The United States Department of State on Friday issued a stark new travel advisory for the Republic of Niger, urging American citizens to avoid all travel to the country amid an increasingly perilous security landscape.

The advisory upgrades Niger to a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” status, the highest warning level the U.S. issues. According to the State Department, the country is facing a “perilous mix of rampant crime, civil unrest, terrorism, health risks, and widespread kidnapping.”

Key concerns highlighted in the advisory
Kidnapping and terrorism: Armed groups and jihadist insurgents operate across vast swathes of Niger, including regions bordering Mali, Libya and Burkina Faso. Kidnappings of foreign nationals—including Westerners—have increased and are cited as a primary driver for the elevated warning.

Crime and civil unrest: Violent crime such as armed robbery is commonplace, and demonstrations—though sometimes peaceful—can quickly turn violent, especially given the country’s fragile political context.
Health and infrastructure risks: Access to reliable medical care is limited outside major urban centres, and the advisory cautions that health-risks add to the overall threat to travellers.
Limited U.S. government support: The advisory states that for U.S. citizens currently in Niger, assistance may be severely constrained. Americans in Niger are advised to depart immediately using commercial means while options remain

Context and triggers
The warning comes against the backdrop of escalating instability in Niger: following a military coup in July 2023, the country has experienced heightened political uncertainty and an uptick in militant activity. According to Reuters, the travel advisory follows the abduction of an American missionary in the capital, Niamey, which three security sources say took place just prior to the warning being issued.
What the advisory means for Americans
The “Do Not Travel” designation means U.S. citizens should not travel to Niger under any circumstances unless absolutely essential.
Americans already in Niger are urged to depart immediately, provided commercial departure options remain available.

U.S. citizens should not rely on regular consular support in many parts of Niger outside Niamey.
Plans should be made well in advance: have backup evacuation options, limit travel to secure locations (ideally with armed local security), avoid travel after dark or to high-risk border areas, and monitor local security updates.
Broader implications
This advisory signals the United States’ deep concern over the deteriorating security and governance situation in Niger. Niger has been a key partner in the Sahel region’s counter-terrorism efforts, but the recent coup and the shift of alliances in West Africa have complicated that relationship. It also reflects the broader challenge facing foreign nationals, humanitarian workers, and travellers in the Sahel region, where insurgency, weak state control and cross-border crime have eroded safety.