Nigeria — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
Nationals of virtually all countries require a visa to enter Nigeria (the few exceptions are mainly neighboring African states). Visas must be obtained in advance and all visitors require a return ticket, documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation and verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Americans
United States citizens must have a passport valid for six months after intended date of departure. A visa is required.
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport valid for six months after intended date of departure. A visa is required.
Canadians
Canadians must have a passport valid for six months after intended date of departure. A visa is required.
Australians
Australians must have a passport valid for six months after the intended date of departure. A visa is required.
South Africans
South Africans must have a passport valid for six months after intended date of departure. A visa is required.
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months after intended date of departure. A visa is required.
New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
Healthcare
When traveling to Nigeria, an international vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required. A Cholera vaccination certificate is also required if coming from an infected area. As a precaution against cholera, visitors should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Anti-malaria prophylaxis and TB inoculation are recommended. At present there is a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria and inoculations are advised. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. Private clinics are found even in the smallest towns. In major cities, private hospitals offer good facilities. As in many countries, costs for medical services or hospital care must be shouldered by the traveler. There are government hospitals throughout the country, but apart from emergencies, the hospitals are more geared to serving the local population. Individuals needing specialized treatment for acute illness or severe injury are usually evacuated to Europe or South Africa. Good, comprehensive insurance is strongly advised, and should include evacuation. Pharmacies abound in Nigeria, even in supermarkets and are open during normal trading hours. Some open even on Sundays in supermarkets.
Safety
A dusk-to-dawn curfew was declared in Ebonyi State in Nigeria due to safety issues. There has been an increase in kidnapping of British nationals in Nigeria recently; visitors should take this into consideration when planning any trips there. Violent street crime, armed robberies, muggings and car jackings are prevalent in Lagos and elsewhere in the more populous south of the country. Recent gang violence in central Port Harcourt means that visitors should take care when traveling around the town. Security at Port Harcourt has been increased due to safety concerns, but visitors need to be vigilant and cautious. Numerous hazards await unwary and uninformed visitors, from bogus greeters at the airport, to scams involving efforts to extort money from visitors' relatives back home and even taking hostages for ransom. Visitors should ensure that their local hosts and/or family and friends at home know their travel plans. The reliability of domestic airlines has also been questioned due to numerous accidents. There are frequent outbreaks of civil unrest and violence, usually caused by ethnic tensions and strikes often cause disruption to transport and other services. Following riots in Kano, travelers are advised to be extremely cautious in the northern region. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Fuel shortages often occur, adding to uncertainty for road travel that is already hazardous because of the risk of armed robbery and car jackings, particularly in traffic jams and rural areas. Public transport is extremely dangerous with buses and taxis poorly maintained and fraud and criminal activity rife among drivers. The Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States should also be avoided, particularly the riverine areas and Port Harcourt, due to hostage-taking; workers are being kidnapped on an almost daily basis, and further threats have been issued. All but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State should also be avoided. Oil facilities have been attacked and expatriate oil workers seized, and in 2007 there was an increase in attacks offshore, with abductions taking place from oil rigs.
