Packing list for Niger, travel insurance for Niger and taking your belongings

What to take to Niger: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months. You also need a visa for Niger, which you should arrange in advance. Take copies and digital backups of your passport, visa, vaccination certificate and travel insurance. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required on arrival. Cash in West African CFA francs is important for your entire trip, as credit cards are rarely accepted and there are no ATMs outside Niamey. Even in Niamey, there is a good chance that ATMs may not work.
• Clothing: choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is comfortable in hot temperatures. Thin long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are useful because of local dress norms and because they protect you from the sun, dust and insects. Temperatures can drop quite a bit at night, so bring a warm sweater or fleece, especially during the cooler months.
• Shoes: for Niamey and other urban outings, comfortable closed shoes or sturdy sandals are sufficient. Take closed shoes for the desert that can handle some sand and heat and provide good grip.
• Toiletries and hygiene: bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, tissues and, if useful, wet wipes. Also bring enough personal toiletries, as these can be difficult to find locally.
• Packing and protecting your belongings: resealable bags or a small dry bag are useful for protecting electronics from fine sand and dust.
• Insects and animals: bring a good insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases including malaria, dengue and yellow fever. Ticks and other biting insects are also present.
• Sleeping: an insecticide-treated mosquito net is useful if you are staying in basic accommodation in the south of the country.
• Medication and travel first aid kit: bring enough of your personal medication, as well as oral rehydration salts (ORS), plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, medication for diarrhoea, hand sanitiser and, if useful, a thermometer.
• Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a sun hat or cap, a reusable water bottle with a filter and a small daypack. A buff is also useful for protection from dust and sun, and for wiping away sweat.
• Technology and equipment: Niger uses several different types of power sockets, it is therefore a good idea to bring a universal travel adapter. Also bring a torch or headlamp and a power bank.
• Safety and theft: be careful with valuables and avoid keeping large amounts of cash in one place. It is better to spread your money between different places and, for example, wear a money belt. Photographing military or government installations is prohibited.

To consider:

• An extra water bottle or hydration bladder for longer journeys.
• A few vegan snacks or energy bars, as finding vegan food can be difficult.
• An offline translation app, especially one that works in French.
• Binoculars if you are specifically travelling for nature or birdwatching.

Are there mosquitoes in Niger?

• Yes, mosquitoes are present in Niger and they can transmit several unpleasant diseases. Malaria is an important concern for travellers, but there is also a risk of diseases including dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
• Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active between dusk and dawn, while mosquitoes that can transmit dengue or chikungunya are active during the day.
• Good protection consists of picaridine or DEET mosquito repellent and body covering clothing. 
• Read more about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Niger?

• Sandflies can also be a problem in Niger. They are very small and their bites can easily go unnoticed. More importantly, some sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis. They are particularly active from dusk onwards and are often found close to the ground.
• Fortunately, good insect protection can also help against sandflies. Long clothing, insect repellent and avoiding direct contact with the ground can help prevent bites. Extra protection is particularly useful when sleeping outdoors or in basic accommodation.
• Read more about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Niger?

• You are most likely to find insect repellent in Niamey, but availability can vary. Outside Niamey, it can be very difficult to find and you may not find any at all.
• The best thing is to bring enough DEET or picaridin with you for the entirety of the trip so you don't have to rely on being able to buy more during your trip.
• Read more about DEET.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Niger, or bring it with you to Niger?

• No, because cannabis and other illegal drugs can result in severe penalties in Niger. Selling, possessing, using or importing drugs can all be heavily punished.
• Unless you are particularly keen to discover Niger's criminal justice system, it is therefore best not to bring cannabis, CBD products or other drugs with you, even if you are only travelling through Niger or changing planes at an airport.