In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Niger’s military-led government has announced new restrictions on where European nationals can obtain visas to enter the country, citing unfair treatment of Nigerien citizens seeking entry to Europe.
The move, described as “reciprocal” by Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare, comes amid escalating tensions between Niamey and its former colonial ruler, France.
Since the July 2023 coup, Niger has distanced itself from Western allies, pivoting toward Russia, Turkey, Iran, and China.
In a note dated August 20 and confirmed by AFP, Sangare criticized European embassies for failing to process visa applications locally, forcing Nigeriens to travel to neighboring countries for consular services.
“Nigerien citizens continue to travel to neighbouring countries to complete the formalities of obtaining a visa,” he wrote.
According to the new directive, only Niger’s embassies in Geneva, Ankara, and Moscow will now be authorized to issue entry visas to nationals of Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Diplomatic and service passport holders may still apply through the embassy in Brussels.
Sangare emphasized that the decision was made “in application of the reciprocal principle,” following Niger’s unanswered request for European missions in Niamey to resume local visa processing.
Before the coup, France’s consulate in Niamey handled Schengen visa applications for Nigerien citizens. But relations have soured dramatically, culminating in the expulsion of France’s ambassador and the closure of its diplomatic offices.
The latest visa restrictions reflect Niger’s broader shift away from Western influence and its effort to assert sovereignty in foreign policy and migration control.
