Nigeria Packing List 2026
Everything you need to pack for a trip to Nigeria - season by season
Climate Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | November - March | 25-35C (77-95F) | Harmattan haze in Dec-Jan; dusty and dry |
| Rainy Season | April - October | 24-32C (75-90F) | Heavy downpours, high humidity; flooding in Lagos |
Nigeria is hot year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics. The Harmattan (Dec-Feb) brings dry, dusty winds from the Sahara to the north.
Essential Documents
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months validity) | With Nigerian visa if required | |
| Visa / e-Visa confirmation | Print a hard copy | |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required for entry - original card | |
| Travel insurance documents | Print policy number and emergency contact | |
| Flight tickets / booking confirmations | Digital and printed copies | |
| Hotel reservations | Printed; immigration may ask | |
| Photocopies of all documents | Keep separately from originals | |
| Passport photos (4x) | For SIM registration, possible permit requirements | |
| Emergency contact card | Embassy phone, insurance number, hotel address |
Clothing
Dry Season (Nov-Mar)
| Item | |
|---|---|
| Lightweight cotton shirts/blouses (5-7) | |
| Light trousers / long skirts (3-4) | |
| Shorts (for coast/hotel only) | |
| Comfortable walking shoes | |
| Sandals | |
| Sun hat or cap | |
| Light scarf (dust protection in north) | |
| Sunglasses |
Rainy Season (Apr-Oct)
| Item | |
|---|---|
| All dry season items PLUS: | |
| Compact waterproof jacket | |
| Compact umbrella | |
| Quick-dry clothing | |
| Waterproof shoes/sandals | |
| Waterproof phone pouch | |
| Extra plastic bags for wet items | |
| Light long-sleeved layers for AC |
Dress Code: Dress modestly in northern Nigeria (Muslim majority). Cover shoulders and knees. In Lagos and southern cities, smart casual is fine. Nigerians dress well - avoid looking scruffy.
Health & Medical Kit
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Antimalarial medication | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine - start before arrival | |
| DEET insect repellent (30-50%) | Essential - apply at dusk and dawn | |
| Mosquito net (treated) | If unsure about accommodation quality | |
| Sunscreen SPF50 | Tropical sun is intense | |
| Basic first aid kit | Plasters, antiseptic, painkillers | |
| Oral rehydration salts | For dehydration from heat or stomach issues | |
| Anti-diarrhoea tablets | Imodium / Loperamide | |
| Hand sanitiser | Multiple small bottles | |
| Water purification tablets | Backup if bottled water unavailable | |
| Prescription medications | In original packaging with doctor's letter |
Electronics & Gadgets
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Type G power adapter (UK-style) | 230V/50Hz - same as UK plugs | |
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | Essential - power cuts are frequent | |
| Universal multi-adapter | Hotels may have different socket types | |
| Phone with Bolt/Uber apps | Pre-install before arrival | |
| Torch / flashlight | For power outages | |
| Camera | Don't photograph military or police | |
| Earbuds / headphones | For flights and noisy environments |
Money & Security
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Money belt / hidden pouch | Wear under clothing for cash and passport | |
| USD cash (for exchange) | Bring clean, recent notes ($20, $50, $100) | |
| Debit/credit card | Visa widely accepted; Mastercard less so | |
| Small padlock | For hostel lockers or bag zippers | |
| Doorstop alarm | Extra security for budget hotel rooms |
Toiletries & Miscellaneous
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Toiletries (travel size) | Basics available in Nigerian shops | |
| Wet wipes | Multipurpose; useful in humid conditions | |
| Tissues / toilet paper | Not always available in public facilities | |
| Reusable water bottle | Refill with bottled water | |
| Dry bags | Protect electronics in rain | |
| Pen | For immigration forms |
Don't Forget
- Yellow fever certificate
- Antimalarial medication
- DEET insect repellent
- Power bank
- Type G adapter