Niger entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 citizens need a visa to enter Niger. You must arrange this before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead and apply through the Nigerien embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Niger visaYou must get a visa stamped in your passport from a Nigerien diplomatic mission before you fly. Obtain before travel | Swiss citizens require a visa to enter Niger. Apply at the nearest Nigerien embassy or consulate before departure. The eVisa is not available for Swiss passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Niger. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a completely empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. Minimum 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show at the border. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Niger before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a copy of your bank statement or credit card to prove you can support yourself during the trip. Sufficient means of support | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Niger, such as recent bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Niger. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't chance it
Swiss citizens cannot get a Niger visa at the airport or border. Arriving without a visa means immediate refusal and being sent back. Apply well in advance.
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you'll be denied entry, even if you have a visa. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Visa is not extendable
Niger visas cannot be extended. Plan your stay within the validity period granted. If you need more time, you'll have to leave and reapply.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Contact the Nigerien embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Nigerien embassy or consulate (e.g., in Bern or Geneva). Call or email to confirm the exact application procedure, required forms, and fee. Some embassies require an in-person appointment.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents to the embassy or consulate. Pay the visa fee. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but it can take longer, so apply well in advance.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before you leave the embassy.
5
Travel to Niger
At Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport (or any land border), present your passport with the visa, yellow fever certificate, and any other documents requested. Immigration will stamp you in.
Download Niger Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Single-entry visa (issued by Niger embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApprox. 70 EUR
Apply in advance at the Niger embassy in Bern or Paris.
Multiple-entry visa (issued by Niger embassy)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
CostApprox. 140 EUR
For frequent travellers; requires proof of purpose.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Available at Niamey airport for Swiss citizens; pay in cash. | 100 EUR (or equivalent in XOF) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Police des Frontières in Niamey before expiry. | Approx. 20,000 XOF |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include departure tax. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Swiss citizens transiting through Niger (even airside) must obtain a transit visa before arrival. No visa on arrival for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
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 = 574.19 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
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days, but it can stretch to 2–3 weeks, especially during peak seasons. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
No, Swiss citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Nigerien embassy or consulate before you travel.
Visa fees vary depending on the embassy and the type of visa (single-entry, multiple-entry, duration). Expect to pay roughly 50–100 CHF for a single-entry tourist visa. Contact the embassy for the exact fee.
Niger has an embassy in Bern (at Belpstrasse 11, 3007 Bern). There may also be a consulate in Geneva. Check the embassy's official website or call ahead for current office hours and appointment requirements.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Niger. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. The certificate is checked at immigration and may also be required when applying for the visa.
No, the visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa, or check with the immigration office in Niamey for any special circumstances — but officially, extensions are not granted.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Swiss citizens. Don't risk it — get the visa beforehand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.