After they have spent a day or two in Nigeria, most visitors are surprised to see that the country is so much more than its reputation for scam artists and kidnappings. Shake off that image, and your trip could turn out to be one of your most fulfilling travel experiences.
The moment you step out of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) – the default port of entry for most international visitors – you’ll immediately sense that you’re entering a world of wonder and contrasts.
You’ll find some of that wonder in Nigeria’s everyday people who are hard-working and full of life, in its centuries-old festivals and vernacular architecture, not to mention the legacies of ancient empires and kingdoms. If food is the reason you travel, then prepare to be wowed by an unbeatable range of local cuisine.
Plan the perfect visit to Nigeria with these top tips and things you should know before you go.
1. Stay up to date with the latest protocols
For the second time in under a year, Nigeria has revised its COVID-19 protocols. The most recent, announced last March and effective in April, drops mandatory PCR tests for fully-vaccinated international visitors. Check the online travel portal of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for additional guidelines.
2. If you qualify, apply in advance for a Visa on Arrival
The Nigerian government recently introduced a Visa on Arrival service for tourists, business travelers and citizens of African Union countries. Issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, and valid for 90 days, it also covers visitors traveling from countries where Nigeria has no embassy or mission. Details for which nationalities qualify for a Visa on Arrival are available at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The key requirement here is that someone must apply online on your behalf from Nigeria, no earlier than 14 days before your departure date. Even when they get a Visa Approval Letter, visitors are sometimes delayed by needless formalities at the airport. It helps to have your host deal with the red tape that could surface on the ground.
3. Book short-let serviced apartments online in advance
Nigeria’s healthy hospitality industry is complemented by a fast-growing real estate sector. This means that besides standard hotels, you can choose from a…
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