The US advises reconsidering travel to Nigeria because of crime, terrorism and kidnapping. The UK advises avoiding all or all but essential travel to parts of the north and to riverine areas of the South-South.
Dry and cooler nights. November is dry with clearer skies and cooler nights; this is peak season so coastal cities get busy. Book early for Lagos and festivals such as Calabar Carnival. Harmattan dust rises into January and February.
Go for big-city energy, music and film culture, markets, and some genuinely wild nature. Most first trips focus on Lagos and the southwest, with time in Abuja, Calabar, and the Obudu Plateau. It is rewarding, but you need to take safety, transport and health planning seriously.
Why Visit Nigeria?#
Nigeria is at its best when you lean into cities, culture, and food, then add one nature stop like Yankari or Obudu.
Lagos energy. Base yourself around Lagos Island, Victoria Island and Lekki for markets, Atlantic coastline and the city’s day to day buzz. Lagos is also the main hub for arriving flights at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS).
Afrobeats nightlife. Catch live Afrobeat shows, rooftop bars and late nights across Victoria Island and Lekki in Lagos. Plan transport and venues carefully, especially late at night.
Food worth travelling for. Try suya skewers from street vendors, plus regional versions of jollof rice. Pepper soup, pounded yam and egusi are classic orders at busy local spots.
Yoruba southwest day trips. The southwest is a classic first-timer add-on from Lagos, including Abeokuta, Ibadan and Osogbo. Do Olumo Rock (Abeokuta) and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove near Osogbo.
Wildlife and hot springs. Yankari National Park in Bauchi pairs savannah wildlife with Wikki Warm Springs. It is a convenient wildlife option inside the country, with basic accommodation.
Hills, caves and waterfalls. For hiking and scenery, look at Idanre Hills and Erin-Ijesha (Olumirin) Waterfalls. If you want caves, Ogbunike Caves and Awhum Waterfall and Cave are highlighted stops.
Things to Watch Out For#
Kidnapping. Kidnapping and armed robbery are serious risks in parts.
Night driving. Avoid night driving, and use reputable drivers or fly.
Malaria. Malaria risk is high, so use prophylaxis and repellent.
Flooding. Heavy rains in May to September can disrupt travel plans.
Cash shortages. ATMs can run out of cash, so carry backup funds.
Who Is Nigeria For?#
Party animals
Lagos is a nightlife heavyweight, but plan transport and security at night.
Adventure seekers
Trek Obudu Plateau, visit Yankari, and expect rugged infrastructure in places.
Nature buffs
Yankari wildlife and Cross River nature are highlights, and some areas feel remote.
Backpackers
It is not a classic hostel circuit, so plan carefully and use guesthouses.
Families
Possible in secure areas, but malaria risk and logistics make it harder.
Couples
Do rooftop dinners in Lagos and cultural nights in Abuja, with careful neighbourhood choices.
What you need to get in#
Most nationalities need a visa obtained before arrival, and applications are done online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Visa on arrival is no longer issued. An e-visa scheme exists for some travellers, and ECOWAS citizens are exempt.
Passport validity
Your passport needs at least six months’ validity on arrival.
Landing and departure cards
Fill the online landing card before arrival and a departure card before leaving.
Health and checks
Yellow fever certificate is required for ages nine months to sixty.
Immigration officers commonly ask for onward or return tickets and proof of sufficient funds. Customs bans importing beer and some foods, and exporting antiques or old artworks needs a permit.
When to go#
The short answer is November to February, which is drier, cooler and busiest.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Dry season with cooler nights and lower humidity. | Peak season, book flights and hotels early in cities. |
| March to April, October | Hotter transition months, with storms starting or easing. | Fewer visitors than peak, with often better mid-range prices. |
| May to September | Main rainy season with heavy showers and high humidity. | Expect flooding risk, plus delays on roads and ferries. |
The Far North has harmattan dust November to February, and a brief June to September rainy season.
The classic trips and what they cost#
A classic first trip starts in Lagos, adds southwest culture stops, then flies or drives to one nature area. Kano and most of the north are currently under travel warnings, so many visitors focus on the southwest and southern routes.
Prices are per person, with two sharing mid-range rooms, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Lagos (4 nights), Abeokuta (1), Osogbo (2) | ₦630,000-1,260,000 per person ($420-840) |
| 10 days | Lagos (4 nights), Abuja (2), Jos Plateau (2), Abuja (2) | ₦900,000-1,800,000 per person ($600-1,200) |
| 14 days | Lagos (5 nights), Abeokuta (1), Ibadan (2), Osogbo (2), Calabar (2), Obudu Plateau (2) | ₦1,260,000-2,520,000 per person ($840-1,680) |
| 14 days, road trip | Lagos (3 nights), Benin City (2), Port Harcourt (2), Calabar (3), Obudu (4) | ₦1,260,000-2,520,000 per person ($840-1,680) |
Budget travellers are priced at ₦60,000-90,000 a day, and mid-range is ₦90,000-180,000 a day. Comfort travel starts around ₦180,000+ daily, especially in Lagos and Port Harcourt business districts.
For long distances, fly between hubs like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, and avoid night road travel.
Nigeria in a nutshell#
- Capital: Abuja.
- People: About 244 million people, with major religious diversity. More in Nigeria demographics.
- Language: English is the official language, and Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are major regional languages.
- Money: You will use the Naira (NGN). Cash is important outside major hotels, and cards work mostly in cities.
- Daily budget: Expect roughly $40-120 per day. Backpacker budgets are ₦60,000-90,000 daily, and mid-range is ₦90,000-180,000 daily.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, using Type G sockets. See Nigeria plug types.
- Emergencies: Ambulance is 199, and a national all-emergencies number is 112. More on the Nigeria emergency page.
Don't forget to bring#
Malaria kit
Malaria is widespread year-round, so bring prophylaxis and strong repellent. Long sleeves for dusk and dawn help a lot.
Water plan
Tap water is unreliable in many places, so plan for bottled or boiled water. Skip ice and raw salads from street vendors.
Rain protection
May to September is the main rainy season with heavy showers. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof bags for electronics.
Power bank
Frequent outages are common, especially outside premium hotels. A high-capacity power bank keeps you moving on travel days.
Type G plug adapter
Nigeria uses Type G plugs at 230V, 50 Hz. Bring an adapter if you use non-UK style chargers.
Cash and backup card
Cash matters outside big hotels, and ATMs can run out. Carry backup funds and do not rely on one card.
Customs bans importing beer and some foods, and exporting antiques or old artworks needs a permit.
Good to know before you land#
- Greet properly: Formal greetings matter, so ask about family and health first.
- Dress for context: Dress modestly in northern and conservative areas, and follow local cues.
- Photos: Ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies or religious sites.
- Getting around: Use Bolt or Uber in Lagos and Abuja, and fly long distances.
- Markets: Bargaining is normal in open markets, so negotiate politely and patiently.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary, around 5-10% in restaurants, plus small tips for drivers.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Nigeria guides#
First time in Nigeria FAQs#
Is Nigeria safe for tourists?
Safety varies enormously by region, and parts of Nigeria are high-risk. Lagos and the southwest are described as more manageable with strict precautions.
Do I need a visa for Nigeria?
Most nationalities need a visa in advance, applied for online through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Visa on arrival is no longer issued, and an e-visa scheme exists for some travellers.
What is the best time to visit Nigeria?
November to February is the dry, cooler and busiest period. May to September is the main rainy season, and it can bring flooding and travel disruption.
How many days do I need for a first trip?
Two weeks is the suggested allowance for Lagos, the Yoruba southwest, and Calabar with the Obudu Plateau. Shorter trips work best if you stay in one region.
How much money do I need per day in Nigeria?
Typical daily costs are given as $40-120. In naira terms, backpacker budgets are ₦60,000-90,000 a day, and mid-range is ₦90,000-180,000 a day.