The U.S. Department of State releases travel advisories for countries using a four-level risk assessment.
The most dangerous countries for U.S. travelers are rated a level four, “do not travel.” The West African country of Niger, with a population of 28 million people, is on that list. On October 31, the State Department updated its travel warning for Niger to reflect new safety issues and embassy instructions. That comes as loved ones await news about a Christian missionary who was abducted in Niger in October.
“The advisory level was increased to 4. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations,” the State Department wrote. “Do not travel to Niger for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping.”
The U.S. State Department Warns That It Can Not Offer Emergency Services to U.S. Citizens in Niger
The situation in Niger has deteriorated to the degree that it’s no longer safe for family members of U.S. embassy workers to stay there. On October 30, 2025, the Department of State “authorized the departure of all family members of U.S. government employees in Niger due to safety risks,” the State Department’s warning says.
“The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks,” it adds. “A state of emergency and movement restrictions are in place in many regions throughout Niger.”
According to the risk assessment:
- “Nigerien authorities require military escorts for any foreigners traveling outside Niamey, including U.S. government personnel.”
- “Areas under a state of emergency are off-limits and subject to change.”
An American Missionary Was Kidnapped in Niger in October 2025
On October 30, the BBC reported that an American missionary was kidnapped in Niger.
According to BBC, a July 2023 coup in Niger resulted in the “ouster of Niger’s democratically elected president Bazoum.” Subsequently, General Abdourahamane Tiani “and his military junta” took power, BBC reported.
The missionary was named as Kevin Rideout. “Kevin Rideout was taken from his home in Niger’s capital in the middle of the night last week in a Toyota Corolla by three armed suspected jihadists,” CBN reported. “Rideout is a pilot for the evangelical missionary agency Serving in Mission. He was taken hostage from the capital city of Niamey, less than 100 yards from the presidential palace.”
“Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom as a business model. They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests,” the U.S. government warning for Niger says.
“Terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger and they may attack anywhere. Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings of foreigners in Niger.”
In addition, the State Department says, violent crime remains a concern. “Violent crimes can happen at any time. Crimes include armed robbery and residential break-ins,” the alert says. “Medical services in Niger are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. There is limited access to medicines including antibiotics. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your expense.”
