Nigeria

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider Travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[234] (9) 461-4000; US Embassy Abuja, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria; AbujaACS@state.gov; https://ng.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

234

Local Emergency Phone

199

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nigeria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Currency (Code)

Nairas (NGN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages

Major Religions

Muslim 53.5%, Roman Catholic 10.6%, other Christian 35.3%

Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Abudja (includes Millennium Park, Zuma Rock, Arts & Crafts Village); Nana Living History Museum; Ancient Nok Settlement; New Afrika Shrine; Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Major Sports

Soccer, boxing, rugby, track and field, basketball

Cultural Practices

Using the left hand for eating or greeting is considered unclean; use the right hand instead.

Tipping Guidelines

Service charges are added in many restaurants, but if not, a 10% tip is customary. Negotiate taxi fares before embarking on a journey. Tipping is not necessary.

Souvenirs

Tribal ceremonial masks, carved idols, and weapons; leather goods, cane furniture, brass and bronze carvings and jewelry, woven baskets, Aso oke fabric items

Traditional Cuisine

Jollof rice — rice cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, salt, pepper, coconut milk, spices such as nutmeg or partminger (basil leaf); meat, fish, vegetables, or even Roiboos tea can be added


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Thursday, September 21, 2023