Essential information before you arrive in Nigeria
Entry requirements, health preparation, climate, etiquette, money, food safety, communication, and the final checklist every first-time visitor should review.
Best for
Documents, health, culture, and cash
Included here
Clear guidance, kept readable
Each section is written to make the policy or guidance easier to understand without losing the details that matter.
Entry and health requirements
Most international visitors need a Nigerian visa, while ECOWAS citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Yellow Fever proof is mandatory for all travellers.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is checked at boarding and immigration
Recommended preparation includes malaria prevention, travel insurance, and copies of key documents
Money, transport, and communication
Nigeria is cash-heavy, WhatsApp-led, and easier when your airport transfer and mobile data are sorted early.
Exchange money at banks or licensed bureaus and carry smaller naira notes
Use Uber, Bolt, hotel pickup, or verified drivers rather than random taxis
Buy MTN data or eSIM support early so maps, rides, and WhatsApp work
Culture, etiquette, and local context
Nigeria is warm and welcoming, but respect matters. Greetings, dress codes, right-hand etiquette, photography rules, and religious context all shape the visitor experience.
Greet before making requests and address elders respectfully
Dress modestly around cultural, religious, and Northern destinations
Ask before photographing people, religious sites, government buildings, or markets