Nigeria practical guide
Orientation only. Conditions change; every section names an official source to check before you travel. VisitAfrica does not issue travel advice or sell travel services.
Safety and etiquette
Conditions vary sharply between and within states, so read current official advice for the specific areas on your itinerary rather than for Nigeria as a whole. Greetings matter: use titles and greet elders first. Ask before photographing people, religious sites or government buildings.
Source: Nigeria Police Force and your own government's travel adviceTransport
Domestic flights connect the main cities; road journeys between states take considerably longer than distances suggest. In Lagos, ride-hailing apps, ferries and the light rail operate alongside buses. Plan intercity travel in daylight.
Source: Federal Airports Authority of NigeriaCurrency and payments
The currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). Card payments and bank transfers are widely used in cities; cash remains useful in smaller towns and markets. Exchange money through banks and licensed operators only.
Source: Central Bank of NigeriaConnectivity
Mobile data coverage is good in cities and along major corridors. Local SIM registration requires identity documents under national registration rules.
Source: Nigerian Communications CommissionHealth and emergencies
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is commonly required for entry. Check malaria precautions and routine vaccinations with a travel health clinic well before departure. The national emergency number is 112. Confirm current requirements with the official health agencies before travel.
Source: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and PreventionLast reviewed 4 August 2026.
Visa and Entry