Know Before You Go

Most nationalities need a visa. Obtain on arrival at major airports (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt) or apply in advance at a Nigerian embassy. Transit visas are ~14 days; tourist visas up to 90 days. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and will be checked on entry. Passport must be valid for 6+ months.

Currency is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). 1 USD ≈ 1,400-1,600 NGN (rates fluctuate). Exchange money at banks, recognized forex bureaus, or ATMs in cities; street exchanges offer poor rates and can involve counterfeits. Carry cash for markets and small vendors; credit cards work in larger hotels and malls but fees are steep. Mobile money (MTN, Airtel) is widely used for transfers.

SIM cards from MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile are sold at airports and shops; provide ID. Data is cheap and reliable in urban areas; 1 GB costs ≈500 NGN. 4G/LTE covers most cities. Expect slower speeds and occasional outages outside major centers.

Lagos and Abuja have Uber and Bolt; use ride-share apps rather than street taxis to avoid overcharging and scams. Interstate travel is by road (long-distance buses or shared taxis); driving yourself is not advised due to road conditions and traffic. Flights between major cities (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano) are affordable and recommended for longer distances. Within cities, danfo (minibus) are cheap and cheerful but crowded; negotiate fares if no meter.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria is endemic; take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent. Drink bottled water only. Medical facilities in Lagos and Abuja are decent; outside major cities they are basic. Travel insurance is essential. LUTH (Lagos) and Abuja National Hospital are reliable options. Pharmacies are abundant and drugs affordable, but quality varies; ask your hotel for a reputable clinic.

English is the official language and widely spoken in cities. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo dominate regionally. Learning a few phrases in local languages is appreciated. Handshakes are standard; avoid left hand for eating, greeting, or passing items. Religion (Islam and Christianity) is important; be respectful of prayer times and sacred spaces. Nigerians are warm and love humor; conversations flow easily if you engage genuinely.

Best time: November to March (dry season, cooler). April to October is rainy; many roads flood, especially in the south. Lagos and the coast are humid year-round. The north (Kano, Katsina) is drier and cooler. Avoid September to October if possible; rainfall is heaviest then. December-January is peak tourist season; expect higher prices and more crowding.

Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is West Africa's busiest hub, served by every major African and international airline. Domestic flights connect to Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. The coastal road from Benin enters through chaos and energy; northbound routes cross the Niger into savanna and Sahel.