Saily eSIM for Nigeria
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2,965 mi away
£1 NGN 1,808.47
Today
4:01 am
+1h from you
Travel warning
There's a serious risk of terrorism, kidnapping and armed crime across many parts of the country, and your travel insurance likely won't cover you if you go.
Weather & climate
Weather in Nigeria
Nigeria
28°
Moderate drizzle
Wed
22°
28°
Thu
22°
29°
Fri
21°
28°
Sat
22°
28°
Sun
22°
27°
Mon
21°
28°
Tue
22°
28°
SPF level in Nigeria
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Nigeria
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor, which you must get before travelling.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Nigeria.
You must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination to enter Nigeria.
You must complete an online Nigeria Health Declaration Form when entering Nigeria, including for transit.
You must complete online landing and departure cards before entry and exit from Nigeria.
Good to know:
It is illegal to import items like beer, mineral water, soft drinks, fruits, vegetables, and textiles into Nigeria.
Infants aged 8 months or younger and adults aged 61 or older are exempt from the yellow fever vaccination requirement.
Safety in Nigeria
Tips when travelling
Nigeria is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Criminals often target visitors perceived as wealthy, so limit travel at night, avoid wearing valuable jewellery and carry minimal cash.
Be extremely cautious at ATMs and banks, especially after dark, as these areas see high levels of criminal activity.
Keep your credit card in sight during payments as credit card fraud is common.
Avoid drinking unlicensed traditional gin or other unlicensed alcohol due to risks of fatal methanol poisoning.
Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties including long prison sentences and heavy fines.
Bonus tips:
Driving standards are low and road conditions poor, so be extra cautious, travel in daylight, and keep car doors locked and windows up.
Swimming off the coast can be dangerous due to rip tides and undertows, so always get local advice before entering the water.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Nigeria
A UK driving license is accepted for a period of up to 3 months. After this period, a Nigerian driving license is required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Nigeria drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Nigeria
As a British tourist, your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Nigeria. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation, as medical facilities may require upfront payment.
Vaccinations recommended before travel
It is crucial to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to Nigeria to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and you will need to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. Be aware of the risk of malaria and take appropriate prophylactic measures. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid illnesses.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is growing in Nigeria, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still widely used.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Nigeria
Tipping is not deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture, but it's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas and for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service.
Bar/Café
5-10% for good service.
Taxi
Negotiate the fare beforehand. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
₦100-₦200 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
₦200-₦500 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
₦500-₦1000 per day, depending on the tour's length and quality.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Nigeria. Roaming charges can be high, so consider a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 5000 NGN (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Nigeria
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities. Coverage can be patchy in more rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Many hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi, but the quality can vary. Mobile data is generally reliable in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Nigeria
Country code
+234
To call the British High Commission in Abuja from the UK, dial 00 234 9 462 2200.
To call Nigeria from the UK, dial the UK exit code (00), followed by the Nigerian country code (234), then the area code and the local number. When calling from Nigeria to the UK, use the Nigerian exit code (009) followed by the UK country code (44) and the UK number without the leading zero.
Languages in Nigeria
English(primary)
Hausa
Igbo
Yoruba
UK Embassy
British High Commission Abuja
19 Torrens Close, Mississippi, Maitama, Abuja
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
11 days ago
Health
- Additional Ebola Disease (Bundibugyo Virus) screening may now be implemented at border entry points.
- Enhanced monitoring of air passengers arriving from East and Central Africa may be introduced.
Safety
- WHO has declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Safety and security
18 days ago
Regional risks
- The Nigerian Government has issued a specific warning against travelling at night in North Central Nigeria due to security concerns.
Safety
- The warning about travelling at night in North Central Nigeria has been added to the 'Road travel' section.
Airports in Nigeria
Beaches in Nigeria
Frequently asked questions
Travel to certain areas of Nigeria is dangerous due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. Exercise extreme caution, avoid travel to high-risk areas, and stay informed about the current security situation. Always follow local advice and government warnings.
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter Nigeria for tourism purposes. You must apply for a visa through the Nigerian Immigration Service or the Nigerian High Commission in London before your travel date. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Nigeria has a diverse cultural landscape with varying customs depending on the region. It's important to be respectful of local traditions and norms, especially regarding dress and behaviour. Politeness and courtesy are highly valued. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
The best time to visit Nigeria is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to March. The weather is more pleasant during this period, with lower humidity and less rainfall. This makes it easier to travel and explore the country.
Be wary of internet scams, advance fee fraud (419 scams), and unsolicited business proposals. Avoid sending money to people you've only met online. Be cautious of strangers offering assistance, and always protect your personal belongings from theft.
Nigerian cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Try local dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, suya (spicy grilled meat), and moi moi (bean pudding). Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent stomach issues.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable due to the hot and humid climate. In more conservative areas, women should cover their shoulders and knees. Business attire is generally formal.
Getting around Nigeria can be challenging due to traffic congestion and varying road conditions. Consider hiring a reputable driver or using established ride-hailing services. Avoid traveling at night outside of major cities due to safety concerns. Plan your journeys carefully.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.