Traveling to Nigeria: What You Need to Know
Traveling to Nigeria: What You Need to Know
Traveling
Several international airlines have flights to Nigeria. British Airways, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airlines are some airlines that offer flights to Nigeria. You can book flights to Nigerian directly with the airlines or you can get cheap flight tickets from travel agencies such as ASAP Tickets.
Trip delay and cancellation fees are the leading reasons travelers purchase travel insurance. It can reimburse you for hefty fees in the case of a last minute covered trip delay or trip cancellation. You can get flight ticket protection for non-refundable & non-exchangeable flight tickets. Hassle-free travel for a small fraction of the price.
Visa Requirements
A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required for entry into Nigeria.
Foreign nationals cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally.
To obtain a visa, an applicant is expected to show proof of ability to sustain oneself for as long as he/she is in the country. the visitor may also need to present an airline ticket. Visas can be obtanined from Nigerian embassies or consulates around the world or via a Visa service
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals whose stay will not exceed three months are exempt from obtaining a visa for entry into Nigeria. Entry information can be obtained from the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country.
List of Nigerian embassies or consulates worldwide.
Medical Facilities
Good medical facilities are limited especially in areas outside of the major cities and medicines are often hard to get. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Confirm if payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.
Health Hazards/Precautions
Insect, food and water borne diseases are major causes of illness in Nigeria. Some predominant illnesses are;
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Typhoid Fever, etc
Drink only bottled drinks including water. Avoid raw foods or dairy products and avoid food street stands and vendors as much as possible. If possible defer medical treatment until you reach a facility where safety can be assured.
Other Health Information
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions (for US travellers) may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at tel.: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at www.cdc.gov
Restrictions on Photography
Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission has to be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.
Currency Regulations
Credit cards are accepted in more places than before. Most locations in major cities accept debit cards while international credit cards are typically accepted and large insitutions like international airlines, large hotel brands, etc. It is advised to be cautious when using your cards. Do not let your cards out of your sight at any time and ensure that no one can copy your PIN.
If possible travel with enough foreign currency to cover the expenses of your planned visit. Currency can be converted into Naira at Bureau de Change's like Travelex, banks or with "black" market operators that hover around the hotels or airports. Be sure to check on the most rcent exchange rate before you convert your money as the operators sometimes expect to haggle about the rates.
Criminal Penalties
While in a foreign country, foreign nationals are subject to the laws and regulations of their host country, which sometimes differ significantly from those in their native countries and may not afford the protections available to the individual under the laws of their home country.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in other countries for similar offenses.
Persons violating Nigerian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nigeria are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Traveling
Several international airlines have flights to Nigeria. British Airways, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airlines are some airlines that offer flights to Nigeria. You can book flights to Nigerian directly with the airlines or you can get cheap flight tickets from travel agencies such as ASAP Tickets.
Trip delay and cancellation fees are the leading reasons travelers purchase travel insurance. It can reimburse you for hefty fees in the case of a last minute covered trip delay or trip cancellation. You can get flight ticket protection for non-refundable & non-exchangeable flight tickets. Hassle-free travel for a small fraction of the price.
Visa Requirements
A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required for entry into Nigeria.
Foreign nationals cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally.
To obtain a visa, an applicant is expected to show proof of ability to sustain oneself for as long as he/she is in the country. the visitor may also need to present an airline ticket. Visas can be obtanined from Nigerian embassies or consulates around the world or via a Visa service
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals whose stay will not exceed three months are exempt from obtaining a visa for entry into Nigeria. Entry information can be obtained from the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country.
List of Nigerian embassies or consulates worldwide.
Medical Facilities
Good medical facilities are limited especially in areas outside of the major cities and medicines are often hard to get. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Confirm if payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.
Health Hazards/Precautions
Insect, food and water borne diseases are major causes of illness in Nigeria. Some predominant illnesses are;
- Malaria
- Cholera
- Typhoid Fever, etc
Drink only bottled drinks including water. Avoid raw foods or dairy products and avoid food street stands and vendors as much as possible. If possible defer medical treatment until you reach a facility where safety can be assured.
Other Health Information
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions (for US travellers) may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at tel.: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at www.cdc.gov
Restrictions on Photography
Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission has to be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.
Currency Regulations
Credit cards are accepted in more places than before. Most locations in major cities accept debit cards while international credit cards are typically accepted and large insitutions like international airlines, large hotel brands, etc. It is advised to be cautious when using your cards. Do not let your cards out of your sight at any time and ensure that no one can copy your PIN.
If possible travel with enough foreign currency to cover the expenses of your planned visit. Currency can be converted into Naira at Bureau de Change's like Travelex, banks or with "black" market operators that hover around the hotels or airports. Be sure to check on the most rcent exchange rate before you convert your money as the operators sometimes expect to haggle about the rates.
Criminal Penalties
While in a foreign country, foreign nationals are subject to the laws and regulations of their host country, which sometimes differ significantly from those in their native countries and may not afford the protections available to the individual under the laws of their home country.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in other countries for similar offenses.
Persons violating Nigerian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nigeria are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Traveling
Several international airlines have flights to Nigeria. British Airways, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airlines are some airlines that offer flights to Nigeria. You can book flights to Nigerian directly with the airlines or you can get cheap flight tickets from travel agencies such as ASAP Tickets.
Trip delay and cancellation fees are the leading reasons travelers purchase travel insurance. It can reimburse you for hefty fees in the case of a last minute covered trip delay or trip cancellation. You can get flight ticket protection for non-refundable & non-exchangeable flight tickets. Hassle-free travel for a small fraction of the price.
Visa Requirements
A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required for entry into Nigeria.
Foreign nationals cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally.
To obtain a visa, an applicant is expected to show proof of ability to sustain oneself for as long as he/she is in the country. the visitor may also need to present an airline ticket. Visas can be obtanined from Nigerian embassies or consulates around the world or via a Visa service
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals whose stay will not exceed three months are exempt from obtaining a visa for entry into Nigeria. Entry information can be obtained from the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country.
List of Nigerian embassies or consulates worldwide.
Medical Facilities
Good medical facilities are limited especially in areas outside of the major cities and medicines are often hard to get. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Confirm if payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.
Health Hazards/Precautions
Insect, food and water borne diseases are major causes of illness in Nigeria. Some predominant illnesses are;
Drink only bottled drinks including water. Avoid raw foods or dairy products and avoid food street stands and vendors as much as possible. If possible defer medical treatment until you reach a facility where safety can be assured.
Other Health Information
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions (for US travellers) may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at tel.: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at www.cdc.gov
Restrictions on Photography
Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission has to be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.
Currency Regulations
Credit cards are accepted in more places than before. Most locations in major cities accept debit cards while international credit cards are typically accepted and large insitutions like international airlines, large hotel brands, etc. It is advised to be cautious when using your cards. Do not let your cards out of your sight at any time and ensure that no one can copy your PIN.
If possible travel with enough foreign currency to cover the expenses of your planned visit. Currency can be converted into Naira at Bureau de Change's like Travelex, banks or with "black" market operators that hover around the hotels or airports. Be sure to check on the most rcent exchange rate before you convert your money as the operators sometimes expect to haggle about the rates.
Criminal Penalties
While in a foreign country, foreign nationals are subject to the laws and regulations of their host country, which sometimes differ significantly from those in their native countries and may not afford the protections available to the individual under the laws of their home country.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in other countries for similar offenses.
Persons violating Nigerian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nigeria are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.