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Nigeria FAQ

Is tipping customary in Nigeria?

Tipping isn’t customary, however if the service in a cafe or restaurant is good, feel free to leave spare change or round up the bill.

What is the internet access like in Nigeria?

Internet cafes can be found in most cities. It’s best not to access internet banking or similar services from Nigerian internet cafes.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Nigeria?

Mobile phone coverage is patchy at best. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

What are the toilets like in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s toilets may be basic. Be prepared for squat toilets, even in major centres.

What will it cost for a…?

Bottle of soft drink = 100 NGN
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 300 NGN
Simple lunch = 500 NGN
Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 1500 NGN

Can I drink the water in Nigeria?

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Nigeria. Instead bring water purification tablets or equivalent. For environmental reasons, try to avoid bottled water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Nigeria?

Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria. Credit card fraud is prevalent, so paying by other means is recommended.

What is ATM access like in Nigeria?

Some ATMs are available in major centres. Cash can also be withdrawn from a bank using your card.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Nigeria?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Nigeria?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 24 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
May 1 Workers’ Day
Aug 8 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Oct 1 Independence Day
Oct 15 Eid al-Kabir (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. For a current list of public holidays go to:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Nigeria/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Nigeria?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • NIGERIA: The visa needs to be obtained in advance.

    Nigerian visas for most nationalities can now be applied for on-line at www.immigration.gov.ng. Complete the application and take the printed and signed form together with evidence of payment and photos to the Nigerian Embassy / High Commission for further processing.

    When obtaining Nigerian visa, you MUST KEEP the receipt as you will need to also show this at the border on entry.

    As part of the visa application you are likely to require a copy of the vehicle carnet and a guarantee letter with full itinerary (which we can provide), a letter from your employer and a bank statement or US$60 in travellers cheques for every day in Nigeria.

    Please note that gaining a Nigerian visa can be a difficult and inconsistent process. Some nationalities may be asked to provide a letter of invitation and a letter from a host from a country in Nigeria. We are unable to provide this information, and the advice we have received is that it is actually not necessary for a tourist visa application. Previous passengers have been able to bypass this by applying for their visa in person at the embassy or consulate. We suggest that you start the process early and allow plenty of time for any delays that may occur.
  • NIGERIA (from Benin):
    Nigerian visas for most nationalities can now be applied for on-line at www.immigration.gov.ng. Complete the application and take the printed and signed form together with evidence of payment and photos to the Nigerian Embassy / High Commission for further processing.

    When obtaining Nigerian visa, you MUST KEEP the receipt as you will need to also show this at the border on entry.

    As part of the visa application you are likely to require a copy of the vehicle carnet and a guarantee letter with full itinerary (which we can provide), a letter from your employer and a bank statement or US$60 in travellers cheques for every day in Nigeria.

    If on a combination trip from Dakar it's best to arrive with the Nigerian visa already. We have been advised it's no longer possible to obtain a visa in Ghana unless you are a Ghanaian resident.

    Please note that gaining a Nigerian visa can be a difficult and inconsistent process. Some nationalities may be asked to provide a letter of invitation and a letter from a host from a country in Nigeria. We are unable to provide this information, and the advice we have received is that it is actually not necessary for a tourist visa application. Previous passengers have been able to bypass this by applying for their visa in person at the embassy or consulate. We suggest that you start the process early and allow plenty of time for any delays that may occur.

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Nigeria at a glance

  • 0
  • Abuja (population 1.4 million)
  • 151 million
  • English
  • NGN
  • (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +234

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