Niger Deploys Regional Biometric Passport, Becomes Third Country in AES

The Niger has made a significant step forward in the deployment of its biometric passport as part of the Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). On Thursday, July 16, 2026, President Abdourahamane Tiani became the latest head of state to obtain this new travel document from authorities in Niamey.

This deployment follows several months after the enrollment of the Niger’s national biometric card, completed on March 27 last year. According to authorities, this passport complies with technical standards adopted by member states of the AES for a more secure and harmonized travel document.

Progressive Deployment in Three AES Countries

According to Niger’s authorities, this biometric passport is designed to provide citizens with identification and travel documents conforming to technical specifications set by AES member states. The Niger becomes the third country in the Confederation to engage its deployment, after Burkina Faso and Mali.

Harmonized Document at the Regional Level

Niger’s authorities state that this biometric passport aims to provide citizens with a secure and harmonized travel document in line with AES standards. It should also simplify the exchange of travel titles among citizens of the three member states.

This operation marks a new phase in the deployment of common biometric documents following that of the national biometric card. For reference, the Confédération des États du Sahel announced the official circulation of its biometric passport as of January 29, 2025. Authorities specified that old passports bearing the CEDEAO logo remain valid until their expiration date. Replacement with the new AES passport will be carried out progressively in accordance with procedures in each country.

Created in 2024, the Confédération des États du Sahel brings together Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since its creation, the three states have worked to implement several common devices, including harmonizing some administrative and travel documents intended for their citizens.