Niger bans US visas in retaliation for Trump travel restrictions

• Niger has suspended all visas for US citizens in response to President Trump’s expanded travel restrictions.
• The move reflects a broader realignment of Sahel military-led governments away from Western allies.

The West African nation of Niger has announced a complete ban on issuing visas to American citizens in response to a recent US travel prohibition. The decision comes after US President Donald Trump expanded entry restrictions last week to include Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, South Sudan, Syria, Palestine, and tightened rules for Laos and Sierra Leone.

Authorities in Niamey stated that US citizens will be permanently prevented from entering Niger, citing the principle of reciprocity and national sovereignty. The move reflects the ruling junta’s ongoing shift in diplomatic posture following the 2023 coup, as Niger and other Sahel countries realign away from traditional Western partners.

The visa ban marks a further deterioration in US-Niger relations, previously focused on security cooperation against militant groups in the Sahel. Analysts warn that the mutual restrictions could complicate humanitarian operations and security coordination in the region.

This development occurs amid a broader geopolitical realignment in the Sahel, where military-led governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have distanced themselves from Western allies, expelled French forces, and sought closer ties with Russia.