Copyright MassLive
The U.S. Department of State has issued an updated travel warning to the African country of Niger due to terrorism, health and crime concerns. Niger’s travel advisory has been updated to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, the highest level given out by the Department of State. “Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom as a business model,” the advisory reads. “They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests.” Recent attacks have occurred in the following areas: Niamey, the Malian border area, the Diffa region, Northern Agadez and the southern border corridor along the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, according to the Department of State. Other than terrorism, the Department of State also cites a lack of medical services, violent crime and political and economic unrest as reasons to avoid the country. Review information on Terrorism. Review information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Review information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Research how to arrange a Nigerien military or police escort if traveling outside Niamey. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Niger. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm you’re safe (text or call). Specify how often you’ll do this. Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile. Stay alert in tourist spots. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is. Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Niger. More Travel Advisories Reconsider travel: Feds place level 3 warning on popular Caribbean destination Travel advisory urges U.S. citizens to avoid this African country UK joins Turks and Caicos, Denmark, Brazil, France in US travel warnings over safety concerns Civil unrest prompts travel advisory for popular vacation island Travel advisory: Violence prompts federal warning over island nation with diverse wildlife
