent colour id photos
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Invitation letter
- NB A COPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS IS REQUIRED.
Visa Processing Time
6 days.
Visa Validity
The granting of the visa (the number of days) depends on the nature of the file presented.
Visa Cost
Transit visa: R200
Single entry visa 1-3 months: R500
Multiple entries 1-3 months: R700
Single entry 3-6 months: R700
Multiple entries 3-6 months: R1000
Express visa: additional R300
Only Cash Payment will be accepted (No Cheque and EFT payment)
Visa Fees are non refundable under any circumstances.
SA Representative
Embassy of South Africa
Avenue de la Radio, Nord - Ouest Cite ORTN, Niamey
Tel: +227 20 726083
E-mail: niamey@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
