Health Requirements for Nigeria
Essential vaccination, malaria prevention, and health advice for a safe trip to Nigeria
Mandatory: A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Nigeria. You may be denied entry or quarantined without it. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever (MANDATORY)
Nigeria requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers aged 9 months and older. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) - the yellow card. The vaccination provides lifelong protection after a single dose.
- Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival
- Available at travel clinics and some GP surgeries
- Cost: GBP 60-80 (UK), $200-350 (US)
- Certificate is checked at immigration on arrival
Recommended Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | REQUIRED | Single dose, lifelong protection |
| Hepatitis A | Strongly recommended | 2 doses, protection for 20+ years |
| Hepatitis B | Strongly recommended | 3-dose course |
| Typhoid | Strongly recommended | Oral or injectable, renew every 2-3 years |
| Meningitis ACWY | Recommended (esp. north) | Essential if visiting during dry season |
| Rabies | Recommended (rural travel) | Pre-exposure course if visiting remote areas |
| Polio | Recommended | Booster if childhood course was completed |
| Cholera | Consider for longer stays | Oral vaccine (Dukoral) |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Ensure up to date | Booster every 10 years |
Visit a travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before your trip for a personalised vaccination plan.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present throughout Nigeria, including in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja. It is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, primarily between dusk and dawn.
Prevention Measures
- Anti-malarial tablets: Essential for all visitors. Common options include Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Start before arrival as directed.
- Insect repellent: Use DEET-based repellent (30-50%) on exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn.
- Mosquito nets: Sleep under a treated mosquito net if your accommodation doesn't have screened windows or air conditioning.
- Clothing: Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening.
- Room spray: Use plug-in mosquito repellent devices or coils in your room.
If You Get Sick: Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever during or after your trip. Malaria can be fatal if untreated but is easily treated when caught early.
Food & Water Safety
- Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in drinks unless from a trusted source. Major brands: Eva, Nestle Pure Life, Aquafina.
- Food: Eat freshly cooked hot food. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit from street vendors. Restaurants in hotels and established areas are generally safe.
- Street Food: Nigerian street food (suya, puff puff, bole) is delicious and generally safe if bought from busy vendors where food is cooked to order. Avoid food that has been sitting out.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Medical Facilities
Lagos and Abuja have good private hospitals and clinics. Outside major cities, medical facilities are more limited.
Recommended Hospitals
- Lagos: Lagoon Hospital (VI), Reddington Hospital (VI), St. Nicholas Hospital (Lagos Island), EKO Hospital (Ikeja)
- Abuja: Nisa Premier Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, Cedarcrest Hospital
Payment: Most hospitals require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment. Carry your travel insurance details at all times.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential. Ensure your policy covers:
- Medical expenses up to at least $100,000
- Medical evacuation (to South Africa or Europe if needed)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Emergency dental treatment
- Personal liability
Health Checklist
- Yellow Fever vaccine + certificate
- Anti-malaria tablets
- Hepatitis A & B vaccines
- Typhoid vaccine
- DEET insect repellent
- Travel insurance
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications