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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. All visitors also require a return ticket or documents for onward travel. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation, verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry, and sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after period of intended stay.
Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
UK nationals: British citizens
must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by anyone arriving from infected areas, and immunization is recommended for all visitors traveling outside the main cities. No other vaccinations are required for entry to Nigeria, but there is a high risk of malaria, typhoid and hepatitis (A & B) and visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. At present there is a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria, as well as regular outbreaks of cholera and meningitis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Nigeria has the world's highest rate of Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, which is caused by black flies that breed in fast-flowing rivers. Bilharzia, dengue fever and sleeping sickness also occur. The first case of bird flu in Africa was detected on a poultry farm in northern Nigeria in February 2006. There is little risk to visitors provided all situations that would bring close contact with live wild, caged or domestic birds are avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. There is a risk of food poisoning; visitors should only drink bottled water and ensure that meat and vegetables are well cooked and eaten hot, and fruit is peeled. There are some adequate private hospitals, but government facilities are of low standard and should be avoided. Most foreign companies have arrangements with private clinics and hospitals for their expatriate workers. 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.
Safety
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 recent accidents in October and December 2005. 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. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the Bakassi Peninsula on the border with Cameroon. The Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States should also be avoided, particularly the riverine areas and Port Harcourt, due to hostage-taking and threats by militants that have demanded all expatriates leave the Niger Delta area; 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.
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