Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and economic powerhouse, offers vibrant cities like Lagos and Abuja, rich cultural heritage spanning over 250 ethnic groups, diverse landscapes from Atlantic beaches to savanna, and world-renowned Afrobeat music scene. Experience bustling markets, ancient kingdoms, wildlife reserves, and warm Nigerian hospitality.
Nigeria requires vigilance but millions of visitors travel successfully each year. Lagos and Abuja are the safest destinations for most travelers, with major tourist areas generally manageable with sensible precautions. The northeast (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe states) and Niger Delta (parts of Rivers, Delta states) have serious security concerns and should be avoided by tourists.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution nationwide. Do not travel to northeast Nigeria (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) due to Boko Haram and ISWAP activity. Reconsider travel to north-central areas (Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina) due to banditry and intercommunal violence. Lagos and Abuja are generally accessible for tourists with appropriate precautions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Nationwide advisory. Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) for north-central states. Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Amber Warning
Advises against all travel to northeast, northwest, and Niger Delta offshore areas. Essential travel only to other parts. Normal precautions in Lagos and Abuja tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid travel after dark, especially outside major cities
Use trusted transportation and avoid displaying valuables
Stay in well-secured accommodations in safe neighborhoods
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Avoid northern border regions and areas with conflict
Get yellow fever vaccination (required for entry)
Avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations
Keep copies of important documents in secure location
Use only licensed metered taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) — negotiate fares before getting in unlicensed vehicles
Be vigilant against 419 scams and street cons targeting foreigners — if a deal seems too good, it almost certainly is
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
419 Advance Fee Fraud
Nigeria is the origin of the famous '419' email scam where someone promises large sums of money in exchange for a small upfront payment. This also operates in person targeting tourists with investment and business opportunities.
How to avoid: If something sounds too good to be true, it always is. Never pay upfront fees for promised money or business deals.
Fake Police Officers
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers demanding to check phones, wallets, or documents for 'illegal content.' Real Nigerian police do not conduct random searches this way.
How to avoid: Ask to see official ID. If uncertain, request to be taken to the nearest police station. Real officers will comply; scammers will back down.
Overcharging Unlicensed Taxis
Street taxis (kabu-kabu) without meters quoting exorbitant fares to foreigners, sometimes not taking you to your destination and demanding more money.
How to avoid: Use only Uber or Bolt for all transport. Never use unmarked street taxis, especially at airports.
Friendship Scam
Overly friendly strangers at markets, bus stations, or tourist sites who become very helpful then guide you to shops where they receive commission, or gradually extract money through manufactured emergencies.
How to avoid: Be politely cautious of unsolicited extreme friendliness. Verify any emergencies independently before offering money.
Currency Exchange Scam
Unofficial money changers (especially near airports) using sleight of hand to short-change customers or providing counterfeit Naira notes.
How to avoid: Use only official bureau de change offices in hotels or established commercial areas like Wuse 2 (Abuja) or Victoria Island (Lagos).
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow Fever certificate checked at entry. Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio booster, Tetanus, Rabies (if visiting rural areas), Meningitis ACWY. Malaria prophylaxis essential — Nigeria is a high-risk malaria zone. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Nigeria. Drink only sealed bottled water (confirm seal is intact). Use bottled water even for brushing teeth and avoid ice unless from trusted hotel source.
- Food
- Cook-to-order street food is generally safe when piping hot. Avoid pre-cooked food sitting in open air. Peel all fruits yourself. Dairy products at reputable establishments only. Bukas and suya spots with long queues are usually safer as food turns over quickly.
- Facilities
- Good private hospitals exist in Lagos (Eko Hospital, Lagos Island General) and Abuja (National Hospital, Garki Hospital). Quality drops significantly outside major cities. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel is feasible in Lagos and Abuja with proper precautions. Stick to recommended neighborhoods (VI, Ikoyi, Lekki in Lagos; Maitama, Asokoro in Abuja), use Uber/Bolt exclusively, stay in established hotels, and avoid displaying expensive equipment. Solo travelers attract more attention — joining organized tours or having a local contact significantly improves the experience.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers can visit Lagos and Abuja safely with sensible precautions. Dress modestly especially in northern areas and around religious sites. Avoid walking alone after dark. Nigerian culture can include unwanted verbal attention toward foreign women — firm but polite refusals work well. Female-only driver options on Bolt are available. Staying in international-brand hotels provides the safest environment.
Families
Nigeria can work well for families visiting Lagos and Abuja with advance planning. Stick to recommended family areas, book hotels with pools and secure compounds, use private transport consistently, and ensure children's malaria prophylaxis is prescribed in advance. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all ages. Landmark Beach, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Conservation Centre, and national parks are excellent family-appropriate attractions.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are criminalized under both federal law (up to 14 years imprisonment) and Sharia law in northern states (up to death penalty). LGBTQ+ travelers face serious legal risk and social hostility throughout Nigeria. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be completely avoided. Private travel is technically possible but requires full discretion. LGBTQ+ travelers should research current conditions carefully before visiting.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112 or 199
- Embassy
- US Embassy Lagos: +234-1-460-3400. UK High Commission Abuja: +234-9-461-2131. Canadian High Commission: +234-9-461-2900
- Tourist Police
- Lagos Tourism Police: +234-1-461-8000