From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Niger
Date: 7 Jan 1993 16:58:30 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Niger
============================================================
Niger - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on Rue Des Ambassades 
in the capital city of Niamey.  The mailing address is B.P. 11201.  
The telephone number is (227) 72-26-61 through 72-26-64.  The fax 
number is 73-31-67.

Country Description: Niger is a developing, inland African nation 
whose northern area includes a part of the Sahara Desert.  Tourism 
facilities are minimal, particularly outside of Niamey.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required to enter 
Niger. Visas are valid for a period of one week to three months from 
the date of issuance, depending on the type and category of 
traveler.  Although yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are not 
required for visa issuance, they are required for entry into Niger.  
Travelers can obtain further entry information from the Embassy of 
the Republic of Niger, 2204 R Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 
telephone (202) 483-4224. 

Areas of Instability:  Travel north of the central city of Tahoua, 
including the districts of Tchin-Babaradene, Arlitt, and Agadez is 
especially dangerous, because of possible armed attack.  Areas 
bordering Mali and Algeria are sites of banditry or violent attack.  
The government of Niger has closed the border to tourists wishing to 
enter Niger overland from Algeria.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are minimal in Niger, 
particularly outside the city of Niamey.  Some medicine is in short 
supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment 
for health services.  Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid 
outside the United States.  Travelers have found supplemental 
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage be of use.  
Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 
332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Armed bandits operate in desert areas of 
northern Niger.  Several persons including at least one foreigner, 
have been killed recently.  The streets of Niamey are unsafe for 
walking at any time.  Thieves and pickpockets are especially active 
in tourist areas.  Robberies may occur anywhere in the city, day or 
night.  Information on safeguarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from 
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Dress Restrictions:  There have been incidents recently of groups 
of men assaulting women who are, or appear to be, African and who 
are wearing garments other than the traditional ankle-length wrap 
known as "pagnes".  Although U.S. citizens are not specific targets, 
one U.S. citizen was among those assaulted.

Photography Restrictions:  Tourists are free to take pictures 
anywhere in Niger, except near military installations, radio and 
television stations, the presidency building, and the airport.

Currency Regulations:  There are no laws restricting currency 
transactions in Niger.  Local currency (the CFA franc), or foreign 
currency up to the equivalent of U.S. $4,000, can be taken into or 
out of Niger without violating local law.

Telephone Service:  International telephone service to and from 
Niger is sporadic and expensive.  Callers will occasionally find it 
can take hours to make a connection.  In addition to delays, 
telefaxes are often garbled due to poor line quality.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" contains further general 
information.  It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.  

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register with the Embassy in 
Niamey can obtain updated information on travel and security in 
Niger.

 No. 92-158


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