
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Niger
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NIGER - WARNING
 March 19, 1992

Summary:  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid
non-essential travel to the desert areas of northern Niger.  U.S.
citizens should exercise caution in Niamey because of the volatile
political situation and increasing crime.  End summary.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid
non-essential travel to the desert areas of northern Niger because
of continued bandit activity, including armed attacks against
government posts and armed robberies of travelers.  Several persons,
including at least one foreigner, have been killed.  If travel must
be undertaken, extreme caution should be exercised when traveling
north of the central city of Tahoe, including the districts of
Tchin-Tabaradene, Arlit, and Agadez.  In addition, U.S. citizens
should avoid travel to areas bordering Mali and Algeria.  Travelers
to Niger should also be aware that the government of Niger has
closed the border to tourists wishing to enter Niger overland from
Algeria.

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution
in Niamey, the capital of Niger.  Political condition have led to
sporadic public disorder, resulting in increased risks to personal
safety.  U.S. citizens in Niamey should avoid political rallies and
demonstrations.

The Department of State also advises U.S. citizens that street
crime, particularly armed robberies, has increased substantially in
Niamey.  Thieves and pickpockets are especially active in tourist
areas.  Robberies after dark may occur anywhere in the city.
Consequently, the streets of Niamey are considered unsafe for
walking at night.

U.S. citizens traveling to Niger are encouraged to contact the U.S.
Embassy in Niamey upon arrival to receive updated information and to
register their presence.  The Embassy telephone numbers are
72-26-61, 62, 63, or 64.

No. 92-53

This replaces the previous travel advisory, dated January 21, 1992,
to advise U.S. citizens of the closure of the Niger-Algeria land
border, and of the need to exercise caution while in Niamey because
of crime and unsettled political conditions.

