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NIGERIA
What Is the Climate Like in Nigeria?
How Safe Is Nigeria?
What Should I Pack for Nigeria?
High Commission of Canada in Nigeria
Entry and Exit Requirements for Nigeria
Nigeria isn’t always a top destination for travellers. With travel advisories issued by a number of countries, including Canada, the West African country can be a challenging one to navigate.
Those who travel to the recommended areas – namely cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar – will be treated with a diversity of experiences. The port city of Lagos is the largest urban centre in Africa, and local governments are trying hard to market it as an international tourist destination with film festivals, jazz concerts, and more. Lagos Islands is where the city began, and where travellers can now find the business and entertainment districts of the city. The National Museum and several markets are also found on the islands.
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is where diplomatic and government proceedings take place. Visitors to the city head to the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village to admire the local cultural pieces or stroll through the National Arboretum. Nearby to the city is Zuma Rock, a distinctive natural monolith that rises above and forms the gateway to the city.
With health and safety being a concern across Nigeria, ensure you’re well equipped for your travels to the country.
Do I Need Vaccines for Nigeria?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Nigeria. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Nigeria: typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and influenza.
| Vaccine | How Disease Spreads |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Polio | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Meningitis | Usually Airborne Droplets |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
The risk of travellers contracting malaria in Nigeria is high. Infected mosquitoes are found in all areas of the country, including urban centres. There is a drug resistance against chloroquine, and a travel medicine specialist may recommend another anti malarial regime. Travellers have to start taking malaria medication in advance of travelling, so seeing a medical specialist early is best.
Nigeria is also prone to outbreaks of Lassa fever, a virus carried by infected rats. Humans contract the virus when their food or accommodation is exposed to the feces or urine of an infected rat. There is no vaccine to prevent Lassa Fever, though the PHAC recommends taking precautions.
Nigeria’s medical services are basic in urban centres and limited or nonexistent in rural settings. Bring a first aid kit to ensure you can self-treat minor maladies.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or booking online today.
What Is the Climate Like in Nigeria?
Here is what to expect in a few Nigerian destinations:
- Lagos– Lagos has a tropical climate with two distinct rainy seasons. The heaviest rains last between April and July, with shorter rains occurring for a few weeks in October or November. Temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, and days fluctuate between the low 20º Celsius and low 30º Celsius range.
- Abuja– Nigeria’s capital city is much warmer than Lagos. In the dry season, blistering temperatures can reach averages of 36º Celsius. Temperatures are moderated slightly by the city’s elevation. The wettest months are from June to August.
- Calabar– Due to its easterly location next to the Cameroon border, Calabar doesn’t face the same dry season dust storms as much of Nigeria. Only three months of the year constitute the dry season, though, and monsoon rains last from March to November. Temperatures range between 24º Celsius and 28º Celsius and there is little difference between night and day conditions.
Nigeria experiences a rainy season from May to October which can result in flash flooding. During the dry months, the harmattan blows through Nigeria. The harmattan is a dry and dusty wind blown in from the Sahara Desert.
How Safe Is Nigeria?
The Canadian Government recommends against all nonessential travel to Nigeria. That excludes the cities of Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar, where travellers should still exercise a high level of caution. Outside these cities there is a high risk of domestic terrorism activity, kidnappings, and other crime.
Be careful of your destinations within Lagos itself. Travels should be kept to certain parts of the city, due to a high level of crime. Violent assaults and armed attacks have occurred and areas frequented by tourists can be targeted. These are more often planned attacks than crimes of opportunity. Do not travel after dark. Popular areas within the city such as hotels, markets, international organization offices, and shopping centres may also be at risk of terrorism attacks. Remain vigilant and avoid crowded areas. Stay only at reputable hotels and always use their recommended drivers to travel from place to place.
Taking photos of airports, military officials, and government buildings is illegal. Some of these sites may be beautiful photo subjects and not always marked as government property. Ensure you check with a local prior to photographing a scene or person.
The Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories page for Nigeria has many more tips on how to travel safely within the country.
What Should I Pack for Nigeria?
Here are a few essentials you should bring to Nigeria:
- Documentation for visa– Travellers are required to bring several documents in order to receive a tourist visa for Nigeria. This includes a letter of invitation and proof of sufficient bank funds. For a full list, see the Entry and Exit Requirements section below.
- Power bank– A power bank stores battery power for later use. Electricity cuts are common in Nigeria, and a power bank will ensure you have a backup method to charge devices. Even better, bring solar powered chargers!
- Prescription medication– There is a large counterfeit drug market in Nigeria. Bring essential medication to avoid navigating Nigerian pharmacies. The Government of Canada recommends against purchasing drugs in Nigeria unless from a reputable supplier.
- Small, soft-sided bag– This could be the ideal carry-on luggage. Transfer cars, airplanes, and buses often don’t provide much space for luggage. Avoid awkwardness and uncomfortable journeys by packing light in a bag that can be fit anywhere.
- U.S. cash or Nigerian naira– Nigeria’s economy is primarily cash-based, and it is difficult to pay with debit and credit card in the country. Not only that, but levels of credit card fraud are high. Both USD and Nigerian naira are accepted in-country.
High Commission of Canada in Nigeria
All Canadians visiting Nigeria should register online with the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and allow them to reach you in the case of an emergency or evacuation. If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.
High Commission of Canada in Nigeria
13010G, Palm close, Diplomatic drive,
Central Business District Abuja, Nigeria
Telephone: (011 234 9) 461-2900
Fax: (011 234 9) 461-2901
abuja@international.gc.ca
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 12:00
Visit the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. There is also a Deputy High Commision of Canada office in Lagos.
The Government of Canada also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Centre. The collect call number to reach the centre while abroad is +1-613-996-8885.
Entry and Exit Requirements for Nigeria
Canadian travellers require a tourist visa to visit Nigeria. Travellers are encouraged to apply for this visa in advance, a process which can be done online.
To apply for a Nigerian tourist visa, travellers must have a Canadian passport valid for at least six months, a completed visa application form, two recent passport photos, a letter of invitation from a host in Nigeria, proof of sufficient funds, and evidence of online payment for the visa fee. Proof of sufficient funds means a non-online bank statement that shows a bank balance of at least £500 (approximately $950 CAD). Travellers may also be required to show proof of accommodation in the country.
While travellers can technically apply in advance for a visa on arrival, all fees must be paid online in U.S. dollars prior to travel. Interviews will then be conducted when travellers arrive at the port of entry. Visitors should bring all applicable receipts if they choose to apply for this form of visa.
Tourist visas are valid for 90 days, but be careful – sometimes immigration stamps list shorter time periods.
More information is available on the Nigeria High Commission website.
If you have any questions about travelling to Nigeria or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment today by calling or booking online now.
