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Last Updated:
September 29, 2007 11:02
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:24 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 1 and 2 of this Travel Report have been updated. See our Current Issues page for more information on flooding in Niger. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Niger
Regional Warning
You are advised against non-essential travel to the west or northwest of Illéla; to the north or northeast of Agades, particularly between the Algerian and the Libyan borders; and also east of Gouré, near the Following the abduction of a foreigner in the northern Agades region, the Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) has recently warned foreign mining companies to leave the region. Canadians in this region should remain vigilant and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. A travel ban is currently in effect between towns in northern OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. One of the country's main tourist attractions, the desert, is located in the northern part of the country. All of the areas closed to the public in 2004 were re-opened on March 1, 2005, following an improvement in the political situation. Travel in the northern part of the country is now possible, but travelers should go through a government-certified travel agency that has expert knowledge of the area. They should also inform the local authorities and the Embassy of Canada (see below) of their itineraries and should not travel without the necessary authorization. However, it should be noted that owing to residual banditry, the Ministry of Tourism confirms that the areas of Djanet (Algeria)-Chirfa (Nigerien Djado) and Passe de Salvador (Libyan border)-Dirkou (Nigerien Kawar) are currently closed to tourists. Travel is not recommended near the northern border, particularly above the 20th parallel, near the east border, particularly the Lake Chad area, In Azawa (Algerian border)- iférouane (Aïr Massif) and the Nigerien part of Azawagh between the Malien border and a Tahoua-Ingall-Algerian border route: You should remain alert and discreet in Niamey. You should exercise caution in the streets, in the daytime as well as at night. Pickpockets are active in tourist areas and markets, so travellers should avoid being out after dark around the Gaweye Hotel, the Kennedy Bridge and the National Museum. Also, you should not handle money publicly (local or other currency) so as not to attract the attention of criminals. In the event of demonstrations organized by students, workers or political figures, Canadians should monitor local news reports, exercise caution and avoid crowds and demonstrations. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Niger authorities and was valid on March 28, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Niger and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Niger. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required You are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain coinsular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Niger - NIAMEY, Embassy of Canada Address: Boulevard Mali Béro, Niamey Postal Address: P.O. Box 362, Niamey, Tel.: 227 20 75-36-86/7 Fax: 227 20 75-31-07 E-Mail: niamy@international.gc.ca The Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, has consular responsibility for Niger. The address is as follows: Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - ABIDJAN, Embassy of Canada Address: Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan Postal Address: P.O. Box 4104, Abidjan, 01 Tel.: 225 20.30.07.00 Fax: 225 20.30.07.20 E-Mail: abdjn@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.abidjan.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. You should not photograph political or student demonstrations. Photography of military installations, radio and television stations, the airport, the Kennedy Bridge and the Presidency Building is prohibited. You should ask permission before taking photographs. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Local driving habits, bicycles, mopeds, pedestrians, roaming farm animals, slow-moving donkey carts, and broken-down vehicles pose hazards. Overland travel should be undertaken in a convoy of several vehicles in excellent mechanical condition, with sufficient supplies of food and water and a medical kit. Keep your car doors locked and windows shut at all times. You should exercise extreme caution as emergency roadside or medical assistance is unavailable. Landmines are present in many areas and continue to cause occasional injuries and deaths. Stick to main routes and avoid travel after dark. Nighttime attacks on tourists have been reported on the roads between Agades and Arlit and Agades and Tahoua. Carrying a satellite phone is recommended when travelling in remote areas. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the African Financial Community franc (FCFA). Travellers should avoid offers of large amounts of banknotes in exchange for foreign currency from other than reputable exchange bureaus. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE There are three seasons in Niger. The cool, dry season lasts from November to February; the hot, dry season from March to June and the rainy season from June-July to September-October. During the rainy season, most of the secondary roads may be impassable. Travellers should follow weather forecasts and plan accordingly. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently monitoring an increase in cholera activity in West Africa. Further information on cholera and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are limited in Niamey and inadequate outside the capital. Tap water is unsafe to drink. Travellers should bring mosquito repellent, sufficient medication and a first-aid kit. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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