The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for Niger following reports of gunfire near the capital's international airport. The airport remains closed, and travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Airport Closure and Travel Disruption
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) shared "updated information about travel disruption following gunfire in the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey." The airport was closed on 18 June after heavy gunfire in the area. The main road connecting central Niamey to the airport is also shut.
Travelers are urged to monitor local media, follow instructions from local authorities, and contact their airline before heading to the airport.
Kidnapping Warning
The FCDO highlighted a Security Alert from the US Embassy in Niamey, warning that American citizens face kidnapping risks throughout Niger, including in the capital. The UK government stressed that "British citizens are equally at risk."
Support for British nationals in Niger is severely limited. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, with no in-person help available. The FCDO cautioned that in the event of serious violence or unrest, leaving the country could be very difficult, and the UK government may not be able to evacuate citizens.
Guidance for Travelers
The FCDO advises anyone in Niger to have their own evacuation plans, keep travel documents up to date, and stay informed about the local situation. Travel insurance should cover all planned activities and emergencies.
The update comes amid a rise in reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals in Niger this year. The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023, with further instability possible.
