Nigeria

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.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Nigeria

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

There is no national ambulance service and hospital-owned services are extremely limited. You may need to get local advice or arrange local transport.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Nigeria
• dealing with a death in Nigeria
• being arrested in Nigeria
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Nigeria on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.