Nigeria travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Nigeria.

Visa: Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nigeria.

• e-Visa: The primary method for obtaining a visa. Applications are submitted online at the official portal: evisa.immigration.gov.ng. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 or 90 days and is non-extendable. Fees vary by nationality but can be approximately $300 for a single-entry tourist visa for some nationalities.
• Application Timeline: Apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure, as processing usually takes 5-7 working days.
• Visa Categories: The e-Visa system has expanded from two to thirteen short-stay visa categories, including tourist, business, sports, and creative arts visas.
• Digital Arrival/Departure Cards: All travellers must complete the electronic arrival and departure cards online. This must be done at least 72 hours before arrival or departure via the official link: lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
• Overstay Penalties: Overstaying a visa incurs a daily fine of $15. Overstays of 3 months or more can result in a 5-year entry ban, and overstays of 1 year or more can result in a permanent entry ban.
• Required Documents:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation).
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • Proof of sufficient funds.

Official links: Nigeria e-Visa Portal · Digital Arrival/Departure Card · Nigeria Immigration Service

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry.

Recommended Vaccinations: Consult a travel health specialist well in advance. Recommended vaccinations include:

• Yellow Fever – mandatory for entry.
• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B – recommended for most travellers.
• Typhoid, Polio, Cholera, Meningitis – recommended for some travellers.
• Malaria Prophylaxis – Nigeria is high risk for malaria; prophylaxis is essential.

Key Health Risks:

• Malaria: High risk throughout the country.
• Diarrhoeal Diseases: High risk; drink only bottled or boiled water and maintain strict food hygiene.
• Healthcare Access: Medical facilities are inadequate and often lack supplies, including common medications.
• Emergency Services: Ambulance services are unreliable and often lack trained paramedics.
• Blood Supply: Blood supply is often unreliable.

Travel Health Insurance: Essential. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as reliable care is virtually non-existent. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of all required medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled water.

Links: CDC – Nigeria · Nigeria Ministry of Health

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Travel Advisories:
  • U.S. State Department: Level 4 – Do Not Travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and other states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
  • UK FCDO (August 2026): Advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara, and riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Advises against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra, Imo, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory.
  • Norwegian MFA: Advises against all travel to Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Borno, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Rivers (except Port Harcourt), Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
  • Australian Smartraveller: Advises do not travel to many regions.
  • Travel Insurance: Check your policy, as many will not cover travel to destinations with 'Do Not Travel' advisories in place.
• Terrorism: The terrorist threat is very high. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province are active, especially in the northeast, but have shown intent to attack further afield, including Abuja.
• Kidnapping: The threat of kidnapping is high throughout Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja. Kidnappers often target dual-national citizens, businesspeople, and tourists.
• Crime: Violent crime is widespread, including armed robbery, carjacking, and assault. Crime in Lagos and Abuja is common.
• Civil Unrest: Armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta and Southeast regions.
• Driving: Road travel between cities is dangerous, with a high risk of kidnapping and banditry. Avoid road travel at night. If travel is unavoidable, use domestic flights instead.
• Local Laws:
  • Drugs: Penalties for drug offences are severe.
  • LGBTQ+: Same-sex relationships are not widely accepted; avoid public displays of affection.
  • Photography: Do not photograph military or government buildings.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in public places.

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Australian Smartraveller · Norwegian MFA

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Note: Emergency services in Nigeria are not reliable. Ambulance services are unreliable and often do not have trained paramedics.

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. Most foreign embassies are located in Abuja, with consulates in Lagos.

• U.S. Embassy Abuja: Plot 1075, Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja · Tel: +234 209 461 4000
• U.S. Consulate Lagos: 2, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos · Tel: +234 201 460 3400
• British High Commission Abuja: 1 River Niger Street, Maitama, Abuja · Tel: +234 946 277 00
• British Deputy High Commission Lagos: 29, Victoria Island, Lagos · Tel: +234 127 740 00

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates in Nigeria

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Nigeria is a country in West Africa, the most populous country in Africa and one of the most dynamic nations on the continent. It is a federal republic and a member of the United Nations. Nigeria is known for its vibrant culture, world-class music, extraordinary food, and its role as the economic powerhouse of West Africa. The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with English as the official language. The main cities are Lagos (the commercial hub), Abuja (the capital), and Calabar (a cultural centre).

• Capital: Abuja
• Largest City: Lagos
• Population: ~230 million
• Economy: Oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, and services.
• Culture: A blend of African and British influences, with a strong tradition of music, film (Nollywood), and literature.

Official information: Nigeria Tourism · Government of Nigeria

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical, with a dry season (November to March) and a rainy season (April to October).

• Best Time to Travel: November to March, during the dry season.
• Rainy Season (Apr–Oct): Heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly, especially in public places.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Rainy Season: A lightweight raincoat or umbrella is essential.

8. Language & Communication

Official language: English. Local languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa are also widely spoken.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type G (British 3-pin).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: Yes — need an adaptor (Type C/F to Type G). For UK/Ireland: No — plugs are compatible (Type G). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 1,500 NGN; 1 USD ≈ 1,400 NGN.
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially outside Lagos and Abuja. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Use ATMs in secure locations such as bank branches, hotel lobbies, or shopping centres.
• ATMs: Available in cities.
• Price level: Low — affordable compared to Western Europe.
• Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for good service.

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airports are Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja.

• Flights: Many airlines offer direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Airport Transfer: Arrange pickup from the airport in advance.

Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are the most practical option between major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, and Port Harcourt.

Road Travel: Road travel between cities is not recommended due to the high risk of kidnapping and banditry. If road travel is necessary, avoid driving at night.

Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lagos and Abuja and are significantly safer and more reliable than hailing random taxis off the street.

Driving: Drive on the right side of the road. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Road conditions are poor outside the capital.

Official transport pages: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From luxury hotels in Lagos and Abuja to budget guesthouses.
• Safety: Use hotel safes for valuables. Theft in hotels and restaurants is common.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00. Many shops are closed on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Nigerian cuisine is influenced by African and British traditions, with a focus on rice, cassava, and plantains.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC+1. No daylight saving time.
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: Same as Central Europe.

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 3 April – Good Friday
• 5 April – Easter Sunday
• 6 April – Easter Monday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 10 April – Eid al-Fitr *dates may vary
• 17 June – Eid al-Adha *dates may vary
• 1 October – Independence Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day
• 26 December – Boxing Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Nigeria for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Nigeria offers a range of attractions, but access to many is restricted due to security risks.

Official tourism pages: Nigeria Tourism

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Nightlife in Nigeria is concentrated in Lagos and Abuja, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

• Lagos: The city has a legendary club scene, especially during "Detty December".
• Abuja: A more relaxed scene with bars and clubs.

Festivals & events:

• Calabar Carnival (December) — "Africa's biggest street party".
• Independence Day (1 October) — the national day, with celebrations.
• Detty December — the month-long party season in Lagos.

17. Media & Further Links

🇳🇬 Nigeria — the giant of Africa, where culture and energy meet. Travel is strongly advised against in many regions.
All information is provided for guidance. The security situation is extremely volatile. Always check official sources before any travel.