All you need to know before your trip to Nigeria; entry rules, practical tips, local transport, costs, and more to ensure a smooth, memorable visit.

1. Entry Requirements

Visa & Entry Requirements for Nigeria

To enter Nigeria, passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date and have at least one blank page for entry stamps.

Most travellers outside the ECOWAS region will need a visa.

Fortunately, Nigeria now operates a fully digital e‑Visa system, making the process faster and more accessible for tourism, business, and transit purposes.

Nigeria’s e‑Visa Platform (Launched May 2025)

All applications processed via the official Nigerian Immigration eVisa portal.

Digital visa approval (called eTAL) sent via email within 1–2 business days.

No physical sticker required, just present your eTAL and passport on arrival

Online payment required (visa fees vary by nationality).

Mandatory digital landing and exit cards to be submitted before arrival and departure

Nigeria Visa Types & Requirements

Visa Type	Stay Duration	Key Requirements
Tourist Visa	Up to 30 days	Hotel booking or invitation letter, proof of funds, return ticket, yellow fever certificate
Single-entry Business Visa	Up to 90 days	Company invite, CAC registration, return ticket, financial proof
Multiple-entry Business Visa	30 days per entry	Investment of at least $250,000 and embassy-issued documents
Transit Visa	Up to 48 hours	Valid onward ticket and visa for destination country
Other Categories	Varies	Journalistic, medical, religious, NGO, academic, or cultural reasons

How to Apply for a Nigerian e‑Visa

If you’re a foreign national or a nigerian with dual citizenship, you can now apply for your e-visa from the comfort of your device.

No embassy visits, no long lines, just smarter, faster, fully digital travel. Just ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Apply in minutes at evisa.immigration.gov.ng

Go to the official Nigerian e‑Visa application portal.
Select your visa type and fill out the application form.
Upload supporting documents (passport bio page, travel itinerary, etc.)
Make your payment securely online.
Receive your eTAL (electronic Travel Authorization Letter) via email in 1–2 business days.
Print and present your eTAL with your passport on arrival.

Travel Tips for Visa Holders

Yellow fever and polio vaccinations are mandatory — carry your WHO vaccination card.

Avoid overstaying your visa — fines can exceed $4,000.

e‑Visa ≠ Visa on Arrival — apply online in advance

ECOWAS nationals can enter without a visa for short stays

Don’t forget to complete digital landing and exit forms before you travel

Health Requirements

Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for travellers arriving from any WHO-designated risk country.

COVID-19: no routine PCR tests currently required, but check for updates from Nigerian authorities.

Health declaration: may be required, check the Nigeria International Travel Portal before flying.

Customs & Currency

Declare if carrying foreign currency equivalent of US $10,000 or more.

Restricted/prohibited items include certain agricultural products. Check Nigeria Customs Service for details.

2. Immigration & Arrival

Immigration officers will perform biometric (fingerprint/photo) checks.

A passport stamp and entry endorsement will be issued.

Retain your passport and all travel documents throughout your stay.

3. Currency & Payments

Official currency: Nigerian Naira (₦).

ATMs available in cities, but carry cash when visiting rural areas.

Credit/debit card acceptance is increasing in urban centres, inform your bank ahead of travel.

Use a money belt or hidden pouch in crowded areas to protect cash and cards.

4. Transport

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Licensed taxis are common in cities like Lagos and Abuja. Ride-hailing apps include Bolt, Uber, InDrive, and ORide.

Fares vary, confirm via the app or negotiate with drivers.

Carry small change; some drivers may not accept card payments.

Buses & Mass Transit

Major cities have bus systems (e.g., BRT in Lagos), though services vary in comfort and reliability.

Intercity buses offer connections between major urban centers.

Intra-city minibuses (danfo) are plentiful but can be crowded, use with caution.

5. Weather & What to Pack

The climate is tropical: hot and humid most of the year.

Rainy seasons: April–July in the south; June–September in the north.

What to Pack

Light cotton clothing for warm weather

A jacket for cooler areas like Jos

Modest attire for northern regions

Power adapters (Type D and G plugs)

Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication

6. Safety & Health

Exercise heightened awareness, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Avoid displaying valuables; use hotel safes when possible.

Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water for consumption and teeth brushing.

Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, particularly in northern, forest, or swamp regions.

Consider a travel insurance plan that covers medical evacuation.

7. Cultural Norms & Etiquette

English is the official language; major indigenous languages include Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.

Greet with a handshake and maintain politeness in conversation.

Dress modestly especially when visiting religious or rural areas.

Respect “Mothers” and “Elders” as terms of respect in many communities.

Tipping: not mandatory, but appreciated, around in restaurants and for services.

8. Electricity & Power

Voltage: 230 V, frequency: 50 Hz.

Outlets: British-style Type G (three rectangular pins).

Frequent power outages (known as “dumsor”): carry a power bank and internal UPS if you rely on electronics.

9. Alcohol & Smoking

Alcohol sold in licensed venues; public drinking is discouraged.

Smoking is permitted in designated areas, typically in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants.

10. Internet & SIM Cards

Local SIM cards (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) are easy to obtain; registration requires your passport.

4G/LTE coverage is strong in urban areas; mobile data is affordable and widespread.

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and airports.

Purchase SIM cards at airports, shopping malls, or telecom shops. Prices from ₦500–2,000 depending on data.

For international calls, consider adding a data package or use apps like WhatsApp and Skype.

11. Tourist Refunds & Customs

No general sales tax refund scheme exists; taxes are typically included in the price.

Customs regulations vary, always declare large amounts of cash when entering or leaving the country.

12. Tips & Reminders

Book hotels and tours in advance, especially during peak travel or festivals.

Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.

Download useful apps: Ride-hailing, Google Maps, and travel safety apps.

Maintain good hand hygiene, particularly in high-contact settings.

13. Emergency Contacts

Police: 112 or 199 (varies by region)

Ambulance/Fire: 199 or local equivalents

Your Embassy or Consulate: (include local contact info—e.g., U.S. Embassy in Abuja: +234 9 461 4000)

14. Seasonality & Public Holidays

Major events and travel considerations:

Christmas & New Year (Dec–Jan): high travel volumes, book early.

Eid Al-Fitr & Eid Al-Adha: dates vary annually, check calendar.

Independence Day, Durbar festivals, Calabar Carnival (Dec).

15. Celebrate Nigeria All Year Round

Event	Location	Month
Lagos Fashion Week	Lagos	October
Carnival Calabar	Calabar	December
Felabration	Lagos	October
Durbar Festival	Kano, Katsina, Zaria	Eid festivals
Argungu Festival	Kebbi	February–March
Eyo Festival	Lagos	Varies

Where To Stay In Nigeria

Whether you’re in town for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, Nigeria offers a wide range of top-tier accommodations that blend comfort, convenience, and local charm.

Lagos – The Cultural Capital

The Wheatbaker – A boutique luxury hotel in Ikoyi known for its contemporary design, art-filled interiors, and impeccable service.

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel – Overlooking the Lagos Lagoon, this upscale hotel offers waterfront views, modern amenities, and quick access to Victoria Island.

Maison Fahrenheit – A stylish hotel in the heart of Victoria Island, perfect for creative professionals, digital nomads, and travellers who love design-forward spaces.

Abuja – The Nation’s Capital

Transcorp Hilton – A legendary 5-star hotel in the city centre with top-tier facilities, restaurants, and conference spaces.

Fraser Suites – Ideal for long stays, this modern hotel offers fully serviced apartments with kitchenettes, a serene pool, and quiet surroundings.

Nordic Hotel – A minimalist, cozy, and eco-conscious boutique hotel in Jabi, great for travellers seeking calm in the city.

✔️ Summary & Pro Tips

Confirm passport validity and secure your visa early.
Plan for tropical weather, carry extras for power & mosquitoes.
Use licensed transport, stay alert in urban hubs.
Stay connected: local SIM + apps = better navigation & safety.
Respect Nigerian culture; be warm, courteous, and open.

Inspire Your Journey

Tag us at #NigeriaEverywhere

Follow us: @nigeriaeverywhere

Essential Travel Information