Niger-Europe visa row: Sahel nation limits visa access for nationals of 5 European countries

Niger’s military government has announced new restrictions on where citizens of several European nations can obtain visas to enter the Sahel country, escalating tensions with the West. The move, officials say, is in response to the obstacles faced by Nigeriens seeking visas from European embassies.

Since seizing power in a 2023 coup, the junta has distanced itself from Western partners, favouring closer alignment with Russia and other non-Western allies. Relations with France, Niger’s former colonial power have been particularly strained, culminating in the expulsion of the French ambassador from Niamey.

Previously, Nigeriens could apply for Schengen visas via France’s consulate in the capital. However, in an internal note dated August 20 and confirmed by AFP, Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare expressed frustration that Nigerien applicants “continue to travel to neighbouring countries to complete the formalities of obtaining a visa.”

He added that Niamey had requested European embassies in Niger be authorised to issue visas locally, a demand that he said “remained unanswered.”

As a result, Sangare announced, “From now on, the embassies of Niger in Geneva, Ankara and Moscow are the only ones authorised to issue entry visas to Niger for nationals of the following countries: Italy, the Netherlands, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Belgium, the United Kingdom.”

The minister said the decision was taken “in application of the reciprocal principle.” Holders of diplomatic or service passports from these countries will instead be able to obtain their visas at Niger’s embassy in Brussels, he clarified.

Since the coup, Niamey has sought to deepen partnerships with Russia, Turkey, Iran and China, signalling a broader realignment of its foreign policy.

With inputs from agencies