Nigeria

Översikt

Nigeria continues to face considerable challenges, most of all from the Boko Haram insurgency in the remote north-east, prevailing instability in its Middle Belt and from the latent militant threat from the Niger Delta. However, the most serious challenge facing travellers is most likely to be chaotic infrastructure in Lagos and other cities, where rapid urbanisation and high unemployment have combined to create a fluid security environment for both wealthy Nigerians and foreign nationals. Kidnap and ransom is a particular concern. Criminality is a significant challenge to organisations operating in Nigeria, with both organised criminal syndicates and individuals engaged in corruption, robbery, car-jacking, kidnapping and maritime piracy, which can often include a high level of violence. These threats are endemic to Nigeria, but are especially rife in the southern Delta states and Lagos, where foreign nationals and middle class or wealthy local nationals may be targeted. Exceptionally high levels of corruption will increase operating costs and compliance-related risks.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Nigeria. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Nigeria. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Confirmed cases of cholera have been reported in the following districts: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Kano, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, and is common during the rainy season.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged 9 months or over.

Risk for mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika is present in Nigeria. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in Nigeria. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Risk for Sleeping Sickness exists in scattered areas throughout Nigeria, with a higher risk in Gboko vicinity of Benue State, and the southwestern states of Edo and Delta. Extreme northern areas are tsetse fly free. Travellers going on safari and rural areas should avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies.

Risk of meningococcal meningitis is present in the northern half of the country. Quadrivalent vaccination is recommended.

Due to its large population Nigeria has the biggest HIV epidemic in West and Central Africa, despite having a relatively low HIV prevalence rate. Some 1.9 million people with HIV in the country.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Nigeria. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Although it is advisable to acquire comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, this insurance is unlikely to cover medical expenses at most facilities. Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash (sometimes before service is given), regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Life-threatening medical problems may require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities since medical care in Nigeria is limited. The health care facilities are of a poor standard and there are shortages of essential medical supplies, drugs, and equipment; some hospitals may not even have consistent electricity.

Take special care in regards to pharmaceuticals since counterfeited ones are a widespread problem in Nigeria. It is recommended to avoid local pharmacies or street markets. It is recommended that you have enough of your regular medicines to last the duration of your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Carry a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter explaining that the quantity of medication is appropriate for your personal medical use. If the medicines are liquids follow airport security guidelines.

Pass

Generally, a passport valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Nigeria is required by nationals of all countries.

It is advisable to carry your passport and visa with you at all times. Many crimes in Nigeria involve the theft of passports; therefore, it is also advised to keep a notarised photocopy of your passport and your visa in a safe location, including details of your next of kin.

Identification cards are required to travel into the country's northeastern states. Strict identification checks are to be carried out when moving through states of Adamawa, Borno and Yode. 

Visum

A visa is required if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, EU, Great Britain, or the US.

If you are a citizen of the US and have to change planes in Nigeria for continuing your journey you will need a transit visa. This is not the case for other nationals provided they hold onward documentation and do not leave the airport.

It takes approximately 2 to 3 working days to obtain a visa if you apply in person and approximately 10 to 12 working days for postal applications.

Nigeria has begun issuing visas at the point of entry into the country for all African passport holders. All individuals holding African passports are able to apply for visa upon arrival.