Tips and Tricks for a Wonderful Nigeria Trip | Lagos Boy
Did you know I was Nigerian? Yep, Igbo Nigerian is my primary ancestry! I’m linking my results here and posting a screenshot below!
I Finally Got to Return Home
If you have completed the 23andMe kit, I would love to connect with you about our results! I find ancestry composition fascinating, so much so that I decided to accompany a friend and her family (we’ll call them my Nigerian family; yes, they are Nigerian) on a trip to Nigeria!
And I loved it!
I actually blended in so well that people referred to me as “Lagos Boy” while I was there! I’m more than happy to share my experience back “home” and provide tips and tricks along the way as inspiration for your Nigeria trip! I want to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
VISA REQUIREMENTS (MUST READ)
If you plan a trip to Nigeria, you should read this section in detail, as obtaining a visa to enter the country takes work.
It requires much preparation, so start this process as early as possible. I attempted to obtain an entry visa with only six weeks to spare (this trip was a last-minute decision), and I still needed more time.
I had to get a business visa on arrival, which granted me 30 days of access to the country.
We will discuss this later, but please save yourself the anxiety and start the visa process early. There’s nothing wrong with having the visa well before your trip’s departure. The requirements outlined below are for U.S. citizens and passport holders. Non-US citizens can find the requirements to enter Nigeria here.
This is a heads up: it costs to go to Nigeria. You will cough up much money in preparation for your trip before even entering the country, but I hope this post shows you that visiting is worth every penny.
U.S. New Passport Design
First things first, you’ll need a passport. It’s your ticket to exploring foreign lands. The cost is roughly 160 USD if you don’t have one.
U.S. citizens can apply for or renew their passport here.
You can apply in person (the faster option) or by mail. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the time you complete your trip and have at least two blank visa pages.
I sent my passport for renewal about a week before purchasing my airfare to Nigeria, which is why the process felt so rushed.
So, give yourself enough time to complete the remaining steps. I got my passport the day I appeared at the passport processing center, which was incredibly convenient.
The U.S. is now issuing Next Generation passports, which are not only cool but also more secure.
Remaining Requirements for Nigerian Visa
Application Details
Once your passport is in your possession, you’re ready to complete the Nigerian visa application. The application can be found here and will cost you another 160 USD.
Don’t worry, the application is straightforward and should take very little time to complete. Once you pay the 160 USD fee, the site will prompt you to print a hard copy of the application, the acknowledgment, and the payment slips.
Below are the remaining requirements for the tourist or visitor visa. The only difference between the tourist visa and the visitor visa is the letter of invitation requirement.
Tourist and Visitor Visa Requirements
Visitor Visa Host Letter
Most travelers will receive either a visitor or tourist visa. A visitor visa is when someone in Nigeria invites you to visit, hence the name.
You will need your host’s invitation letter when obtaining a visitor visa. The letter does not need to be fancy, but please make sure it includes the following details:
– Host’s name and contact information (email and phone number are sufficient)
– Host’s signature (they will also need to date it)
– Address of where you will be staying in Nigeria
– Your passport number and dates of travel
– It must state that they are accepting full immigration responsibility for the duration of your stay (financial responsibility as well if you do not provide evidence of sufficient funds)
– The photo and data page of your host’s passport
– Address this letter to the consulate where your visa will be processed (you will find this information when you book your appointment)
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is the same as a visitor visa, except you do not need the invitation letter as someone will not host you. Instead, you will provide evidence of accommodations, hotel bookings, or tour itineraries.
All the other requirements are the same, and I will continue the discussion of them below.
Completed Application Form
Please bring the completed visa application form, the online payment receipt, and the acknowledgment slip. Then, go to Walgreens, CVS, or any other photo center and get two passport-size photos. You can also get these digitally and you should.
I mentioned in Step 2 that you need to complete an application. That application requires you to upload an image. So, obtain both physical and digital versions of your passport photos. That should cost you between 20-30 USD.
Roundtrip Flight Ticket
We discussed the letter of invitation or proof of accommodations and itinerary depending on whether you receive a tourist or visitor visa. You will need to bring your flight itinerary. It must be roundtrip and show a confirmation number.
Finances
If your host is not financially responsible for you or you are obtaining a tourist visa, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover a stay in Nigeria. This can be a letter from your bank, a bank statement, or a credit card statement.
The processing agent defines sufficient funds at the appointment as at least 500 USD for a tourist or visitor visa. So, provide a document stating that you have at least 500 USD in your account or a credit limit of at least 500 USD on your travel card, and you should be fine.
Residency
If you are not a citizen of the U.S., you will need to show proof of permanent residency in the U.S. Print out and bring hard copies of everything I just outlined, minus the passport. You will need the physical book to mail to the embassy.
Don’t be alarmed if the application does not prompt you to print your acknowledgment and payment slips. You can always pull them up on the website with your reference and application numbers. So, please keep a record of everything until you physically obtain your visa. I also recommend bringing all documents with you to the airport if needed.
In-Person Appointment
Once you have all these documents printed and ready, you must appear in person at a Nigerian embassy to finish processing your visa.
I cannot stress this part enough!
Please start the process early, as visa appointments can fill quickly. The Los Angeles office accommodated me just about two weeks before my departure.
Five offices process Nigerian visa applications in the United States: New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles. Pick the option closest to your residence or with the earliest available appointment date.
I recommend using Online Integrated Services (OIS) as your visa processing service.
What needs to be listed in the requirements above is two priority flat rate express envelopes.
Please ensure you get these with the correct stamps; one envelope is what they will mail all of your documents to the embassy for processing, and the other is what they will ship your passport back to your residence.
Since this is a passport with a visa page in it, you will be required to sign for it. So ensure you are at home and tracking so they don’t take your document back to the post office. They will explain how to track and other logistics at the appointment.
Plot Twist (Apply for Your Visa Early)
I arrived at the Los Angeles processing facility to obtain my visa only to be told my passport would come after my scheduled departure date. Thankfully, I was saved by the country’s visa-on-arrival process for business travelers.
Being a travel blogger qualified me for this option, which is so cool! I am grateful for this, but I would not recommend it. However, I’m happy to report that it was easy and ensured I could enter Nigeria lawfully. Yes, I did fly to LA for a day, only to return home empty-handed. The life of a traveler is always exciting.
I won’t list the requirements for this visa type since most of you won’t obtain it, but if you need help getting a business visa on arrival, contact me, and I’ll point you in the right direction.
As someone who just recently completed the visa process (for both the visitor visa and business visa on arrival), please reach out if you have any questions about the entry requirements for Nigeria. I’d be more than happy to help!
For the visual learners who support my blog, check out my friend Feli’s YouTube video here, where she thoroughly outlines all the requirements. Now that you have your passport and visa sorted, let’s iron out the rest of the details.
Logistics
As of the completion of my trip, Nigeria has no COVID-19 vaccine, testing, or quarantine restrictions. As always, double-check before entering any country to ensure you comply with their entry requirements.
Prior to Departure
Please ensure that you have proof of yellow fever and polio vaccines. If you do not have these vaccines, more money will go into your Nigeria prep. My yellow fever vaccine was 297 USD at my local pharmacy. They filled out my existing International Certificate of Vaccine, but don’t fret if you do not have one.
Your local pharmacy or travel clinic can provide you with a new certificate.
Hotels
Hotels in Nigeria are a lot better than I expected. You can find Hilton and Marriott properties throughout the country. Stay at one of these properties, as local chains can be interesting.
I ended up at the Nera Hotels near Jabi Lake, and while I enjoyed the hotel’s location, that’s about all there was to enjoy.
For Lagos, I recommend the Protea by Marriott Lagos Kuramo Waters for your accommodation. It’s a little pricey but in a great location, and it was one of the most excellent hotels I’ve stayed in as a traveler. As always, I recommend extensive research before booking hotels, but all your major hotel chains exist in the country.
Flights
As for flights, Nigeria has two primary international airports, Abuja and Lagos. These were the two cities I visited on my trip. I flew into Abuja and departed from Lagos using the Star Alliance, United, and Lufthansa specifically for my airfare.
Other alliances can also effortlessly transport passengers from the United States to and from Abuja and Lagos. For example, Delta and the SkyTeam alliance of airlines operate service to both cities. What’s super convenient is that Delta operates nonstop service between Lagos and its primary hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and United operates nonstop service between Lagos and one of its hubs, Washington-Dulles International Airport.
I recommend using Google Flights to track your trip’s cheapest and most convenient flight schedule. I flew into Abuja on the same flight as my Nigerian family and departed from Lagos since it was the last city we visited.
And, of course, there are several flights between Abuja and Lagos, primarily through Air Peace.
Now, let’s talk about my actual in-country experience!
Abuja
My flight from Chicago to Frankfurt arrived almost an hour behind schedule, so I nearly missed the flight to Abuja. Fortunately, transit passengers do not have to go through passport control in Germany, so I was able to make it just before the boarding doors closed.
All that to say, I was very excited to finally be on the way to Abuja.
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, and it is a great place to do the visa-on-arrival process since the immigration officers are much kinder and more efficient than those at Lagos airport (I will discuss this later). Located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), its must-see attractions include the National Mosque, Central Park, and Aqualandia Water Park.
I also recommend PlayWorld, an Afrobeats-themed trampoline park, and Waffle Way, the best brunch place in the entire city. My Nigerian family was more familiar with the Abuja area, as that’s where they are from!
Lagos (My Personal Favorite)
With an estimated population of almost 30 million in 2022, Lagos is the most populous city on the African continent. So you can imagine how much fun it is.
Visiting Lagos has been on my travel bucket list for over a decade, and I finally crossed it off. I’m biased because I’m an extrovert, and exploring a city’s nightlife is my favorite aspect of traveling. So, I enjoyed Lagos much more than Abuja.
From beautiful beaches to wild parties, Lagos has it all. And it is much safer than advertized in the media. I felt as comfortable in Lagos as in any other city I’ve visited. I’ll let you browse through the pictures, but below is a list of the cool things I was able to do. This is not comprehensive, but I wanted to list a few of my favorites.
The Good Beach – A pool and beach club located near Landmark Beach on Victoria Island
The Lekki Conservation Centre – Located just east of Victoria Island, it is a natural resource conservation center with the longest canopy walk in all of Africa
GBLagos – This is a small Afrocentric art museum located in mainland Lagos.
Ogudu Mall – Since it is not too far from the GB Lagos Art Museum, hop on the “Keke” and go to one of the more trendy department stores on the mainland.
Tinubu Square – This is a must-visit, as it is probably the best place to get a skyline view of the city. The square is located in the Central Business District on Broad Street.
Tips and Tricks for Nigeria
Remember, I use my platform to help you travel as cheaply and safely as possible. I’ve provided tips on how to get to Nigeria as simply as possible. Here are a few tips to help your experience while you are in-country.
Start the visa process early! Be sure to have all your documents with you at the airport.
Speaking of the airport, the stories about Lagos International are true. Lagos Airport is a mess, and its employees aren’t much better. Don’t be alarmed, however. Show them the below picture and report all incidents of extortion. You are not ever required to pay any bribes to anyone. If you find yourself in Nigeria, hit me up, and I will send you this photo to keep with you while traveling. But this sign is located throughout the airports.
You need cash or a Nigerian bank card to spend money in the country.
Not only are Visa and Mastercard not widely accepted, but there is also a national cash shortage, so do not expect to get change. Fortunately, they work at airports and most U.S. hotel chains. Please plan a daily budget to ensure you can eat and complete your daily activities.
Plan your trip well in advance. Since cards don’t work well there, plan excursions and accommodations before arriving in Nigeria.
Lagos nightlife is next level.
If you have the time and energy, please do one night like a true Lagos local. Start at Sip or the Beer Garden, slowly work your way club hopping, and end up on the beach to watch the sunrise. Especially in the city during the weekend, you need to experience the nightlife.
Uber works in Nigeria, but Bolt is much better.
Bring a pen with you on your Nigeria trip. At the airports, you must also fill out an arrival and departure form.
Sunscreen and water are your best friends.
Yes, it’s hot and humid. It rains, but showers are quick, and there aren’t many clouds to relieve the heat. Most of the year is hot, so be prepared.
A SIM card may be a good investment, as Wi-Fi could be better.
Oh yeah, and the power goes out randomly, but most places have generators, so power should be restored in 5-10 minutes.
Lastly, I would avoid public markets.
Shopping is a big part of tourism, but shop owners can be aggressive, and if determined enough, they will follow you around for hours. If you are at a market, keep your bag in front of you, and don’t stare at your phone. Be aware of your surroundings.
When I give tips and tricks, I want to remind you that this is a partial list of recommendations.
Always remember to keep an open mind. Nigeria is a great country, but visiting requires prior planning and patience.
You’ll be happy to know that English is widely spoken around the country. Signs are in English, so you can practice a local language if you’d like to. I practiced a few basic phrases from my native Igbo tribe.
You will have fun! Trust me! Nigeria is now on my top-10 favorite visited countries list.
Please make sure you do adequate planning. If you have friends or family in Nigeria, I highly recommend coordinating with them!
Anything you can do to lessen the work you must do in-country is worth it because you want to be in a country experiencing the culture, not planning and stressing.
Everything Else You Need for Nigeria
I love visiting new places. You know my goal is to see all 195 (at least as of this post) UN-recognized countries.
Of course, I have a long way to go, but I love taking baby steps, establishing incremental goals, and celebrating progress. To me, there is no such thing as little progress.
Visiting Nigeria increased my country count and gave me a stronger sense of belonging and connection to the world. Yes, Nigeria is part of my heritage; experiencing the country felt like home. I always love to end my posts with gratitude because traveling is when I feel gratitude at an all-time high. There is so much to be grateful for.
Thank you, Nigeria, for showing me a great time. What a privilege and honor to visit the country of my dominant ancestry! I returned from this trip with an intense excitement for what was to come and a more appreciative perspective on my life.
Have you been to Nigeria? Whether you’ve already been or are planning your first visit, I’d love to hear from you! If I can have a successful Nigeria trip, you can too!
