Niger Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

If you are willing to travel to the country for tourism and leisure activities as a foreign visitor to Niger, you will then be required to issue a tourist visa for Niger. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder can tour the country for sightseeing, go for safaris and cultural trips, and other tourist activities as well as is allowed to visit their friends and family members based in Niger. This visa is generally a single entry permit and the validity and duration of the stay may differ from case to case. You also need to remember that having a visa does not guarantee you an entry through the border. If the Immigration or Border Control find any issues with the permit or yourself, you may be restricted from entering and obliged to return.

It is extremely essential that you know the eligibility criteria before moving on to the application process. The application for a Niger tourist visa for Indians is to be made to the Embassy of Niger. The process is given in detail as follows:

1. You can start by downloading the visa application form.
2. You can then fill out the required details in the application form.
3. Attach a recent photograph as per the photo specifications.
4. Gather all the required documents.
5. Submit the application and supporting documents to the embassy.
6. Pay the required fee for the permit.

There are a few pointers that you need to remember when you are filling out the application form. The details in the application form must be correct and true. The details should be filled as per the information in the passport and other travel documents. If any of the information in the application form is found to be false or incorrect, there are chances that the application may get rejected. There are other reasons for a visa rejection as well which can affect your future applications to Niger or to any other country.. However, these chances can be minimised by appointing professional visa services for the process.

The criteria that will make you eligible for the issuance of a tourist visa for Niger is determined by the Embassy. You need to fulfil these parameters in order to apply for the permit. These criteria are given as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Niger.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Niger.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof (if asked).
• You must be of good character, you may not be granted the visa if -

• You have a history of a criminal conviction.
• You have been deported or banned from another country.
• You are found to be a threat or risk to the country.
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Niger.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

The requirements vary from case to case and depending on the type of the permit. Some of the common Niger tourist visa requirements are as follows:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
• Visa application form, duly signed.
• Photo as per the photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Original yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Original polio vaccination certificate.
• Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, conference ticket, etc.
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - Bank statement, etc.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes messing the image.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required to issue a Niger tourist visa for Indians is about 15 to 20 days. In some cases, this time period may even go up to 90 days. There are certain factors that affect the processing time of the permit. These include - workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others.

The fees to issue a tourist visa for Niger is to be paid to the Embassy of Niger at the time of submission of the application form and other documents. There are several factors that affect the fees. It can vary as per the type of the visa, service charges required, the number of entries permitted on one visa and others.

When the documents and the application form has been submitted, there are a few things that you need to know. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• After you have submitted the application and the required documents, the processing shall begin.
• If there are any additional requirements to be fulfilled, you will be informed accordingly.
• If there are any updates on your behalf, the embassy must be informed immediately.
• In case there is a change of plans and you need to withdraw your application, it must be done within the processing time.
• Also, note that the visa fee is not refundable.

If you have applied directly to the embassy, you can contact them offline with the given contact information. If you have applied through an agency, you can check the status online on the agency’s website.

After the application, the documents will be processed and you will be provided with a visa stamp on your passport. When you have your permit, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind -

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Niger within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company for safety.
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified at the Immigration.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Niger

• • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do unpaid volunteer work.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for visa extension in time.
    • If you have a change of plans and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month prior to the expiry.