Travel Vaccines and Advice for Niger
Niger is small West African country, and one of the poorest countries in the world.
Niamey, the capital of Niger, is located along the Niger river. It is known for its markets and museums, including the National Museum of Niger, that boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and historic artifacts.
The city is also home to thousands of fruit bats, a sight that draws tourists to the Place de la République every evening to watch them fly by.
While it is possible to travel to Niger, because of the operation of several terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State within the country, precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Do I Need Vaccines for Niger?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Niger. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Niger: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Outbreaks have been documented in various parts of Niger in recent years. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers to affected regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for arriving travelers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age traveleing south of the Sahara. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
A limited number of polio cases have been confirmed in Niger. Vaccination is recommended for most travelers. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Niger |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Outbreaks have been documented in various parts of Niger in recent years. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers to affected regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for arriving travelers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age traveleing south of the Sahara. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | A limited number of polio cases have been confirmed in Niger. Vaccination is recommended for most travelers. |
Routine Vaccinations for Niger |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Niger. If you have not received the vaccine before arrival, you may be given it at your port of entry and put in quarantine.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
What Is the Risk for Cholera in Niger?
Niger takes its cholera situation very seriously. Proof of cholera vaccination may be required at entry depending on where you are arriving from.
Passport Health travel clinics have Vaxchora, the only approved cholera vaccine in the US, in-stock.
Niger does have at least some risk of cholera, according to the CDC. Travelers should avoid contaminated food and water and receive a cholera vaccine before their trip.
Some extra precautions can be taken to avoid cholera including washing hands regularly and making sure food is prepared safely.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Niger
“I had an excellent experience today getting prepared for an upcoming trip to Niger. Professional and efficient staff!”
“Passport Health has been helping me with immunizations for my trip to Niger. The nurse in the San Rafael office is an absolutely delight to work with! She is very knowledgeable and lays out an excellent plan for addressing the protocols around getting vaccines in a very calm, understandable manner. She addresses traveler’s health needs beyond the required immunizations. I feel that with the guidance provided, I am more than ready for this big trip!”
“The nurse at the Cahaba Heights clinic was phenomenal. She went to great strides to ensure I understood the risk(s) associated with my trip to Niger. She absolutely demonstrated a caring approach. I was extremely pleased with my visit and feel comfortable now making the trip abroad.”
“Gave us a lot of information for upcoming trip to Niger that I was unaware of.”
“I received a lot of overall information about my upcoming travel to Niger, not just medical info. Very personalized service!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Niger?
Americans must present a valid Niger visa and U.S. passport to visit the country. Two open passport pages are required for entry stamps. Visas must be acquired in advance from the Embassy of Niger.
Niger Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Niger? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Niger and U.S. State Department
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry. Proof of cholera vaccination may also be required, if the traveler is coming from a country with an outbreak.
For more information, see our Niger visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Niger?
The best time to visit Niger is between October and May, during the dry season. The country can be extremely hot during the summer, coupled with heavy rains in June and August.
Is Niger Safe?
The State Department warns Americans about traveling to Niger because of risk of kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and other crimes.
Travelers should to be vigilant, especially at the border with Mali, the Diffa region and in the Lake Chad Basin area.
Extremist groups like the Islamic State and Al Qa’eda are active within Niger. Take extra precautions while traveling including avoiding travel at night.
The U.S. government may be limited in the help it can provide to travelers who find themselves in need of assistance in rural areas of Niger.
Even within Niamey, travelers should to avoid restaurants and night clubs where Westerners usually congregate. These could be targets for crime or terrorism.
Water in Niger should is often contaminated and should not avoided. A traveler’s diarrhea kit as well as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended.
What Should I Take To Niger?
Niger has a tropical climate. Airy modest clothing made will help keep you cool and comfortable. It can also get cool during the evenings, so bring a jacket and some warmer layers as well.
Niger experiences heavy rains during the summer. During July and August bring a rain jacket and an umbrella.
U.S. Embassy in Niger
If you find yourself in need of help when traveling in Niger, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Niamey.
U.S. Embassy in Niger
BP 11201
Niamey, Niger
Phone: (227) 20-72-26-61
Fax: (227) 20-73-55-60
Visit the Embassy to Niger website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Niger?
What Is the Risk for Cholera In Niger?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Niger?
What Is the Climate Like in Niger?
Is Niger Safe?
What Should I Take To Niger?
U.S. Embassy In Niger
