Travel Bookmark 🛃

What to know before travelling to Nigeria 

Nigeria is not a country most people visit for a typical holiday. If you travel there, it is usually to visit family, for work, or simply out of curiosity. I wrote this article as a small bookmark for anyone who is considering travelling to Nigeria. 

1. What to arrange before travelling
Visas

• Czech citizens need a visa in advance
• they are arranged through the Nigerian embassy or an online system 

• you will often need:

  • an invitation

  • accommodation reservation

  • a return ticket

  • photographs

  • a fee 

The process can be slower than what you may be used to. In Nigeria it is good to keep in mind that things do not always run at the European pace. 

Vaccination

The most important one:

• yellow fever – mandatory

Optional:

• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• typhoid fever
• tetanus

Often recommended as well:

• antimalarial medication
• repellents
• mosquito net

Without proof of yellow fever vaccination you may not be allowed to enter the country at the airport. Booster shots are no longer required - the vaccine is given once and protects you for life. 

Insurance 

Very important.

• quality travel insurance
• ideally with a high coverage limit
• evacuation coverage
• hospitalization coverage

Nigeria has good private clinics, but healthcare must usually be paid for in advance. 

2. What to bring with you - practical experience 

Cash

• cards are not accepted everywhere
• USD and EUR are the safest
• they are exchanged for naira

To check the current exchange rate in Nigeria we use the app "Aboki Forex", specifically the "Parallel Market" tab. There you can find the daily exchange rate of the naira against the euro or the US dollar.

Be careful when exchanging naira back to euros, especially at the airport or with unofficial money changers in front of the terminal. There is quite a high risk of receiving very convincing counterfeit banknotes.

Medication 

It is recommended to bring your own basic medical kit:

• stomach medication
• probiotics
• paracetamol and ibuprofen
• antimalarial medication
• disinfectant
• plasters
• mosquito repellent (a stronger pharmacy version – standard European repellents may not be strong enough)
• add a few packs of wet wipes - you will love them

Since we travel with children, I follow the rule "the more, the better". In Nigeria, non-functional "copies" of medicines are often sold, and it is almost impossible to tell whether they are original. I always pack oral rehydration powder for the children – the shock from temperature differences can cause high fever or vomiting.

Electronics 

• power adapter - can also be bought locally
• power bank
• sometimes a small flashlight

Power outages are common.

Nigeria uses the British plug type – Type G.

Clothing 

• lightweight clothes
• covered shoulders and knees
• comfortable shoes

If you are visiting family, bring a small gift. It is a kind gesture and highly appreciated in Nigeria. Another rule is - "the more clothing layers, the better". You will sweat through everything quickly and may want to change clothes several times a day. 

4. Safety

Nigeria is a large country and the situation varies from region to region.

For example:

• Lagos and Abuja - relatively safe if basic rules are followed
• northern Nigeria – more complicated security situation

Basic rules:

• do not walk alone at night
• do not display expensive items in public
• use verified transportation
• listen to locals (at least those you can trust 🙂) 

The best safety advice in Nigeria is simple - listen to the locals (those you can trust). They know best where it is safe and where it is better not to go.

In Nigeria many people cover their drinks with a coaster and drink only bottled water (even for brushing their teeth!). The cover is not because of flies - it is to prevent someone from putting something into your drink.

The same applies to food. It does not mean you cannot go to a restaurant, but it is always good to look at the environment where the food is prepared. If you see many people eating there, or you go to a fast-food place (yes, you will find those too), the risk of stomach problems is small. Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly in salty water.

Outside Lagos and Abuja it is recommended to have armed escort - this is not a joke, unfortunately it is reality. It can be arranged and paid through the police, the army or private agencies. Be prepared that besides the service fee you will also need to provide food and drinks for the guards - another extra expense. That usually means proper meals at least twice a day, otherwise they will not be very motivated.

Bolt and Uber operate in Nigeria. It is best to move around with a local person, but if you use a taxi, these apps are safer. The drivers are registered just like in Europe. And ideally travel in pairs.

If you decide to use local public transport - within cities or between them - I wish you good luck. At least take a look at the condition of the vehicle first, hold on tight and say a little prayer. 😀

A few words in conclusion 

In Nigeria things are rarely planned weeks in advance. Life is much more spontaneous and sometimes it is better to simply accept that things happen differently than you are used to.

As travellers, however, you should plan your trip and itinerary carefully. It is not a country for backpacking without preparation. That is a big risk that may not pay off.

If you are travelling by your own car, prepare cash - ideally 500 or 1000 naira banknotes. It allows you to pass police and military checkpoints without unnecessary stress. At each stop, one banknote is usually enough. Just greet them, smile, and you can continue without having to open your trunk and show your luggage every time.

Time works differently here - bring patience.

Do not unnecessarily bring sweets or candy for children. Most likely foreign children will not accept them from you anyway, unless you give them to someone who knows you. Parents in Nigeria are quite strict about this, just like in Europe. 🙂

Nigeria is not an easy country. But if you give it a chance and arrive with an open mind, it may surprise you. It is loud, chaotic, sometimes exhausting and at the same time incredibly alive. You get adrenaline for free with almost every activity, even the smallest ones.