Recently, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria released a negative travel alert urging its citizens not to visit Nigeria because of the latest flooding episodes that have taken more than 500 lives, left thousands displaced, destroyed infrastructure, and hampered access to critical services.
The commissioner also based its forewarning on Nigeria’s high potential for crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism as it implored citizens to leave immediately if possible.
Sadly, Australia is not alone in giving the red alert. The US, UK, and Canadian governments also have fresh Nigerian travel advice on their website. They both strongly kicked against non-essential travel to Nigeria.
Citing uncertain security, significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings, the Canadian government implored its citizen to avoid 19 states. The states are; Abuja, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Yobe, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers (except Port Harcourt).
While the UK added Abia and Taraba states to their list, the government delisted Abuja with a call for caution as risks remain.
However, traveling to Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa, is sometimes unavoidable, particularly if you have family or a business here. As such, Lagos Local News thought it essential to fortify you with tips for traveling to Nigeria.
Tips for Traveling to Nigeria
In this travel to Nigeria advice, the first steps are to stay on top of the media for security updates and news, get professional security advice and support if possible, heed the advice of security authorities, and research routes you would likely take during your visit.
Before You Arrive
Get vaccinated for Yellow fever and COVID-19, and make sure you have the certificates on you before you travel. If you aren’t vaccinated, you will need a negative vaccination certificate or PCR test before being allowed into the country. Nonetheless, all visitors must complete and have a printed copy of an online health declaration upon arrival.
Although there are local health insurance service providers in Nigeria, you can get comprehensive travel insurance from your country before leaving.
Ensure your passport is valid for more than six months before applying for a visa. A visa is needed to enter Nigeria, and the requirements change according to the needs of the Nigerian government.
There are few travel restrictions to Nigeria, chief of which is the temporary ban on non-Nigerian passengers who have been in Brazil, Turkey, or India in the past 14 days before coming to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, some countries don’t need a visa to enter Nigeria. Hence, to get a visa to travel to Nigeria, know if your country is visa exempted, or get updates on travel restrictions, you must check the Nigeria Immigration Services website for country-specific guidelines.
The best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season, which starts in the middle of October and lasts till April. There are beaches you can go to cool off if you visit Lagos. Having sunscreen handy is also recommended.
The only other season is the rainy season. You can visit during the rainy season but might not enjoy commuting in urban and rural areas because of the weather conditions.
Endeavor booking flights well ahead of your travel date to get discounts. Also, make your booking on the airline’s direct website to guard against scams or fraud if you aren’t visiting through a reputable travel agency.
Upon Arrival
At the borders or airports, you must declare monies, negotiable instruments, or precious stones over US$10,000. Thus, try to travel light regarding valuables, as US dollars can be used for payment at major hotels and exchanged at banks or foreign exchange services for Naira. Using non-Nigerian debit and credit cards is difficult, but ATMs are numerous in major cities, as many transactions and purchases are cash-based.
As a tourist, it’s better to stick to guided tours, have a personal driver, or use ride-hailing services. Unless chaperoned, do not take public transport alone. Also, avoid taxis without links with ride-hailing services. Your hotel or Airbnb can also provide a safe commute.
Get a power bank and charge it at your hotel before each tour, so you don’t run out of battery power while capturing moments that matter. Feel free to ask questions to avoid getting lost or making mistakes, as Nigerians are generally nice.
Places to Visit
The commercial capital - Lagos, and neighboring western states, are highly recommended during this time. However, in the Niger Delta region, Edo and Cross River states also offer some safe tourist attractions.
In Lagos, you can take guided tours to Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Conservation Centre, Nigerian National Museum, and Africa Shrine, to mention a few. There are also beaches like the Landmark and Oniru on Victoria Island.
Outside Lagos, there are other notable tourist attractions like the Osun Sacred Grove and Erin Ijesha Waterfall in Osun state, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Agodi Gardens in Oyo State, and the Okomu National Park in Edo State.
You can also fly to Calabar in Cross River State to visit the Obudu Mountain Resort. Don’t travel by road from Lagos or Abuja to Calabar. Book with the resort ahead to see if transport can be arranged from Calabar to Obudu Town, as it is almost a six-hour drive between both towns.
With wonderful sites to see, how much is a trip to Nigeria? Generally, the average cost of a week-long visit to Lagos is $2,100- if traveling alone, $3,700 - for two persons, and $7,000 - for a group of four persons.
Staying Safe
Nigeria has 500+ languages and numerous ethnic groups with varied cultures, norms, and taboos. It is advised not to behave or dress in ways that might offend people, especially if you are outside the urban areas.
Furthermore, practicing Muslims observe the Islamic holy month of Ramadan throughout the country. However, if you are not Muslim but must visit northern Nigeria during Ramadan, try not to eat, drink or smoke in public, particularly around people observing the fast.
In all parts of Nigeria, same-sex relationships are illegal and are frowned upon socially. It is noteworthy that entering a same-sex marriage, planning or partaking in a same-sex marriage ceremony, visiting gay clubs, societies, or organizations, and making any public show of a same-sex relationship are all against the law.
If you are to visit states like Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe, note that Sharia law is enforceable. Therefore, blasphemy, stealing, adultery, and same-sex sexual activities are punishable under Sharia law in those states.
Don't use or carry illegal drugs, or commit murder or armed robbery, as such crimes can attract long prison sentences, huge fines, and sometimes the death penalty.
Keep these in mind, and you will most likely have a smooth and fun time during your visit to Nigeria.
