Nigeria travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections. The overall level of the advice has changed; we no longer advise against non essential travel to Joss and its surrounding areas but we continue to advise against all travel and all but essential travel to some areas of Nigeria.

Travel Summary

• In July 2009 violent clashes took place between militants and security forces in some parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe and Katsina States. In February 2010 there were violent disturbance in Sokoto and Kazaure in Jigawa State. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning. See the Political Situation section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• We advise travellers to seek local advice before visiting Plateau State. Serious civil unrest occurred in Jos and its surrounding areas in January 2010. A heavy security presence has brought the disorder under control, though communal tensions remain high. There is a curfew in force in the city between 18.00 and 06.00. British nationals resident in Jos should exercise caution when moving around and be prepared to return home at any sign of unrest.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk. See the Terrorism/Security section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• International events, particularly in the Middle East, can lead to demonstrations and unrest. British Nationals are advised to remain vigilant.
  
  
• There is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta. Since 2007, there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other States in Nigeria. Three British citizens and a Colombian citizen were abducted 40km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals; all have subsequently been released. See also the Terrorism/Security and Sea Travel sections of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network. We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission. See the General (Registration) section of this Travle Advice.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Four British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (4 cases). Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check that your insurance company provides personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake; check any exclusions. Please see the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning. See the Political Situatiion section of this Travel Advice.

We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. We also advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. Since January 2007, we are aware of at least 24 British nationals and more than 200 foreign nationals who have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area, with one British national being killed. Three British Citizens and a Colombian Citizen were abducted 40km outside Port Harcourt on 12 January 2010 by suspected criminals, but were subsequently released.

On 19 June 2009, the Government of Nigeria announced an amnesty for militants in the Niger Delta. On 12 July, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked an oil facility in the Atlas Cove Jetty area of Lagos. On 30 January 2010, MEND called off its own ceasefire, which had originally been declared on 15 July 2009. It is possible that armed groups may be planning attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the Delta, and on other non-oil and gas industry targets and individuals throughout the country.

The high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta also applies to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Niger Delta. Since 2007 there has been an increase in attacks offshore. On 19 June 2009, an oil production platform 120km offshore was attacked, and a US citizen abducted from a nearby support vessel. The recent fighting has further raised tensions and increased the level of risk.

We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. Nigeria and Cameroon have reached an agreement on the future of Bakassi, which was handed from Nigeria to Cameroon on 14 August 2008, but the area and local feelings remain sensitive.

If you decide to travel to or remain in these areas it would be reckless to do so unless and until you have taken full, appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it. You must be vigilant at all times and make sure that your local host and family know your travel plans and timings. You should register with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on arrival (see the General (Registration) section of this Travel Advice). Limit your movements to only essential journeys. Vary your routines. If travelling by road you should only travel in fully protected transport and aim to complete your journey well before nightfall. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed and maintain telephone or radio communications to report your movements. You should consider permanent armed protection, but be aware that even this cannot guarantee your safety. The government has heightened its security presence in Port Harcourt. Many companies have introduced strict restrictions on travel. If you are a resident British national, you should follow your employer’s local security guidelines.

On 1 January 2008 there were nineteen reported fatalities in Port Harcourt when armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking.

You should avoid going to public places in Port Harcourt frequented by expatriates, including bars and restaurants. If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation do not try to make your way through it, turn around and go home.

We have received reports of an attempt to try to lure an expatriate to a meeting at a remote location near Port Harcourt. It is believed that this was an attempted kidnap. When arranging meetings in Nigeria you should ensure that the contact is known to you, and that the meeting is held at a secure location.

Due to the regular increases in the level of violence in Port Harcourt, the High Commission Liaison Office and British Council are subject to closure at short notice. Closure and reopening of the offices will be reflected in this travel advice.

There is also a risk of politically or financially motivated kidnapping throughout south eastern Nigeria. A British citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 outside Benin City and a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; both have subsequently been released.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Violent street crimes e.g. muggings, kidnappings, car-jackings and especially armed robberies are on the increase in the south of the country. Hitherto comparatively safe areas of Lagos have seen a rise in these crimes recently. Most attacks happen after dark from 2200 onwards. You should therefore avoid non-essential road travel in Lagos after 2200. There is little sign of law-enforcement activity to combat this increase. British Citizens should act upon any security advice given by their employers or, if visiting, their hosts. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing valuable watches, jewellery or items of sentimental value. Remain alert to your surroundings and the actions of local people around you. If you suspect danger, move away to a safer area. Do not try to resist.

There has recently been an increase in the number of robberies and kidnappings in Abia, Edo and Anambra States, in the latter particularly along the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha expressway. Travellers should exercise caution when driving outside cities, consider travelling in convoy, and avoid making any journeys that would involve travel after dark.

Experience has shown that, should you be unlucky enough to be caught up in an armed robbery, you should immediately comply with the attackers' demands. Those who have suffered injury or worse during such attacks have been perceived as not complying fully or quickly enough. The vast majority of those who endure such attacks, and follow this advice, do so without lasting physical harm.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss to victims. If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Nigeria you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.

Scam artists are also targeting individuals in the UK. There are a myriad of schemes in operation by West African criminal networks designed to facilitate victims parting with money, known as advance fee or 419 fraud. Nigerian scam artists are also known to be targeting internet dating/personal sites with the intention of soliciting money from victims. For further information on advance fee fraud please see the West African advance fee Fraud Alert page on the website of the Metropolitan Police.

Foreign visitors and residents are also targeted by scam artists who they have never met in person on internet chat room and on-line dating agencies. When trust has been established, sometimes over a period of months or years, the victim of the scam is informed that their on-line friend in Nigeria, who they believe is British, is in trouble and in immediate need of funds. The reasons that the scam artists give for needing cash vary, but include being robbed or mugged, problems with airline tickets, being arrested at an airport for illegal immigration, being held against their will, being involved in a road accident (frequently on the airport road), hospitalisation, illness and advance payment for medical treatment. Many victims are persuaded to part with large amounts of money before they start to suspect anything. If you are asked to transfer funds to Nigeria to help with a crisis you should ask the caller whether they have reported the incident (by phone or e-mail) to the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. We are also aware of a scam involving a fictitious "Basic Travel Allowance" fee requirement, which has become common. This is where it is alleged that the person trying to travel needs a certain amount of money before they will be allowed to travel. People have also received scam e-mails using commercial e-mail accounts (e.g. Yahoo, Hotmail, MSN etc.) allegedly from a British High Commission office in Nigeria requesting personal bank details, or for money to be transferred to High Commission staff. If you receive a report of a British national in Nigeria in distress or a request from any British High Commission office in Nigeria for bank details or money, you should immediately contact Consular Section, Lagos to investigate.

Political Situation

Nigeria Country Profile

You should take care to avoid large crowds, demonstrations or disturbances, especially if you are driving.

Demonstrations and outbreaks of localised civil unrest and violence can occur with little notice throughout the country. The security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of political gatherings. If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation do not try to make your way through it. Turn round and go home.
Before planning any official or recreational travel, particularly by road, you should check whether any political rallies or demonstrations are planned for a particular area, or on your route. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for other important security measures.

Local Travel

Violent disturbances took place in Sokoto and Kazaure, Jigawa State, in February 2010. We advise travellers to seek local advice before visiting Plateau State. Serious civil unrest occurred in Jos and its surrounding areas in January 2010. A heavy security presence has brought the disorder under control, though communal tensions remain high. There is a curfew in force in the city between 18.00 and 06.00. British nationals resident in Jos should exercise caution when moving around and be prepared to return home at any sign of unrest.

If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning. See the political section of this advice for more details if you intend travelling to these areas.

We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and to the riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. We also advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. Nigeria and Cameroon have reached an agreement on the future of Bakassi, which was handed from Nigeria to Cameroon on 14 August 2008, but the area and local feelings remain sensitive.


Road Travel

Traffic in many of Nigeria's major cities can be chaotic and slow moving. Serious traffic jams in Lagos are not uncommon. Short journeys that normally take minutes can sometimes take hours. We advise you to take a mobile telephone with you when travelling by car so that you can stay in touch with family, friends and employers. We also advise you to have a supply of bottled water in your vehicle at all times.

There are authorised as well as unauthorised vehicle checkpoints throughout Nigeria. Some are for security checks, others to extort small payments of money. You should slow down at any type of checkpoint and use common sense at all times.

There are frequent reports of robberies and car-jackings, some involving armed gunmen, on Nigeria's urban and rural road network. If you are involved in a car-jacking, experience has shown that victims who comply immediately and fully with the attackers’ demands are left unharmed.

You should:

• be vigilant when travelling on all major roads within Nigeria.
• avoid any travel after dark outside city centres.
• take care after dark within cities, avoiding secondary roads and areas where other traffic is light.
• be particularly vigilant when sitting in traffic jams or at traffic lights at night, and where street lighting is poor.
• keep your car windows and doors locked and valuables out of sight.
• if you feel your vehicle is being followed, you should drive to the nearest place of safety - e.g. to the nearest police station.
• See the Terrorism/Security section of this advice for other important security measures.

Public transport is dangerous. Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained and are often uninsured and driven by fraudulent drivers. Most major hotels offer cars for hire with drivers. We would recommend that you use these where possible.

If you are expecting a greeter or driver to collect you at any of Nigeria’s international airports you should ensure that he/she can properly identify themselves, as bogus greeters are a problem.

Road travel in Abuja and Lagos is banned between 07:00 and 10:00 on the last Saturday of every month for municipal road clean up; police vigilantly enforce the ban. For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

Airlines flying between Nigeria and London can occasionally become severely overbooked. As a result, airlines advise travellers to reconfirm their return booking at least 48 hours before they are due to depart, and to check in early.

Following a series of crashes, there are also concerns about the safety and reliability of some airline compaies operating domestic flights within Nigeria.

For more general information see the Air Travel page on the Directgov website.

Sea Travel

There have been attacks of piracy/armed robbery against ships at anchor in Nigerian waters and at many of the rivers and harbours in the Niger Delta area. We advise mariners to take appropriate precautions.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in sub-Saharan Africa. You should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, particularly in the north and during the Holy month of Ramadan and when visiting religious sites. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
The Sharia penal code has been introduced in 12 northern states (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Yobe, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger and Gombe). Homosexuality by Muslims in those states can attract a sentence of 100 lashes if the defendant is unmarried or stoning if married or divorced. Alcohol consumption, infidelity and theft can attract harsh sentences including stoning, amputation, lashings or long prison terms. Non-Muslims are not bound by Sharia law. Homosexuality is illegal under Federal law, covering the whole of Nigeria. Possession, use of or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.
It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities. You should contact the Nigeria High Commission in London for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Photography in airports may lead to arrest.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

All British nationals travelling to Nigeria must hold a valid visa before entering the country. British nationals planning to work in Nigeria must obtain the correct visa before doing so. For further information on entry requirements, we advise visitors to contact the Nigeria High Commission in London.
Passport validity

It is recommended that you obtain a new passport if your passport has less than six months validity remaining otherwise you may be refused a visa or turned away by airlines.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Nigeria High Commission in London.

Health

Basic, limited medical facilities are available in some parts of Nigeria.

Malaria and polio are common to Nigeria and there are also regular outbreaks of cholera and measles. In the first 11 months of 2008 there were 768 confirmed cases of polio compared with 285 cases in 2007. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States have been classified as “very high risk” for polio. An outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis occurred in Katsina State in February 2009.

Severe, but localised flooding, has been known to occur in some parts of Nigeria during the rainy season. This may increase the threat of water-borne diseases. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Nigeria, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,400,000 adults aged 15 or over in Nigeria were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 3.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Nigeria and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. For more general health information see Travel Health.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including a provision for medical evacuation, before travelling. You should check and exclusions, that you insurance company provides a personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see When Things go Wrong.
Registration

We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register at the British High Commission in Abuja, the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, our Liaison offices in Kaduna and Port Harcourt, or with the Honorary Consuls in Kano and Warri. Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Passports
As many crimes involve the theft of British passports, you should keep a photocopy of your passport, separately from the passport itself. This will speed up the process of issuing a new one.
Money

Nigeria is a cash economy. You should ensure that you bring enough currency (Sterling, US Dollars or Euros) to cover your costs. Travellers' cheques are difficult to cash in Nigeria. It is illegal to change money on the street. We advise against the use of credit cards throughout Nigeria.
Contact Details Please note that all consular enquiries should be directed to the Deputy British High Commission in Lagos. Abuja British High Commission (Trade/Investment and Visa Sections) Dangote House, Aguyi Ironsi Street Wuse Abuja Telephone: (00 234) (9) 413 2010/2011/3885-7 Facsimile: (00 234) (9) 413 4565 or 3552 Office Hours: GMT: 07:00-14:30 Monday-Friday Local: 08:00-15:30 Monday-Friday Lagos Deputy British High Commission 11 Walter Carrington Crescent Victoria Island Lagos Telephone: (00 234) (1) 2619531, 2619537, 2619541
Duty Officer: (00 234) (0) 8034022765
Facsimile: (00 234) (1) 2614021 or 2625940 E-mail: consular.lagos@fco.gov.uk Office Hours: GMT 07:00-14:30 Local: 08:00-15:30 Port Harcourt British High Commission Liaison Office 300 Olu Obasanjo Road Port Harcourt Rivers State Telephone: (00 234) (84) 237173 Facsimile: (00 234) (84) 237172 E-mail: liaison@bhcph.com Kano Honorary Consulate - The Kano Honorary Consulate is temporarily closed. Please contact the Consular offices in Kaduna, Lagos or Abuja.
Warri Honorary Consulate Unit 6, Jefia Estate 62 Enerhen Road Warri Delta State Tel/Fax: (00 234) (53) 245523 or 255929 E-mail: melhenthorn@hyperia.com Kaduna British High Commission Liaison Office 3 Independence Way Kaduna Telephone: 002347057312993 or 07057312993 from inside NigeriaFacsimile: (00 234) (62) 237267 E-mail: bhc.kad@patmoengr.com

Website: http://ukinnigeria.fco.gov.uk/en

Niger travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (demonstrations). The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all travel to some areas of Niger and against all but essential travel to Niamey.

Travel Summary

• UPDATE - A military coup took place in Niger on 18 February. Popular demonstrations continue in major cities, but the situation otherwise appears calm. We advise against all non-essential travel to the city. Those in Niamey should exercise caution until the situation has stabilised. Niger's international borders, including Niamey airport have now re-opened.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in the region and we believe that further kidnap attacks are likely. On November 14, 2009, there was an attempted kidnap in Tahoua, Niger by heavily armed individuals against employees of the American Embassy. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the following: all areas of the country north of the city of Abalak including the Aïr Massif region; the province of Talak, Agadez and the road linking Assamaka, Arlit and Agadez; the province of Tahoua (including the city of Tahoua); and the area of Niamey province north of Niamey and east of the Niger River, including the road from Niamey to Gao and the road from Niamey to Menaka. Armed groups are operating in the North and are known to be using land mines. Extreme caution should be exercised when travelling to the following areas: the Ténéré and Kaouar regions; the Azawagh area, particularly the area between the Malian and Algerian borders and the east of the Aïr Massif.
  
  
• Travel in Niger can be difficult and conditions are poor for overland travel. You should take all necessary steps to protect your safety, especially outside of main urban areas, and you should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. See the Terrorism and Local Travel sections of this advice.
  
  
• Following a change to the constitution in August 2009 affecting the Presidential mandate, political demonstrations have taken place in urban areas throughout Niger. Such activity is likely to continue. You should avoid large public gatherings such as political rallies which may appear peaceful but could have the potential to turn violent or develop into wider civil unrest, and monitor developments through the local media.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Niger. The British Ambassador to Niger resides in Accra, Ghana. We are unable to provide you with formal consular assistance in Niger. The Consular Section in the British High Commission in Accra can only offer limited consular assistance in an emergency. See the General (Consular assistance) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We advise caution when travelling out of Niamey by road. As with travel in other parts of Niger you should travel in convoy and with a local guide. You should seek advice from the police for all travel out of Niamey. See guidance below on travel and security within Niger.
  
  
• Due to the presence of armed bandits, you should avoid all travel between towns by road at night. You should always use local guides and seek local advice when travelling outside of the main towns and in desert areas. See the Crime and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There were two cases in 2008 of British nationals who required consular assistance in Niger. You should take precautions to keep safe important items such as money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorists have been involved in kidnaps in the region and we believe that further kidnap attacks are likely. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M) operates directly or through criminal gangs who carry out kidnappings on their behalf or pass on their kidnap victims for monetary gain. Recent kidnaps in or close to Niger include:

• On 28 December 2009, a group of Saudi nationals were attacked near the village of Djambala in Niger, close to the Mali border. Four died in this attack.
  
• On 18 December 2009 an Italian couple were kidnapped by an armed group in south eastern Mauritania 18 km east of Kobonni on the road to Mali.
• On 29 November 2009 three Spanish nationals were kidnapped whilst travelling on the road from Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, to the northern city of Nouadhibou
• On 25 November 2009 a French national was kidnapped near the city of Gao in Eastern Mali
• On November 14 2009, there was an attempted kidnap in Tahoua, Niger, by heavily armed individuals against employees of the American Embassy.
• A group of European tourists were kidnapped in the area of the Mali-Niger border on 22 January 2009. A British national who was part of this group was later executed.
• Two Canadian diplomats were kidnapped 25 miles outside of Niamey on 14 December 2008 and held in Mali.

There is a high risk of kidnap in Niger, particularly in the border areas outside the main urban areas. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For further advice and information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Niger remains economically depressed and there is a risk to travellers from criminal elements throughout the country.

We advise increased caution when travelling out of Niamey by road. Armed bandits are believed to operate outside of Niamey and have kidnapped Westerners in the past (two Canadian diplomats were abducted 25 miles outside of Niamey on 14 December 2008). Foreign nationals have been kidnapped before in Niger, mainly in the north and east of the country and in the border region with Mali (where a British national was abducted in January 2009). As with travel to other parts of Niger (see Local Travel below) you should travel in convoy and with a local guide. You should seek advice from the police for all travel out of Niamey.
Extreme poverty means that levels of crime, especially in the capital Niamey, are high. Thefts, robberies and residential break-ins can occur at any time. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Niger is theft. These crimes are common day or night. You should therefore take precautions to keep safe important items such as money, passports, jewellery and mobile phones. The areas around the Gaweye Hotel, National Museum and Petit Marché in Niamey are particularly prone to muggings and you should not walk alone there, or cross the Kennedy Bridge on foot at any time. Walking at night is not recommended due to the lack of street lighting.

Caution should be taken when travelling in Niamey at night. On the night of 8 January 2008, a car was blown up by a landmine, killing one person and seriously injuring another. It is not known who was responsible. A second, unexploded landmine, was also recovered.

Car thieves often target off-road vehicles. Take elementary precautions such as ensuring car doors are locked at all times. Do not walk alone after dark, even in town.
Banditry, smuggling and other criminal activity remains in border areas (e.g. Algeria-Mali-Niger, Nigeria-Chad-Niger) and can constitute a real risk to travellers, especially after dark.

Bandits are thought to be operating in the border area with Nigeria south of Zinder. You should take special care and avoid crossing the border with Nigeria during the hours of darkness.

In August 2006, a group of tourists, including 21 Italians, was kidnapped in the desert area of south east Niger, near Lake Chad and the border with Chad. Most were freed shortly afterwards, but the remaining two were not released until 12 October 2006.

Attacks against tourists are known to take place at El Meki between Agadez and Timia. The Aïr and Ténéré regions are particularly prone to attacks. Whenever possible, you should travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles accompanied by a local guide and a member of the security forces. (See also ‘Local Travel’). There have also been incidents of Nigeriens being killed in the course of hold-ups and robberies on public transport buses travelling between Tahoua and Agadez and between Agadez and Arlit.

In January 2007, three people, including members of the security forces, were reported to have been killed and several more injured when bandits attacked a convoy of trucks between Aneye and Seguedine. A number of hostages were held briefly before being released, unharmed, following combined intervention by the Niger and Chad security forces. On 8 February 2007, at least three people were killed when a group of armed assailants attacked a military camp at Iferouane near the Algerian border. Order was subsequently restored by the security forces.

Scams

British nationals resident in the UK and European nations are increasingly becoming targets by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities, the facilitation of money (for internet dating scams see below), and can pose great financial loss to victims. Relatives or friends in the UK should first check with the person who has travelled to West Africa before becoming involved in the transfer of money. If you are concerned about a British national who has travelled to Niger you should contact the Consular Section of the British High Commission, Accra. Schemes in operation by West African criminal networks are designed to facilitate victims parting with money.

British nationals are also being targeted by West African scam artists through internet based dating sites. The scam artists assume the false identity of a foreign national (sometimes British) working and living in West Africa. In some instances the impostor has informed their foreign friend that they have been hospitalised or arrested and need money quickly. In other cases foreigners have come to West Africa to meet the person with whom they have been in contact only to be kidnapped and become the victim of financial extortion.

You will wish to treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa. For further information on advance fee fraud please see Metropolitan Police Service - Fraud Alert.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Niger Country Profile

The political situation is generally stable. In Niamey, demonstrations involving students and public sector workers are fairly frequent. Although these are, for the most part, peaceful, they can on occasion turn violent and you should take care to avoid all crowds and demonstrations. A rebel group, the MNJ, has been active in the North around Agadez since January 2007. The government has declared a state of emergency covering the area where the MNJ is active which imposes movement restrictions and media controls.
Local Travel

If you plan to travel within Niger you should be aware that the local authorities are extremely sensitive with regard to foreigners travelling out of Tahoua to other parts of Niger in the East and the North. There is a risk of arrest and deportation for even enquiring about travel to Agadez, given the local security situation in that region.

Due to continued sporadic incidents of banditry, you should avoid all travel between towns by road at night. Following attacks by the MNJ armed groups in the North involving the use of land mines, we advise against all travel to the Aïr Massif region (including Iferouane) and on the road linking Assamaka, Arlit and Agadez. The Governor of the city of Agadez has banned vehicles without a security forces escort from leaving the city after 1600 hrs. Following an attack on Agadez airport in June 2007 and the abduction, south of Agadez, of a foreign engineer by the MNJ armed group (subsequently released) you are also advised against all travel to Agadez and north of the city of Abalack. In addition you are advised against all travel to the provinces of Talak and Tahoua, the area of Niamey province to the north of Niamey and east of the Niger River, including the road from Niamey to Gao and the road from Niamey to Menaka.

We also advise extreme caution when travelling to the following areas:

• the Ténéré and Kaouar regions;
• the Azawagh area, particularly the area between the Malian and Algerian borders and the towns of Tahoua and Ingall;
• the east of the Aïr Massif and the area north of Iferouane up to the Algerian border, an area of 200km deep along the borders with Mali, Algeria/Libya and Chad.

The roads listed below in northern Niger are permanently closed to tourists, except with special authorisation:

• Chirfa (Djado) / Djanet (Algeria)
• Achouloma (north Djado) / Salvador Pass (Libya)
• Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / Djanet (Algeria)
• Adrar Bous (north Aïr) / In Azawa (Algeria)
• Agadez / Arlit / Iferouane
• Agadez / Tahoua

You should always seek local advice and use local travel agents and guides when travelling outside main towns and in desert areas. We recommend using an approved local travel agent who can arrange all the necessary permits for your journey and leave details of your itinerary with the local authorities. You should carry an independent satellite phone when travelling off the beaten track. You should prepare well in advance for any journey and ensure that you have a sufficient supply of drinking water and food.

Road Travel

UK driving licences are not valid. If you plan to drive in Niger, you should obtain an international driving licence. This is valid for a period of three months, after which you need to obtain a Niger licence. To obtain this you are required to hand over your UK (not international) licence, which will be returned to you at the end of your stay. It is important to carry car papers and ID when travelling, especially on journeys outside of the main towns.

The main roads between Niamey and other large towns are generally satisfactory by African standards. Buses operate on routes between Niamey and other large towns, but distances are long and buses are prone to mechanical failure. Other risks include potholes, poorly lit oncoming vehicles and the lack of medical facilities in the case of an accident. In Niamey only main roads are tarmacked and street lighting is poor. Taxis are available but, like other vehicles, are often in unsound mechanical condition. Driving standards are poor. On 8 January 2008, a car drove over a landmine in Niamey, killing one person and injuring another. There have also been reports of land mines being used in Burkina Faso on the road between Ouagadougou and Niamey. Local advice should be sought before making this journey.
In the case of an accident, you should go immediately to the nearest police station to file a report: remaining on the spot risks being taken to task, sometimes violently, by the local population.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

You should re-confirm onward/return flights 72 hours in advance.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Niger is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Dress tends to be conservative and women are expected to dress modestly. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
You should not photograph military or government installations. You should carry some form of identification at all times. This would normally mean your passport or residence permit. If you intend to drive outside of the main towns, the likelihood of having to produce some form of identification is high. Visitors who commit criminal offences, for example drugs trafficking, can expect to be subjected to local law. Local prison conditions are harsh. Homosexuality is illegal, but in practice is tolerated if discreet.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

You will require a valid visa to enter Niger. The Consulate of the Republic of Niger is at Bradley House, Locks Hill, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BB; Telephone: 01702 533 172; Fax: 01702 533 162; email: consul@niger-embassyuk.org; website: http://www.niger-embassyuk.org/index.html. Office hours are 09.00 - 17.00; the Visa section is open from 09.30 - 12.30.

The Niger Honorary Consulate in Bamako, Mali is no longer authorised to issue visas for Niger. Even if a visa is issued by the Consulate, it is unlikely to be recognised, and travellers will risk being denied entry or deported without a valid visa.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

You will require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Niger.

Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of Niger in Paris.

Health

Medical facilities are poor, even in Niamey. Serious medical treatment would require evacuation to Europe. Your health insurance should therefore cover medical evacuation by air ambulance.

Malaria, cholera and other water-borne diseases are common to Niger. Epidemics of this kind are particularly common in the rainy season from July to October. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Food purchased from local street vendors may not meet adequate hygiene standards. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Niger you should seek immediate medical attention.

Meningitis outbreaks frequently occur, particularly in the dry season from February to July.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 56,000 adults aged 15 or over in Niger were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Niger and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health and Swine Flu.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Consular Assistance and Registration in Niger

There is no British Embassy in Niger. The British Ambassador to Niger resides in Accra. The British High Commission's Consular Section in Accra can only offer limited consular assistance in an emergency.

We recommend that British passport holders travelling to Niger register with the British High Commission using our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here. The nearest British mission to issue British passports is the High Commission in Accra, Ghana. Passport applications may be submitted by any of the following methods:

• Submit in person to the Consular Section of the High Commission in Accra; if one week’s prior notice is given before arrival in Accra arrangements can be made for the passport to be issued expeditiously.
• Forward completed application by reputable courier to the Consular Section and send a bank transfer to the value of the passport service required in Ghanaian Cedis to the British High Commission account with Barclays Bank, Accra. Please contact the Consular Section of the British High Commission in advance for guidance on how to do this. This process can be completed within ten working days.
  

Money

Niger is a cash based society. Credit cards are rarely accepted even in the best hotels and restaurants. There are no ATMs. Banks accept travellers' cheques: you will have to produce your passport and the receipt for the cheques from the issuing bank.

Namibia travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Road Travel section (reference to car insurance). The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are currently no travel restrictions in Namibia

Travel Summary

• You should avoid driving outside towns at night as wildlife and stray livestock pose a serious hazard.
  
  
• There is a growing level of violent street crime affecting foreign tourists, particularly in Windhoek.
  
  
• If travelling along the Caprivi Strip, stick to the well-travelled routes.
  
  
• You should carry identification with you at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages from your passport is sufficient.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Approximately 28,000 Britons visited Namibia in 2007 (Source: Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism). Most visits to Namibia are trouble-free. 53 British nationals required consular assistance in Namibia in the period 01 April 2008-31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (16 cases); hospitalisations (5 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (3 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (114 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

Violent street crimes (muggings and robberies) targeting foreign tourists have increased significantly in 2009, particularly in Windhoek. Attacks can take place even in busy city centre locations in broad daylight.

Theft from vehicles, particularly at service stations, is common. Keep your vehicle locked and valuable possessions out of sight.

Residents of Namibia have reported incidents of interception of mail and theft of mail contents by Post Office workers in Namibia. Any valuable parcels or documents (e.g. bank and credit cards) should be sent by registered mail at least and preferably by a reputable commercial courier company.

Beware of pickpockets in town centres. Do not use the taxis generally available for hire, particularly in Windhoek, as these vehicles have been involved in attacks on foreign tourists. Instead, ask your hotel, guest house or tour operator to recommend a reputable taxi company. Do not enter townships at night unless accompanied by someone with local knowledge.

An armed robbery on a bar in Ausspannplatz on Windhoek's main street, Independence Avenue, was foiled by police on 2 April 2009. Two robbers were shot dead and two were wounded as a result. No bystanders were hurt.

Take precautions to safeguard valuables and cash, and deposit them in hotel safes, where practical. Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas. Keep separate copies of important documents, including passports.

Remain with your group when visiting parks and game reserves.

Since October 2008, Namibian authorities and visiting foreign tourists have reported an outbreak of credit card skimming taking place at some hotels and lodges around the country. Okakuejo Lodge in Etosha National Park has been identified as a particular trouble spot for this. Unscrupulous employees there and at some other establishments have been accused of copying card details onto hand-held readers and passing the details on to criminal gangs. Visiting foreign tourists have been targeted. When paying by credit card, keep the card in full view at all times and always check your statement carefully to ensure you do not become a victim of fraud.

For more information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation Namibia Country Profile

Local Travel

If you travel along the Trans-Caprivi Highway between Rundu and Katima Mulilo (in the Caprivi Strip), or in other remote areas of northern Namibia, you should travel during daylight hours and stick to well travelled routes. The Namibian authorities are clearing unexploded ordnance from areas that are barred to public access.

Road Travel

You can drive in Namibia with a UK Photo Driving Licence. If you wish to hire a car, you should also bring the paper counterpart with you. You must carry your licence at all times and produce it on request at roadblocks leading in and out of Windhoek and other major towns and cities. If you hire a car, pay particular attention to the insurance cover provided. Most policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals. Given the higher than normal probability of an accident taking place on a gravel road because of the condition of the road, we strongly recommend that you take out fully comprehensive insurance on any hired vehicle. You are not allowed to use a mobile phone whilst driving.

If you hire a car, pay particular attention to the insurance cover provided. Most policies will not cover accidents that do not involve other vehicles or animals. Given the higher than normal probability of an accident taking place on a gravel road because of the condition of the road, we strongly recommend that you take out fully comprehensive insurance on any hired vehicle.

It is easy to lapse into a false sense of security on Namibian roads, because most are well maintained and there is little traffic. But there have been a number of fatal accidents on gravel/dirt roads, especially on bends in the road. It is dangerous to exceed the speed limit of 80km.

During the rainy season (normally January to April) many roads can become impassable. The rainy season of 2009 was particularly destructive and many roads throughout the country were badly damaged. It is advisable to check with your destination on the local road conditions before setting off.

You should avoid driving at night outside the towns as wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard. Tyre punctures are common on gravel roads; if possible, carry two spare tyres. It may also be necessary to adjust tyre pressures to suit differing road conditions. Keep your petrol tank topped up, as there are long distances between petrol stations. For further information see our Driving Abroad page.

Rail Travel

The Desert Express between Windhoek and Swakopmund is a popular tourist route. Although there have been no accidents involving this train, you should be aware there have been two incidents on this line since 2007. In August 2007 a freight train derailed (one fatality), and in May 2008 a freight train collided with a stationary passenger train (no fatalities).

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Drug taking and smuggling is an offence. Punishments can be severe.
Homosexuality is tolerated but Windhoek’s only gay bar (the Ceibas Café) is regularly shut down by Drug Squad raids.
There are no formal rules and regulations limiting photography by tourists in Namibia, but we are aware that some people have been detained for taking pictures of State House and properties where the President is residing. There are also parts of Namibia that require a permit to enter and it would be wise to check about photography when applying for these permits. Likewise, if the army or police are protecting a building or place, check before taking any photographs. If in doubt, do not take pictures. You should carry identification with you at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages from your passport is sufficient. For more information see our Your Trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals can enter Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without a visa. However, we are aware of several cases in which, on arrival, visitors have only been given permission to stay for periods significantly shorter than the 90 day maximum, some as short as only seven or ten days. Before leaving the Immigration Desk in the Airport Arrivals Hall, check that you have been given permission to stay in Namibia for the duration of your intended visit, up to the maximum stay allowable of 90 days. Overstaying the time period granted could lead to detention or arrest for breaking immigration laws.

Please also check that, on arrival, you have been given a correctly dated entry stamp by Namibian Immigration officials, as this will be checked on departure. An incorrect or missing entry stamp could lead to you being arrest on suspicion of being an illegal immigrant.

If you intend to work or reside in Namibia for a period over 90 days, you must contact the Namibian High Commission in London and apply for the required visa before travelling.

UK Passport Issuing

Our High Commission in Namibia does not issue standard passports. Before leaving, you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and has several unused pages remaining. Applications made from Namibia for new passports are processed by the British High Commission in Pretoria.

All applications for full passports should be sent direct to the British High Commission in Pretoria, where they will be processed and printed. Contact details for the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria together with passport application forms and details of how to make payment are available from our website (www.ukinnamibia.fco.gov.uk) or can be collected in person from the British High Commission Windhoek premises at 116 Robert Mugabe Avenue.

Applicants can choose themselves which courier company to use to forward their applications, but will wish to be aware that the FedEx Express Licensee in Namibia, Supaswift, has agreed to a reduced rate of N$100 for the return trip of a passport application from its office to and from Pretoria. Supaswift contact details are also available on our website (www.ukinnamibia.fco.gov.uk).

The British High Commission in Pretoria remains committed to our Consular Business Target of issuing 90% of all straightforward passports applications within 10 working days on receipt of the correct supporting documents and fee and excluding transit time. Customers will need to allow extra time for applications to be sent to and from Pretoria.

The British High Commission in Windhoek will continue to issue Emergency Passports for customers who need to travel urgently. However, Emergency Passports are only valid for a single journey to the United Kingdom via agreed transit points as necessary, or to some Commonwealth countries providing prior agreement exists with the Commonwealth country concerned. The British High Commission in Windhoek can advise which Commonwealth countries accept Emergency Passports.

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry and you must have at least one completely blank page for Namibian Immigration to use. If you are travelling on to South Africa, you should be aware that while the South African authorities state officially that only one blank passport page is required for entry, there have been reports that some officials insist on two blank pages. We recommend you have a total of three blank pages.

Failure to comply may result in you being denied entry to Namibia, being denied onward passage to South Africa; being detained pending supervised departure, or all three.
Travelling with children

Single parents and other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Namibian High Commission in London.

Health

There are good medical facilities in Windhoek but you may be expected to pay for treatment, even if you are insured. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice for more details. Evacuation from remote areas can take time.
Rabies, malaria and cholera are common to Namibia. The latter two diseases are common to northern Namibia, malaria more so during the main rainy season (January - April) when the malaria belt extends as far south as Okahandja, 65km north of Windhoek. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Namibia you should seek immediate medical attention.
There was an outbreak of polio in Namibia in July 2006 and the Namibian authorities co-ordinated a mass vaccination campaign. You should ensure that your polio vaccination is up to date. You should consider carrying your vaccination card with you. Some people suffer skin problems from Namibia's hot and dry climate. There is, for the same reason, a serious risk of dehydration. When travelling outside main cities ensure you carry a good supply of drinkable water. In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 180,000 adults aged 15 or over in Namibia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 15.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Namibia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. For more information see our Travel Health and Swine Flu pages.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. You should be aware that even with fully comprehensive travel insurance, private hospitals in Namibia may insist on personal proof of payment (e.g. cash or credit card) before commencing treatment. They may also insist you pay up front, reclaiming from your insurer directly. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

You should be aware that even with fully comprehensive travel insurance, private hospitals in Namibia may insist on personal proof of payment (e.g. cash or credit card) before commencing treatment. They may also insist that you pay up front, reclaiming from your insurer directly.

Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Money

Credit and Cirrus bankcards can be used in some Namibian cash machines. The Namibian Dollar is tied to the South African Rand, which is accepted everywhere in Namibia.

Mozambique travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Local Travel (Sea Travel) section (piracy). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. Eight British nationals required consular assistance in Mozambique in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (20 cases). You should be aware of the risks of violent crime, poor road safety standards and minimal health facilities. See the Crime, Road Travel and Health sections of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. See the Sea Travel section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• The tropical cyclone season in Mozambique normally runs from November to April. Coastal areas of central and northern Mozambique can be at risk. During this time, widespread flooding around river basins, especially the Zambeze, is also likely. You should monitor local media. See the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice and our Tropical cyclones page.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice and our Travel Insurance page.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free. However, street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching and pick-pocketing are also problems.

Be vigilant at all times. Avoid walking alone at night. Avoid displaying valuables or money (deposit them in a hotel safe if possible).

Remain vigilant on beaches or off shore islands, as they are not policed. Avoid isolated picnic spots.

Incidents of carjacking have been reported, particularly in Maputo. Do not pick up strangers or stop to assist (apparently) distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicle. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.

Be vigilant and keep your car doors locked whilst driving.

If you are a victim of crime you should contact the local police immediately and obtain a police report.

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation

Mozambique Country Profile

Local Travel

All known minefields have been cleared in Mozambique’s northern provinces (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Zambezia, Niassa) substantially reducing the threat. In the central and southern provinces (Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo) you should be aware that mines do still exist in remote areas, away from main routes. Mine clearance programmes are underway. Seek advice from district authorities if travelling in these areas.

Zimbabwe

For those travelling to Zimbabwe, please see our Travel Advice for Zimbabwe.

Road Travel

Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads.

Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.

Low lying areas around major rivers flood regularly during the rainy season (November - April) making many roads impassable. Check local conditions before travelling. Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kit, and be properly prepared for difficult conditions at all times.

Only travel by road outside Maputo and other major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads in reasonable states of repair and travel with other cars in rural areas. Fuel (petrol and diesel) is often only available in larger towns.

Delays are possible on the 'Tete Corridor' joining Zimbabwe and Malawi due to ongoing rehabilitation of the Samora Machel Bridge in Tete. The bridge is closed from 01:00 to 06:30. The work is expected to continue until late 2010.

UK driving licences are valid for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you should hold a valid international driving licence or apply for a Mozambican licence, for which you must normally sit a test. It is an offence not to carry your valid driving licence with you when driving. You should be ready to present original car documentation when requested by the police.

Third party insurance cover is compulsory in Mozambique. You can purchase this at most land border crossings where there are insurance company offices.

New road safety regulations come into effect in December 2009 requiring all motorists to carry two reflective triangles and a reflective vest in their vehicle at all times. It is compulsory for all motorists to wear the reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle on a public highway. Not having these items in your vehicle could incur a penalty.

We receive regular reports of police officers attempting to solicit bribes from tourists, especially when driving. We recommend that you do not pay a bribe to anyone. If stopped by the police, you should ask for a clear explanation of the offence and a written fine that can be paid at a police station.

For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.

Air Travel

Before using internal or regional flights that are not with major international carriers, you should check the airline’s accreditation and see whether the airline operates in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisations' (ICAO) safety standards.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline Security.

River and Sea Travel

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Attacks of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin continue to affect only a very small proportion of overall shipping, but are frequent and continuing, proving successful almost exclusively against shipping which has not complied with agreed shipping industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing. All mariners should follow the 'Best Management Practise for the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia' (http://www.icc-ccs.org.uk), published by the International Maritime Bureau. We urge mariners to register with the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa) for up to date advice and guidance on passage round the Horn of Africa - www.mschoa.org, and to plan their routing carefully so as to avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

For further information, see our River and Sea Safety page.

Local laws and customs

It is a legal requirement to carry original identity documents at all times and present them, upon request, to the authorities. Police patrols and checkpoints are common. Do not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official for inspection. Ask to see an official’s ID if in doubt. Ensure your documents are returned to you.

Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and the police or officials is illegal without special permission from the Ministry of Information. If in doubt, do not take pictures. Laws are enforced.

Drug use, possession and trafficking are offences. Punishments can include long jail terms and heavy fines.

Some UK criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to British nationals overseas. British nationals who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in the UK.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

UK citizens require a visa for entry to Mozambique. You can purchase a single entry tourist visas at major border crossings and international airports (valid for 30 days, non-renewable). Some travellers have reported problems with this service (visas unavailable or taking a long time to be issued) and it is subject to change, often with no notice. Travellers have also faced problems in purchasing consecutive tourist visas at the border where they have not spent at least 4 days out of the country. If in doubt, you should contact the Mozambican immigration authorities.

We recommend that you apply for a visa at your nearest Mozambican Embassy or High Commission, where all types of visa are available, prior to your journey and well in advance of your planned visit. You should ensure that you have the correct visa for the purpose and length of your visit and obtain a clear explanation of the visa's validity and what it allows you to do. (High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique, 21 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6EL, Tel: + 44 (0)20 7383 3800; fax: + 44 (0)20 7383 3801; website: http://www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk; e-mail: mozalon@compuserve.com).

You will receive a heavy fine for every day you overstay your visa or if you have the wrong type of visa for your time in Mozambique.

Always go through immigration procedures when entering Mozambique. You will face a heavy fine if you enter the country illegally.

Yellow Fever Certificate

All travellers entering Mozambique who have been to any country where Yellow Fever is known to exist (as listed by the World Health Organisation) must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on arrival. If you cannot present a valid certificate on entry you may need to be vaccinated at your expense (approximately US$55).

Border Formalities

It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land crossing with South Africa, especially during holiday periods and if you are travelling on public transport. You should allow adequate time to arrive at your destination before nightfall.

Passport Validity

The passports of all visitors wishing to enter Mozambique (and South Africa) must be valid for a minimum of six months. You will also need to have at least two blank pages remaining in your passport.

Health

Hospital facilities are generally poor in Mozambique, especially in the north of the country. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or the UK may be necessary.

Water-borne diseases caused by unsanitary conditions, including cholera, are common throughout Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mozambique you should seek immediate medical attention.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are prevalent throughout the year in Mozambique. We recommend you to take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,400,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mozambique were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 12.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mozambique and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health, Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health pages. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

Natural disasters

During the rainy season (November to April) widespread flooding around river basins, especially the Zambezi, is likely. Monitor local reports and check your routes before travelling.

The coastal areas of central and northern Mozambique have a risk of cyclones during the rainy season, which normally runs from November to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see our Tropical cyclones page.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including provision for medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Replacement passports

The British High Commission in Maputo does not issue full passports. However, it will accept completed applications and send them to the British High Commission in Pretoria, where passports for British nationals resident in or visiting Mozambique are issued. The new passport will be sent back to the British High Commission in Maputo for collection.

It can take up to four weeks for standard applications to be processed. Full details of passport services for British nationals resident in or visiting Mozambique are available on the British High Commission's website ukinmozambique.fco.gov.uk (see the Contact Details section of this Travel Advice).

Registration

If you are resident in or visiting Mozambique you should make your whereabouts known to the British High Commission by registering with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE.

Money

Ensure you can access money in a variety of ways. Avoid withdrawing cash from ATM machines at night. Travellers' cheques are not commonly accepted and are often difficult and expensive to change. US Dollars and South African Rand are the main exchange currencies. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.

Mayotte travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Health section (removal of reference to Swine Flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are currently no restrictions in place in Mayotte.

Travel Summary

• Mayotte is a French Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. See the General section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• Most visits to Mayotte are trouble-free. There were no requests for consular assistance in 2009. Although the risk from crime is also low, it does exist and you should take precautions.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• The cyclone season in Mayotte normally runs from December to April. See the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Mayotte. See General (Insurance) section and Travel Insurance of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Local laws and customs

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Mayotte is a Territorial Collective (Collectivité Territoriale d’Outre-mer) of France. If you are a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the UK, you will not need a visa to enter Mayotte. Other British passport holders should confirm the current entry requirements with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.

Passport Validity

All British passport holders require a valid passport. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the French Embassy in London.

Health

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide any health cover in Mayotte.

Chikungunya is a common problem, particularly in the warmer months (October-May).

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mayotte and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

The cyclone season in Mayotte normally runs from December to April. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and International Cyclone Centre.

For further information see Tropical cyclones.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

• More information about registering with LOCATE.
  

Representation in Mayotte

There is no resident British Diplomatic Mission in Mayotte. Routine consular matters are covered by the British Embassy in Paris.

In case of real emergency (death or serious accident), the British High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius, may be able to provide limited assistance;

British High Commission
Les Cascades Building, ,
Edith Cavell Street,
Port Louise, PO Box 1063
Tel: (230) 202 9400
Fax: (230) 202 9407