Warden Messages and Special Announcements
Temporary Embassy Travel Restriction ( 23 Jan, 2009)
According to international news reports, four European travelers were kidnapped on January 22 near the Niger-Mali border. They were apparently taken from a larger group who were traveling in a convoy.
Given the uncertainty about safety and security for travelers in the region, U.S. Embassy Niamey has suspended travel north of Relais Kanazi for USG employees and official visitors to Niger without approval of the Chief of Mission until further notice. American citizens are strongly urged to avoid travel in the region north of Niamey.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free within the U.S. and Canada or, for callers from other countries, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is located on Rue des Ambassades, tel (227) 20-72-26-61. The after-hours emergency number is (227) 20-72-31-41.