Nigeria travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Nigeria’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Nigeria set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Nigeria High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Nigeria, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor. Get your visa before travelling.

If you have a valid Nigerian residence permit (CERPAC or Green Card), you do not need a visa to enter Nigeria.

For further information contact the Nigeria High Commission in the UK.

Applying for a visa

Visa on arrival is no longer available. All visa applications must be submitted through the online portal prior to travel.

You can apply for a visa from Nigerian Immigration Services.

Landing and departure cards

The Nigerian authorities have introduced a system for foreigners to complete landing and departure cards before entry/exit and you may be asked for these at the airport or other border points.

The forms can be completed through the online portal.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Nigeria, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Nigeria guide.

Infants aged 8 months or younger and adults aged 61 or older are exempt from this requirement.

Health screening

You must fill in an online Nigeria Health Declaration Form before entering Nigeria. This includes transit passengers.

You may be asked to take part in thermal screening and carry out a travel history check. This is a Nigerian government policy to improve the detection of diseases of public health importance.

Ebola screening

Additional Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus) Disease screening protocols have been announced and may be implemented at border entry points into Nigeria, including potential enhanced monitoring of air passengers arriving from East and Central Africa.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Nigeria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery or precious metals.

It is illegal to export African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Nigeria.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Employment visa: required
Temporary work permit: required
Student visa: required

Verify that the length of stay indicated on your entry stamp and on your visa match. If the handwritten dates are hard to read, seek clarification from the immigration officer at the port of entry or a Nigeria Immigration Service office.

Nigeria Immigration Service

Landing and exit cards

You are required to complete an online form before entering or exiting Nigeria.

Obtain landing or exit cards – Nigeria Immigration Service

Health declaration form

You must complete an online health declaration form before travelling to Nigeria. You will then receive a PDF and QR code by email, which you must present to a Port Health Officer upon arrival.

Nigeria Health Declaration Portal – Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Passport requirements for dual citizens

If you have dual citizenship, you must enter and leave Nigeria on your Nigerian passport.

If your Nigerian passport expires during your stay in Nigeria, you must obtain a new one before leaving. Renewing a Nigerian passport could cause considerable delays to your travel plans.

To avoid delays, dual citizens should ensure that their Nigerian passport is valid upon entry and for the duration of their stay in Nigeria.

Border crossings

Land border crossings with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon may close on short notice.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).