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Visitor & short-stay visas

Nigerien Regional (ECOWAS) Visa Exemption

Historic visa-free entry for West-African regional nationals travelling with a valid travel document.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The current list of visa-exempt nationalities and permitted stay length is not published on the official entry page and is affected by Niger's changing regional membership; verify before relying on any exemption.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Niger government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Exemption de visa (regional free movement)
Route type
Visa-free entry (regional/bilateral)
Travel document
Valid passport, national ID card or laissez-passer
Who is exempt
Nationals of ECOWAS (CEDEAO) member states
Covers
Visa-free entry for short visits
A residence permit is still needed for stays of 3 months+

Who it is for

  • Nationals of West-African states covered by free-movement or bilateral agreements with Niger
  • Certain other nationalities benefit from bilateral exemptions

What you can do

  • Enter and stay without a visa within the terms of the applicable agreement
  • Carry a valid travel document at all times

Requirements

Niger is a member of ECOWAS (Communauté Économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, CEDEAO). Under ECOWAS free movement, nationals of ECOWAS member states may enter Niger without a visa for short stays using a valid national passport or an approved ECOWAS travel document.

Visa-free entry covers the visit itself. A separate residence permit (carte/titre de séjour) is still required to settle in Niger for three months or more — see the Residence Permit route. ECOWAS nationals benefit from reduced residence-permit fiscal-stamp fees compared with non-ECOWAS nationals.

  • A valid national passport or approved ECOWAS travel document
  • Evidence of purpose of visit and means of support if asked
  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate where required at entry

Frequently asked questions

  • Not for a short visit, but yes if they settle in Niger for three months or more. ECOWAS nationals pay a lower residence-permit fiscal stamp than non-ECOWAS nationals.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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