Niger

Yellow fever vaccination required for entry

Niger requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for arriving travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of country of departure — including travelers coming directly from Switzerland. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (yellow card). The vaccine must be given at a licensed Swiss yellow fever vaccination centre at least 10 days before travel.

CDC / WHO International Health Regulations ↗ · Updated 2026

Meningitis belt — seasonal meningococcal risk

Niger lies in the African meningitis belt. Epidemics of meningococcal disease occur during the dry season, roughly December to June. Meningococcal vaccination (quadrivalent ACWY) is recommended for travelers visiting during this period, for longer stays, and for close contact with the local population.

CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026

Recent alerts

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip — per the Swiss BAG schedule. These include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap)
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• COVID-19

Consider for travelers going to areas of active transmission (e.g. Tahoua, Zinder), aid/relief workers, and those staying in conditions with poor water and sanitation.

Recommended for all travelers to Niger. Note for Swiss travelers: Hepatitis A is not part of the routine Swiss BAG childhood schedule, so most adult travelers will need vaccination.

Recommended per individual risk and stay duration. Routine in the Swiss childhood schedule since 1998 — younger travelers are usually covered.

Quadrivalent ACWY vaccination recommended for travel during the dry season (December–June), for longer stays, and for close contact with the local population — Niger is in the meningitis belt.

Consider pre-exposure vaccination for longer stays, rural travel, cyclists/motorbike riders, those working with animals, and children. Post-exposure treatment can be hard to obtain locally.

Recommended for most travelers to Niger, especially those visiting rural areas, staying with friends and relatives, or in poor hygienic conditions.

Required for entry and medically recommended for all travelers aged 9 months and older going south of the Sahara. Single dose gives lifelong protection; must be given at a licensed Swiss YF centre ≥10 days before arrival.