Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in Niger
This guide explains what happens after a death in Niger, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
Niger has been governed by a military junta since July 2023, when the Presidential Guard overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The CNSP (Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie) controls the country. FCDO advises against all but essential travel. Air France suspended Niamey service in the immediate aftermath of the coup. There is no resident British Embassy.
UK deaths in Niger are rare. The people most likely to need this guide are families of aid workers, NGO staff, journalists, and dual nationals.
First step
Call the FCDO Emergency Travel Line: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours). British High Commission Abuja, Nigeria has non-resident accreditation for Niger: +234 9 462 2100.
Do not travel to Niger. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the entire country.
British High Commission Abuja: non-resident coverage
There is no British Embassy in Niger. All consular services come from the British High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. The Embassy will advise on current conditions and consular capacity, and register the death for UK purposes.
The post-coup context
Before the July 2023 coup, Niger was a complex but functional repatriation destination. The coup changed the operating environment. The CNSP controls all government institutions including the Ministry of Public Health, civil status offices, and the Police Nationale. Administrative decisions reflect military authority priorities.
In practice, the civil registration process continues to function for routine deaths. Death certificates are issued through civil status offices. Police Nationale issues clearances. But the absence of independent oversight means delays can occur without explanation and without recourse.
The ECOWAS sanctions imposed after the coup (border closures, economic measures) were partially lifted in early 2024, which has normalised some international connections. However, the political context remains uncertain.
Armed group activity: conflict-affected regions
FCDO advises against all travel to multiple regions:
Tillabéri region: Borders Mali and Burkina Faso. Multiple Sahel armed groups active (JNIM, ISWAP-affiliated). Targeted attacks on security forces and international workers documented. Do not travel here.
Diffa region: Lake Chad basin. Boko Haram/ISWAP activity ongoing. Civilian casualties documented. Do not travel here.
Tahoua region north: Northern approaches to the Sahara. Armed group transit routes.
Northern desert: All areas near Libyan and Algerian borders. Arms trafficking routes, limited state presence.
For deaths in these areas, civilian body recovery is not achievable. FCDO and any specialist firm will assess whether specialist crisis channels are viable. In most cases they are not.
For deaths in Niamey and accessible areas
The sequence for a death in Niamey or other accessible areas:
- PNTL attendance if non-natural: do not move body
- Attending physician certifies cause of death
- Civil status office issues the death certificate (acte de décès) in French
- Police Nationale issues clearance
- Ministry of Public Health issues export permit
- Funeral director preparation
- Cargo via Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM)
The main variables are: whether a CNSP-level clearance is required (unpredictable) and the current frequency of departures from NIM.
Document checklist
| Document | Language | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (acte de décès) | French | Civil Status Office |
| Medical certificate | French | Ministry of Public Health |
| Police Nationale clearance | French | Police Nationale du Niger |
| Ministry of Public Health export permit | French | Ministry of Public Health |
| Certified translations | English | Certified translator |
Routing
Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM), Niamey:
- Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines: primary current route for UK cargo
- Casablanca via Royal Air Maroc: connecting via London
- Air France status variable: check current service
Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the most reliable current UK cargo pathway.
What to do first
FCDO: 020 7008 5000. British High Commission Abuja: +234 9 462 2100.
Engage a specialist firm with West African Francophone experience and confirmed post-coup Niger contacts. Do not attempt to travel to Niger to assist with the process. All management must be done remotely.
Sources: UK FCDO Niger travel advice (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/niger, updated 2024); British High Commission Abuja; ACLED Niger conflict data 2023-2024.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in Niger will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from Niger requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for Niger alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | Niger paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for Niger
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from Niger · Frequently asked questions