Niger entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Niger. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourists. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Nigerien embassy or consulate | Swiss passport holders need a visa before traveling to Niger. Submit your application at the nearest Nigerien embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 working days; expect to provide a passport photo, flight itinerary, and a letter of invitation or hotel booking.Niger MFA — visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Niger. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Niger | Immigration officers at Niamey airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show you plan to leave. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Niger. Border officials sometimes ask where you will stay — having a booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Keep a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 200,000 CFA francs (~€300) per week of your stay. Immigration may ask how you intend to support yourself during the trip. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Swiss passport holders cannot get a tourist visa at the airport in Niger. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Arriving without a visa means immediate refusal.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Border officials in Niger strictly enforce the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without the yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available). Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Niger embassy
Contact the Embassy of Niger in Bern (or the consulate in Geneva) to submit your application. You'll need your passport, completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Fees are around CHF 50–100 depending on visa type.
2
Pack your documents for arrival
At Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, you'll go through immigration. Have your passport with visa, yellow fever card, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer may ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or cash handy.
3
Arrive and clear immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. The queue can be slow — expect 20–40 minutes. Hand over your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in. No additional forms needed.
Download Niger Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. CHF 135)
Allows multiple entries for tourism or business.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Niger. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Niger. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. CHF 135) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, capped at $500 USD. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. CHF 9) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Niger
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Niger do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsDiori Hamani International Airport (NIM)
Health & vaccines for Niger
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Niger, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Niamey
Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue de la République, Niamey
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Niamey
Agence Nationale de la Promotion de l'Emploi (ANPE)
Rue du Commerce, Niamey
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles work permits and related immigration matters.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalNiamey
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.11 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,E,FTypes C, D, E, and F; Type C is most common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Swiss passport holders must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. Apply at the Niger embassy in Bern or the consulate in Geneva.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Fees are around CHF 50–100 depending on the visa type.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, 2 passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. The embassy may also ask for a bank statement.
Tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes. You must show a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. No exceptions.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside hotels. Bring some cash in XOF — ATMs are limited in Niamey and rare elsewhere.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. Don't risk it — get the visa beforehand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.