From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Niger Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 14:09:56 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1183 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <961120140955_76702.1202_CHN70-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 136 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Niger ============================================================ Niger - Public Announcement November 19, 1996 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release The American Embassy in Niamey has issued the following announcement to the local American community concerning the upcoming elections in Niger: Due to the legislative elections which are to be held throughout Niger on Saturday, November 23, 1996, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey advises all American citizens to take appropriate security precautions during the election period. The possibility exists that campaign activities and demonstrations could turn unruly and result in some form of civil unrest. All Americans are advised to avoid election gatherings and to be extra cautious when moving about in their daily activities. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Niamey on Rue des Ambassades, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Niger. The telephone number is (227) 722-661 through 722-664. The fax number is (227) 733-167. For further information on travel to Niger, consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Niger. This Public Announcement will expire on December 8, 1996. Niger - Consular Information Sheet April 18, 1996 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 visa is required. Travelers should obtain the latest information on customs and entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Niger, 2204 R Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-4224. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: Travel in the northern and far eastern areas of Niger is dangerous and should not be attempted. Despite the peace agreement between the government of Niger and the Tuareg rebel groups, there is a continuing threat of sporadic armed conflict and violent banditry. U.S. government personnel and contractors wishing to travel above a line connecting (West to East) the communities of Tera, Tillaberi, Ouallam, Filingue, Tahoua, Keita, Bouza, Dakoro, Tamout, and Nguigmi must receive permission from the U.S. Ambassador through the regional security office. The area surrounding Diffia, in the far southeast, is also prone to sporadic violence. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are poor in Niger, particularly outside the city of Niamey. Medicines are in short supply, and doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, to be useful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Niger is considered a high crime country. Armed bandits in northern Niger have robbed and killed a number of people over the last several years. In the cities, especially tourist areas, caution and common sense must be used at all times in order to avoid thieves and pick-pockets. 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: Local culture and Islamic tradition encourage conservative dress for both men and women. There have been incidents of harassment of African women wearing western clothes in the conservative towns along the southern border with Nigeria. Although U.S. citizens are not specific targets, travelers should be careful in choosing their attire. 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 four thousand U.S. dollars, can be taken into or out of Niger without violating local law. Road Conditions: U.S. travelers should exercise caution when traveling in Niger as traffic accidents are frequent. Care must be taken on Niger's paved and unpaved roads to avoid farm animals, slow moving donkey carts and broken down vehicles. These dangers are amplified at night. Telephone Service: Due to poor line quality, callers often experience delays in getting a line and telefaxes are often garbled. 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. Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Niamey on Rue Des Ambassades, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Niger. The mailing address is B.P. 11201. The telephone number is (227) 72-26-61 through 72-26-64. The fax number is (227) 73-31-67. No. 96-087 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1995, to revise the paragraphs on areas of instability, crime, and to add information on road and safety conditions. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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