Niger’s embassy in Washington announced Thursday it will stop issuing entry visas to U.S. citizens, effective August 28, 2025. The suspension remains in effect indefinitely, according to embassy officials.
The move essentially bars most Americans from traveling to Niger unless they already have a valid visa or meet specific exemption criteria.
Embassy officials didn’t provide extensive details behind the decision, but it comes as relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly in recent months. Back in July, the U.S. embassy in Niamey suspended routine visa processing for both immigrants and non-immigrants, pointing to ongoing “concerns with the Government of Niger.”
The breakdown stems largely from Niger’s military coup last year and the collapse of long-standing security partnerships between Washington and Niamey. Experts say visa restrictions have become just another tool both sides are using to apply pressure.
Americans planning trips to Niger for work, aid projects, journalism or family reasons will likely face major hurdles now. At the same time, Niger stands to lose out on the economic benefits that come with international visitors and business travelers.
The situation could get worse. The White House announced in mid-December that Niger would be added to a broad travel ban taking effect January 1, 2026, completely blocking Nigerien nationals from entering the United States.
