Traveller information
Local laws and conventions: Visitors should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially in Muslim areas and when visiting religious sites.
Possession or use of, or trafficking in, illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Photography is not allowed in airports and may lead to arrest.
Shaking hands is customary on meeting and departing. Dress is casual for both men and women. A lightweight suit and tie are only necessary for businesspeople on formal meetings. It is common for business meetings to take place without a prior appointment. Business cards are expected. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1700.
Immigration and customs: Visas are required by all travellers entering the country. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond intended stay. Visitors should make a copy of the photopage of their passport and keep it on them at all times, and store their passports in a hotel safe.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required by those arriving from infected areas.
Travellers are prohibited from bringing champagne, beer, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit, vegetables, cereal, eggs, jewellery, textile fabrics and mosquito netting into Nigeria.
Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the right and car hire is available in Lagos and Abuja, but it is advisable to book these through a hotel. An international driving permit is required, accompanied by two passport-size photos. Road travel is banned in Lagos between 0700–1000 on the last Saturday of every month for municipal road clean up, and this is strictly enforced.
Bus services and bush taxis connect all the main cities. Most hotels offer chauffeur-driven cars.
Trains are generally slow but are cheaper than buses. A daily service runs on the two main lines from Lagos to Kano and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Sleeping cars are available but must be booked in advance. Domestic flights are very cheap, though visitors should be aware that they can be cancelled at short notice.
Travel health: Visitors should make sure they have comprehensive health insurance which includes medical evacuation. Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B are sometimes recommended, but current inoculation requirements should be checked well before travel.
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first have been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised.
Money: The local currency is the naira. Currency must only be changed at approved facilities. Visitors should ensure that they bring enough money (sterling, US dollars or euros) to cover their costs. Acceptance of travellers cheques is limited to Abuja and larger towns. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
There were 962,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.