Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) Guide 2026

Lagos Traffic Warning: Traffic in Lagos is notoriously heavy. Allow at least 2-3 hours to reach the airport from Victoria Island during rush hours (7-10am and 4-8pm). The Third Mainland Bridge route is often faster than the Oshodi corridor.

International Terminal

• Lounges: Gabfol Lounge, Bidvest Premier Lounge ($35-50 per visit), Emirates Lounge (business class passengers)
• Food & Drink: KFC, Chicken Republic, Southern Fried Chicken, various local restaurants
• Shopping: Duty-free shops, electronics, Nigerian crafts, fashion outlets
• WiFi: Free WiFi available (limited speed), premium WiFi in lounges
• Charging Points: Available in departure gates and lounges
• ATMs: GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank (Naira dispensing)
• Prayer Room: Available for all faiths

Domestic Terminal (MMA1/GAT)

• Rebuilt terminal with improved facilities since 2022
• Fast food outlets, bookshops, and convenience stores
• Separate check-in counters for each domestic airline

Nigeria offers Visa on Arrival (VoA) for eligible travellers, but you must apply online before travel:

1. Apply at portal.immigration.gov.ng at least 48 hours before departure
2. Receive an approval letter via email
3. Present the approval letter at the VoA desk on arrival
4. Pay the visa fee ($20-80 depending on nationality and duration)
5. Provide passport photos and return ticket

African Union passport holders and citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter Nigeria visa-free for up to 90 days.

Queue Times: Immigration queues can take 30-90 minutes during peak hours (multiple flight arrivals between 6-9pm). E-passport gates are available for Nigerian passport holders.

All arrivals must complete a customs declaration form. Key allowances:

• Currency: You may bring in up to $10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration
• Alcohol: 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• Gifts: Items up to N50,000 in value
• Prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, firearms (without permit), endangered species products
• Restricted: Medications (carry prescription), large electronics (may attract duty)

Currency Exchange

• Bureau de Change: Multiple operators in arrivals hall; rates are competitive but check before exchanging
• ATMs: GTBank, First Bank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank ATMs dispense Naira
• Current Rate: Check CBN official rate vs parallel market rate — the gap can be significant
• Tip: Bring clean, recent USD or GBP notes for the best exchange rates

SIM Cards & Data

Note: Nigerian SIM registration requires NIN (National Identification Number). Visitors can register with passport at airport kiosks — the process takes 15-30 minutes.

Mid-Range & Upscale

• Ibis Lagos Ikeja — 3 km from airport, modern rooms, restaurant, shuttle service ($60-90/night)
• Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel — Victoria Island, 22 km, 5-star luxury ($150-250/night)
• Lagos Airport Hotel — Adjacent to domestic terminal, convenient for early flights ($80-120/night)

Budget

• BON Hotel Ikeja — 5 km, comfortable rooms, pool ($40-60/night)
• De Edge Hotel — Ikeja GRA, 4 km from airport ($30-50/night)
• Best Western Plus Lagos Ikeja — 6 km, reliable chain hotel ($55-85/night)

Arrival Tips

• Have your e-visa approval or visa documentation ready before joining the immigration queue
• Keep N5,000-10,000 in cash for immediate transport needs (porters, tips)
• Use the official taxi desk — do not accept offers from touts inside the terminal
• Download Uber and Bolt apps before arrival and ensure you have mobile data
• Luggage trolleys are available but porters will approach; agree on a tip beforehand (N1,000-2,000)

Departure Tips

• Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights due to multiple security checks
• Pay the Passenger Service Charge (included in ticket price since 2022)
• Confirm your flight 24 hours before departure — cancellations and delays are common
• Pack snacks and a water bottle; airside food options are limited and expensive

Transit Tips

• If transiting between domestic and international terminals, allow 2-3 hours as they are separate buildings
• There is no airside transfer — you must clear immigration and recheck luggage
• Consider booking an airport lounge for long layovers