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
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
