Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/niger.tvl

Text File | 1994-04-11 | 4KB | 86 lines

#CARD:Niger:Travel\Consular Information
Niger - Consular Information Sheet
November 10, 1993

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 a 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 of visa and category of traveler.  Although
yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are not required for visa issuance,
they are required for entry into Niger.  Travelers may obtain further entry
information from the Embassy of the Republic of Niger, 2204 R Street, N.W.,
Washington D.C. 20008, telephone [phone].

Areas of Instability:  Although the government of Niger in July reopened the
border to tourists wishing to enter Niger from Algeria, travel remains
dangerous in the northern areas of the country.  Travel north of the central
city of Tahoua, including the districts of Tchin-Tabaraden, Arlit, and
Agadez is especially dangerous.  These and other areas bordering Mali and
Algeria remain sites of banditry and violent attacks.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are minimal in Niger, particularly
outside the city of Niamey.  Some medicines are 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 to
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.
 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.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The pamphlets
"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide
useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad
and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402.

Dress Restrictions:  There have been incidents 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 $4,000 U.S. dollars, 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 that it can take
hours to make a connection.  In addition to delays, telefaxes are often
garbled due to poor line quality.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

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

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 [phone] through 72-26-64. The fax number is [phone].

No. 93-311

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to
inform that the border between Niger and Algeria has been reopened.

#ENDCARD