Travel to Nigeria — Essential Guide

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever — Mandatory (required at entry)
• Hepatitis A & B — Strongly recommended
• Typhoid — Recommended
• Meningitis — Recommended (especially for northern Nigeria)
• Polio — Ensure up to date
• COVID-19 — Check current requirements

Malaria Prevention:

Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor, use insect repellent containing DEET, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves in the evening.

Drinking Water:

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks and raw foods washed with tap water.

Nigeria is a vibrant country with warm, welcoming people. Like any large country, safety varies by region. Take standard precautions:

• Lagos and Abuja: Generally safe for tourists in well-populated areas. Avoid isolated areas at night.
• Northern Nigeria: Exercise heightened caution, particularly in the northeast (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states) due to security concerns.
• Niger Delta: Some areas may have security risks. Check current advisories.
• General Tips: Keep valuables secure, use reputable transport, avoid displaying expensive items, register with your country's embassy.

Always check your government's latest travel advisory before departure and register with the nearest Nigerian embassy if needed.

The Nigerian Naira (NGN, ₦) is the official currency. Notes come in ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 denominations.

• ATMs: Widely available in cities, especially Lagos and Abuja. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at most bank ATMs.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange at banks, licensed Bureau de Change (BDC), or hotels. Avoid street money changers.
• Mobile Money: Growing rapidly. Services like OPay, PalmPay, and bank mobile apps are widely used.
• Card Payments: Accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls in major cities. Carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants, small tips for hotel porters and taxi drivers.

Airports:

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) — Lagos (main international hub)
• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) — Abuja
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) — Kano
• Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) — Port Harcourt

Local Transport:

• Ride-hailing: Bolt and Uber operate in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities. Safest and most convenient option.
• BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): Available in Lagos. Affordable and efficient for common routes.
• Danfos/Molue: Minibuses and large buses. Cheap but crowded. Common in Lagos.
• Keke (Tricycles): Three-wheeled taxis common in many cities.
• Domestic Flights: Air Peace, Ibom Air, and others connect major cities. Best for long distances.

Nigeria has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

• Dry Season (November — March): Best time to visit. Less rain, lower humidity, pleasant temperatures (25-35C). Harmattan winds bring cool, dusty air from the Sahara in December-January.
• Wet Season (April — October): Heavy rains, especially in southern Nigeria. Peak rainfall June-September. Temperatures remain warm (22-30C).

Northern Nigeria is hotter and drier. Southern Nigeria is more humid with higher rainfall. Lagos can experience flooding during peak rainy season.

For consular emergencies, contact your country's nearest Nigerian embassy.

• Get yellow fever vaccination (mandatory)
• Take malaria prophylaxis
• Check visa requirements
• Register with your embassy
• Get travel insurance
• Carry copies of important documents