Destination guide
Last updated: June 15, 2026Africa’s cultural powerhouse — Afrobeats, Nollywood, endless energy — but also the corridor destination that demands the most preparation. Visa, yellow fever and region-by-region safety: here is the essential, verified.
Travel essentials
European and Angolan citizens need a visa or eVisa, obtained BEFORE travelling (eVisa portals have frequent downtime — apply weeks ahead). ECOWAS citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Note: yellow fever is an entry requirement (see Health).
| Passport | Entry rule | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal · Spain · France · United Kingdom | Visa / eVisa required (obtain before travel) | — |
| Cabo Verde · Guinea-Bissau · Ghana · Senegal | Visa-free — ECOWAS free movement | 90 days |
| Angola | Visa / eVisa required (Angola is not in ECOWAS) | — |
⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.
Health
A yellow fever certificate (ICVP) is MANDATORY to enter and leave Nigeria — present it on arrival. Get vaccinated at least 10 days ahead. Exempt: infants under 9 months and adults over 60. The electronic e-Yellow Card is now used at all entry points.
Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival, with blank pages.
To confirm (not published as fact):
- Eligibility, fees and route (eVisa vs visa-on-arrival) change often and can exceed USD 200 — confirm with the Nigeria Immigration Service at the time of travel.
Arrival & Safety
Airport
Main gateways: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS, Lagos) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV, Abuja). Expect multiple checkpoints on arrival.
Getting in
Uber and Bolt operate large fleets in Lagos and Abuja and are the safest, most reliable way to get around — use the apps rather than street taxis, especially at night, and ignore touts in the terminal.
Safety
A blanket Level 3 advisory for crime, terrorism, kidnapping and instability (in April 2026 the US drew down embassy staff). DO NOT TRAVEL (Level 4) to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, northern Adamawa, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba. Lagos and Abuja require heightened caution. Avoid road travel at night; arrange domestic travel with reliable operators.
⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.
Money
Currency: Nigerian naira (NGN), highly volatile. Cash dominates daily life; cards work in mid/high-end hotels and malls. Use ATMs in safe locations (banks, malls) and check your bank’s limits.
Connectivity
MTN (the largest), Airtel, Glo (Globacom) and 9mobile. Good 4G in Lagos, Abuja and most urban areas. A local SIM requires NIN (National Identification Number) registration — a barrier for visitors.
Mandatory SIM-to-NIN registration is hard without local residency. That’s why an eSIM is so practical here: instant data, no local paperwork.
WhatsApp, VoIP and social media work well in Lagos and Abuja. Throttling can occur during congestion peaks or power outages. Temporary network restrictions have happened during political tension — check close to your date.