How to Travel to Nigeria

The most influential and modern country in West Africa, Nigeria is home to several universities, businesses and local Nigerian cultures/tribes such as the Igbo and the Yoruba. There are more than 137 million people who live in this country and it boasts economic success in the areas of oil and commerce. However, Nigeria is also a country full of political strife and civil unrest, with the struggle between democratic and militarized regimes pulling in a constant tug-of-war every decade or so.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport and international visa

Prepare to Enter Nigeria

1. Ensure that your passport and travel visa to Nigeria are in order if you are European or American. Do not go into Nigeria without a proper visa!

2. Be prepared for customs officials to detain you with questions as to your intentions in Nigeria during your trip, sometimes at length.

Enjoy Nigerian Culture

3. European colonialism and the slave trade have influenced both the strong Catholic presence as well as the Islamic contingent in this country.

4. Nigeria is full of modern cities ripe for travel, including the capital Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos.

5. Enjoy ancient buildings and native art in the northern city of Kano.

6. Visit the home of real-life Hausa Sultans in Zaria and Sokoto.

Choose Appropriate Accommodations

7. Try to stay at an international hotel. They are not as cheap as local hotels, but can offer you more tourist-friendly advice.

8. Look for hotels only in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Benin City. Accommodations in these areas are not terribly cheap, averaging about $200 a night.

9. Stay near Abujua and enjoy easy access many world-class golf courses in the larger Abuja area.

10. To book accommodations, contact Nigerian Tourism Site at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). (If calling outside the United States or Canada, call 00 ([phone].)

Tips & Warnings

• Use a currency exchange to transfer your money for the hotel to the local currency, the Nigerian Naira.
• Although there are dozens of languages and dialects spoken in Nigeria, English is the primary language.
• Use a cell phone instead of unreliable landlines, especially in rural areas. Cell reception here is very good and you can buy a cheap cell phone for around $50.
• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Do not take items with you valued at more than $5,000. You have to fill out extra paperwork and this act will often lead to more questioning.
• Be wary of traveling without a Nigerian or African host if you're from a Western nation. Unfortunately, some Western travelers are often questioned in separate rooms and forced into paying bribes.
• Avoid bad customs situations by bringing only carry-on luggage. This will prevent shady officials from inventing reasons to demand bribes from you.
• Leave expensive jewelry, electronic devices and gaudy clothing at home to avoid undue tourist attention, both at customs and while visiting.