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Travel Guide
Visiting Nigeria
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara states, and against all but essential travel to several others including Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto. All passengers must complete an online Health Declaration Form before entering Nigeria. Travel insurance can be invalidated by travelling against FCDO advice.
Updated 2026-09-26 11:52:30
Discover
Top Attractions in Nigeria
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 75-hectare forest sanctuary on the banks of the Osun River near Osogbo, dedicated to the Yoruba goddess of fertility and rivers. The grove contains 40 shrines, sculptures, and sacred art works erected over four centuries, alongside two palaces and nine river worship points that remain active religious spaces today. Every August the annual Osun festival draws tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors from across the world.
Yankari Game Reserve
Covering 2,244 square kilometres of Guinea savanna woodland in Bauchi State, Yankari is Nigeria's most visited wildlife destination and home to the largest surviving elephant population in the country. The reserve also shelters West African lions, buffalo, hippopotamus, and more than 350 bird species. Its centrepiece, the Wikki Warm Springs, offers crystal-clear, year-round warm water set within the forest.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Nigeria. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Nigeria.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 112 to report an emergency. There is no national ambulance service and hospital-owned services are extremely limited. You may need to get local advice or arrange local transport. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risk
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police199
Ambulance112
Fire112
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nigeria
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Nigeria page at Yoogo.
Nigeria's currency is the naira (NGN). Cash remains the dominant payment method outside major hotels and upscale restaurants in Lagos and Abuja, so it is advisable to carry sufficient naira for day-to-day expenses. ATMs are available in city centres, though reliability can vary, and it is worth notifying your bank before travelling.
Safety conditions vary considerably by region and can change, so checking your government's current travel advisory before and during your trip is essential. Urban areas such as Lagos and Abuja have neighbourhoods that are well frequented by visitors, while certain northern and northeastern states have elevated risk levels that travellers should research carefully in advance.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Lagos and Abuja and are a convenient option for visitors. Minibuses (danfo) and the Lagos BRT bus network offer affordable local transport, while Abuja has a metro rail line connecting the airport and key city districts. Yellow-and-black taxis are widely available but fares should be agreed in advance.
November through February is generally the most comfortable period, with lower humidity, reliable sunshine, and temperatures in the range of 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. December is particularly lively, with the Calabar Carnival and widespread festive celebrations. The rainy season from May to October brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding that can affect road travel and access to some attractions.
English is the official language and is widely used in government, business, education, and by most urban residents, making communication straightforward for English-speaking visitors. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are the three most widely spoken indigenous languages, each dominant in different regions, and Nigerian Pidgin English is broadly understood across the country.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Nigeria and proof will be requested on arrival. Malaria is present throughout the country year-round, so antimalarial medication and mosquito protection are strongly advised. Other commonly recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningococcal meningitis; consulting a travel health clinic four to eight weeks before departure is advisable.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated, particularly in hotels and restaurants in Lagos and Abuja that cater to visitors. A gratuity of 5 to 10 per cent is reasonable in sit-down restaurants where a service charge has not already been added to the bill. For hotel porters, tour guides, and drivers, a modest cash tip in naira is a welcome gesture of thanks.