This article represents the conclusion of months of research into Nigerian safety and tourism, combined with years of experience working with travellers, expats, and tourists who’ve made the journey to this vibrant West African nation.

Let me start with something important: is it safe to visit Nigeria? Yes, with proper planning and awareness, Nigeria can be visited safely. Like any large country, it has areas that welcome tourists openly and others best avoided. The key lies in understanding where to go, when to travel, and how to prepare yourself properly.

I remember my first conversation with a British colleague who’d just returned from Lagos. Her eyes lit up as she described the energy of Victoria Island, the warmth of strangers who helped her navigate Lekki Market, and the incredible jollof rice that still haunted her dreams. Yet she’d spent weeks beforehand consumed by worry, reading every travel warning twice over.

That’s rather like judging the entirety of Europe based solely on news about one troubled region. Nigeria spans 923,769 square kilometres with over 200 million people, hundreds of ethnic groups, and landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to savannah plains. Understanding this diversity is your first step towards a safe, rewarding visit.

Understanding Nigeria’s Safety Profile for Tourists

The question of safety in Nigeria deserves a nuanced answer, not a simple yes or no (though I know that’s what you’re hoping for!).

Nigeria’s security situation varies dramatically by region. The southern coastal areas, particularly Lagos, Abuja, and parts of the southeast, receive thousands of international visitors yearly for business and leisure. These areas have established tourist infrastructure, international hotels, and visible security presence. I’ve watched families stroll through Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja with the same ease you’d find in any major city worldwide.

However, the northeast (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states) faces serious security challenges from insurgent groups. The northwest grapples with banditry and kidnapping risks. These aren’t places for casual tourism, full stop. The Nigerian government’s security advisories regularly update on regional concerns, and I’d strongly recommend checking these before planning your route.

The southern states, including Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers (with precautions), alongside the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), generally maintain better security infrastructure. That said, petty crime exists everywhere. I learned this the hard way when a friend visiting Port Harcourt had his phone snatched in traffic (he’d been waving it about rather carelessly whilst taking photos).

Security concerns remain a significant challenge for Nigeria’s tourism sector, with stakeholders emphasising that safety and security are essential for a thriving tourism industry. However, this doesn’t mean tourism is impossible, it simply requires awareness and proper planning.

Practical Safety Measures for Nigerian Travel

Here’s what actually works, based on real experiences:

1. Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival – The British High Commission in Abuja offers consular support and sends security updates to registered nationals
2. Hire reputable transport rather than flagging random taxis – Use apps like Uber or Bolt, or arrange airport pickups through your hotel
3. Keep copies of documents separately from originals – Photograph your passport, visa, and important papers, storing copies in cloud storage
4. Avoid displaying wealth openly – Leave the designer watch at home; dress practically rather than flashily
5. Stay informed about local situations – Download news apps covering Nigerian current affairs
6. Travel during daylight hours between cities – Road travel after dark increases various risks substantially
7. Maintain situational awareness in crowded areas – Markets and bus stations require extra vigilance regarding belongings

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria provides excellent security resources that apply regardless of your nationality, including area-specific alerts and emergency contact information.

One traveller I advised recently ignored the “don’t wear expensive jewellery” guidance and found herself the focus of unwanted attention in Ikeja. Nothing terrible happened, but she spent her entire afternoon feeling uncomfortable rather than enjoying the vibrant textile markets she’d come to explore.

Identifying the Safest Destinations Within Nigeria

Right, let’s talk about where you can actually visit with reasonable confidence.

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, tops the list for tourist infrastructure despite its reputation for chaos. Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki offer international hotels, restaurants, beaches, and cultural sites with security measures in place. Yes, traffic is legendary (and by legendary, I mean potentially soul-destroying), but these areas see regular international business travellers and have adapted accordingly.

Lagos State government has been actively working to position the city as a safe tourist destination, with officials from the Lagos State Government assuring visitors that Lagos is safe for tourism and legitimate business, despite some international perceptions to the contrary.

The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) provides another solid option. Purpose-built as Nigeria’s capital, Abuja features wider roads, better urban planning, and a significant diplomatic presence. Attractions include Zuma Rock, Millennium Park, and the Abuja National Mosque. Security is more visible here than in most Nigerian cities, though this doesn’t mean dropping your guard entirely. The Federal Government has consistently reaffirmed Abuja’s safety for residents and visitors, with security agencies maintaining proactive measures.

Calabar in Cross River State offers beach resorts, the Calabar Carnival (Africa’s biggest street party, held annually in December), and the Obudu Mountain Resort. The state government has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, and it shows. I know several families who’ve holidayed here multiple times without incident.

Enugu, often called the “Coal City,” provides a gateway to Igbo cultural experiences with relatively stable security. The Nike Lake Resort offers peaceful surroundings, whilst the Awhum Waterfall and Ngwo Pine Forest present natural attractions within day-trip distance.

For something different, Ogun State (neighbouring Lagos) contains Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, sacred groves, and historical sites related to Yoruba heritage, accessible as day trips from Lagos with proper arrangements.

Regional Safety Comparison Table

Region	Safety Level	Key Attractions	Primary Concerns	Best Visit Period
Lagos (VI, Ikoyi, Lekki)	Moderate	Beaches, nightlife, culture	Petty crime, traffic	November-February
Abuja (FCT)	Moderate-High	Zuma Rock, museums, parks	Occasional protests	November-March
Calabar	Moderate-High	Carnival, beaches, resorts	Limited during rainy season	December-March
Enugu	Moderate	Natural sites, cultural heritage	Road conditions	November-April
Port Harcourt	Low-Moderate	Oil industry tours, creeks	Higher crime rates	December-February
Northern Nigeria (general)	Low	Historical sites, ancient cities	Insurgency, banditry	Avoid unless essential
Northeast States	Very Low	N/A	Active conflict zones	Do not visit

This table reflects the current situation as of late 2024, but remember: situations can change rapidly. The months listed represent the dry season when travel is easiest and safest, avoiding the challenges heavy rains bring to Nigerian infrastructure.

Understanding International Travel Advisories on Nigeria

You’ve likely seen Nigeria described on “red lists” or with severe warnings, and you’re wondering what that actually means. Let me break this down without the bureaucratic nonsense.

Travel advisories exist on a spectrum. When the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) places regions on their “red list” or advises against all travel, they’re responding to genuine security threats. For Nigeria, this applies specifically to areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency, ISIS-West Africa, banditry, and kidnapping-for-ransom operations concentrated in the northeast and northwest.

The FCDO’s Nigeria travel advisory doesn’t say “never visit Nigeria under any circumstances.” It says, rather more precisely, “don’t visit these specific dangerous areas, and exercise increased caution in others.” There’s a substantial difference, though I’ll admit the warnings can read rather dramatically.

Why these warnings exist:

The northeast has experienced terrorist attacks, suicide bombings, and kidnappings targeting both locals and foreigners. The northwest faces armed bandit groups who’ve attacked villages and highways, taking hostages for ransom. These are real, serious threats that make those regions genuinely dangerous for anyone, tourist or not.

However, these warnings don’t apply to Lagos’s business districts or Abuja’s diplomatic zones with the same intensity. The advisories paint with a broad brush because governments must protect themselves legally (imagine the liability if they said “it’s fine” and something happened).

I’ve watched people cancel Nigerian business opportunities worth thousands of pounds because they saw “red list” without reading the details. Don’t be that person. Read the full advisory, note the specific areas mentioned, and check whether your planned destinations appear in the high-risk zones.

The advisories also affect travel insurance validity. Many UK insurers won’t cover you if you travel against FCDO advice, so if you’re heading to warned-against areas, you’ll need specialist insurance (which costs considerably more and may still exclude certain circumstances).

Safety Considerations Specifically for UK Citizens

As a UK citizen, you’ve got some particular factors to consider beyond general safety concerns.

First, the relationship between Nigeria and the UK remains strong, built on historical ties, substantial Nigerian diaspora in Britain, and ongoing business connections. The British High Commission in Abuja and the Deputy High Commission in Lagos provide consular services, though their ability to help in emergency situations has limits, particularly in remote areas or regions under travel warnings.

UK citizens don’t need visas for stays up to certain periods for business or tourism (check current regulations as these change), but you absolutely must have proof of yellow fever vaccination. Nigeria takes this seriously at entry points. I’ve seen travellers turned away at Lagos airport for lacking proper vaccination certificates, which turned their exciting adventure into an expensive, immediate return flight home.

Healthcare presents another consideration. Nigeria’s medical facilities vary enormously. Lagos and Abuja have private hospitals meeting international standards (at international prices), whilst rural areas may lack basic medical infrastructure. The NHS won’t help you here, so comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is non-negotiable. Malaria prophylaxis is essential (Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of global malaria cases), as are routine vaccinations and typhoid protection.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and other carriers fly directly to Lagos, making access relatively straightforward. However, internal flights and road travel require more careful planning. Nigerian domestic airlines have had safety issues historically, though major carriers like Air Peace and Arik Air maintain reasonable safety records.

Currency matters too. You’ll need Nigerian Naira (₦), though US dollars or British pounds can be exchanged at banks and authorised dealers. The exchange rate fluctuates considerably, so check current rates before travelling. Many establishments in tourist areas accept card payments, but cash remains king in markets and smaller businesses.

One UK teacher I met in Lagos had researched thoroughly and felt well-prepared. What surprised her most wasn’t danger, but the genuine warmth of Nigerian hospitality. Strangers invited her to family celebrations; market vendors spent ages explaining spice uses; hotel staff remembered her name after one night. These human connections, she told me, made the extra planning entirely worthwhile.

When Is It Safe to Visit Nigeria? The Complete Answer

We’ve circled around this question throughout, but let me address it head-on with complete clarity.

Yes, it is safe to visit Nigeria if you travel to the right areas, at the right time, with proper preparation and realistic expectations. Safe Nigerian destinations include Lagos (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki areas), Abuja, Calabar, parts of Enugu State, and Ogun State. These areas welcome international visitors regularly, have established tourism infrastructure, and maintain security measures appropriate for tourist activities. Visit during the dry season (November to March) for optimal conditions, avoid areas under specific government travel warnings (northeastern states and much of the northwest), register with your embassy upon arrival, arrange reliable transport in advance, maintain situational awareness, and follow local advice regarding areas and times to avoid. Nigeria offers extraordinary cultural experiences, natural beauty, incredible food, and warm hospitality unavailable anywhere else, making it worth visiting for those willing to prepare properly.

The cities and regions mentioned above see thousands of international visitors annually without incident. Business travellers, NGO workers, diaspora returning home, and increasingly, curious tourists explore Nigeria successfully by following sensible precautions.

Making Your Nigerian Visit a Safe and Memorable Experience

Let me share what actually makes the difference between a stressful trip and a fantastic one (beyond the obvious safety basics we’ve covered).

Before you travel, connect with Nigerians online through travel forums or social media. I’ve found the Nigerian online community incredibly helpful, offering current, ground-level information that official advisories miss. Someone will tell you that a particular area has had recent issues, or that a festival is happening that would make a destination particularly rewarding at that time.

Accommodation matters enormously. Book hotels with good security (gates, guards, secure parking) in reputable areas. Read recent reviews from international travellers specifically. A hotel’s star rating means less than whether it’s located safely and managed well. Expect to pay more for proper security and location, but consider this money well spent.

The social aspect of Nigerian culture can work beautifully in your favour. Nigerians are typically warm, hospitable people who take pride in their country and want visitors to enjoy themselves. If you’re respectful and friendly, you’ll often find locals going out of their way to help you. That said, remain discerning (as you would anywhere) about who you trust and what situations you put yourself in.

Food safety requires attention. Stick to busy, reputable restaurants where high turnover means fresh food. Street food can be incredible but choose carefully. Vendors with long queues of locals are usually safe bets. Avoid tap water; drink only bottled water with sealed caps. This isn’t about Nigerian standards being poor; rather, as a visitor, your stomach isn’t adapted to local water bacteria.

Rather like preparing for any developing nation, accept that things won’t always run smoothly. Flights delay, power cuts happen, traffic jams last hours. Maintain flexibility and humour rather than rigid schedules. The travellers who struggle most are those expecting European efficiency in an African context.

Navigating Cultural Expectations and Local Customs

Understanding Nigerian culture isn’t just about safety; it’s about respect and having a richer experience.

Nigerians value respect highly, particularly towards elders. Greetings matter enormously (never launch straight into business without proper greetings; it’s considered rude). Learn basic greetings in the local language of wherever you’re visiting. In Lagos, that’s Yoruba (“E kaaro” for good morning, “E kaasan” for good afternoon). In Abuja, Hausa greetings are appreciated. Even attempting these shows respect and opens doors.

Dress modestly, especially in northern areas or when visiting religious sites. Nigeria is religiously diverse (roughly split between Christianity in the south and Islam in the north), and modest dress is universally appreciated. Women should carry scarves for covering shoulders or heads when needed.

Photography requires permission. Don’t photograph government buildings, military installations, or airports. Ask before photographing people (many will happily agree, but asking is essential). Some may expect a small payment for posed photographs, which is their prerogative.

Nigerian communication can be indirect and relationship-focused. Building rapport before discussing business or asking favours is standard practice. What might seem like excessive small talk to a Brit is actually the foundation of trust in Nigerian culture.

One thing that surprised many visitors I’ve spoken with: gift-giving culture. If you’re invited to someone’s home (a genuine honour), bring a small gift. Nothing expensive, but something thoughtful from your home country or quality biscuits, chocolates, or drinks works well.

Essential Practical Tips for a Safe Nigerian Visit

Let me give you the nitty-gritty details that guidebooks often skip.

Money and valuables: Carry minimal cash and cards on your person. Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables. Have emergency cash hidden separately from your main wallet. ATMs exist in major cities but can be targets for card skimming; use machines inside banks during business hours when possible.

Communication: Buy a local SIM card upon arrival (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile). This provides data for maps, communication, and ride-hailing apps at a fraction of roaming costs. Internet cafes still exist if you need them, though data is cheap enough that most travellers rely on mobile data.

Transport: I cannot stress enough how important transport choices are. Lagos traffic is infamous (truly, breathtakingly bad), but unsafe driving presents bigger concerns. Use only registered taxis, ride-hailing apps, or pre-arranged transport. Never accept rides from random people offering lifts, even if they seem friendly. For intercity travel, flying is safer than road transport where available.

Health precautions: Beyond malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations, carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including diarrhoea medication, rehydration salts, pain relievers, and any prescription medications (in original packaging with prescriptions). Medical facilities in major cities can provide good care, but you don’t want to need a pharmacy at midnight in an unfamiliar area.

Security equipment: A money belt or hidden pouch worn under clothing protects passports and emergency funds. A portable door lock (the kind that works on any door) adds security in budget accommodation. A portable power bank keeps your phone charged (power cuts happen frequently).

Documentation: Photocopy everything (passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination certificates, credit cards). Store physical copies separately from originals and keep digital copies in cloud storage. Photograph important documents with your phone as backup.

Emergency contacts: Program these into your phone before arrival: British High Commission Abuja (+234 9461 1600), Lagos Deputy High Commission (+234 1277 0780), Nigerian emergency services (767 or 112 from mobile), your hotel, your travel insurance emergency line, and local contacts if you have any.

Understanding and Managing Real Risks in Nigeria

Let’s talk honestly about what can actually go wrong, because pretending risks don’t exist helps nobody.

Petty crime represents the most common threat tourists face. Phone snatching, pickpocketing, and bag-snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and traffic jams. These crimes target locals and visitors alike. Prevention is straightforward: keep phones and valuables secure and hidden, don’t wear expensive jewellery, keep bags zipped and held firmly, and stay alert in crowds.

Scams targeting foreigners range from simple overcharging to elaborate schemes. The “stranded friend” email scam actually originates from Nigeria (“419” fraud, named after the relevant Nigerian Criminal Code section). In person, taxi scams, fake tour guides, and accommodation fraud occur. Protect yourself by pre-booking reputable services, agreeing prices before services commence, and being sceptical of too-good-to-be-true offers.

Traffic accidents cause more tourist deaths and injuries in Nigeria than crime. Nigerian driving can be chaotic, roads are often poorly maintained, and accidents are common. This is why I emphasise choosing transport carefully and avoiding road travel after dark.

Health risks, including malaria, typhoid, and waterborne diseases, affect visitors who haven’t taken proper precautions. Yellow fever is endemic in Nigeria, making vaccination mandatory for entry. Comprehensive travel health preparation is essential.

Kidnapping for ransom occurs primarily in specific regions (Niger Delta, northwest, northeast), not in the southern cities where tourists typically visit. However, remaining aware of your surroundings and avoiding high-risk areas is crucial.

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation provides information on registered tour operators and secure tourist facilities, which helps separate legitimate services from potentially risky ones.

The Rewards of Visiting Nigeria Despite Challenges

After all these warnings and precautions, you might wonder why anyone would bother visiting Nigeria at all. Let me tell you why it’s worth the effort.

Nigeria offers cultural richness unmatched in West Africa. From the ancient Benin bronzes (originals are being repatriated) to contemporary Nollywood films, from Afrobeat music’s birthplace to cutting-edge contemporary art scenes, Nigeria pulses with creative energy. Lagos alone has art galleries, live music venues, theatre productions, and fashion scenes that rival anywhere globally.

Lagos continues to invest heavily in tourism development, recently launching the ‘101 Days in Lagos’ initiative aimed at positioning the state as Africa’s premier tourism hub through a series of cultural and entertainment events running from September through January.

The food deserves a paragraph of its own. Nigerian cuisine goes far beyond jollof rice (though that’s exceptional). Try egusi soup, pounded yam, suya (spiced meat skewers), akara (bean cakes), moi moi, pepper soup, and dozens of regional specialities. Lagos particularly offers incredible dining from street food to fine dining, representing cuisines from across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

Natural beauty surprises many visitors. The Yankari National Park in Bauchi State (exercise extreme caution visiting given its location), the Cross River rainforest, Obudu Mountain Resort’s cool highlands, and beaches along the Atlantic coast offer geographical diversity. Waterfalls, caves, and rock formations dot the country.

The people remain Nigeria’s greatest asset. Nigerian warmth, humour, and resilience impress most visitors profoundly. Markets buzz with energy and commerce. Churches and mosques demonstrate religious devotion. Families gather in streets and compounds. Witnessing life in Africa’s most populous nation provides perspective unavailable in smaller, more tourist-focused destinations.

For business visitors, Nigeria represents Africa’s largest economy with enormous opportunities in virtually every sector. Despite challenges, the entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population (median age around 18 years) drive innovation and growth.

One British journalist told me her Nigerian visit changed her career. She’d gone expecting to write about security challenges and economic problems. Instead, she found tech hubs in Lagos challenging Silicon Valley assumptions, fashion designers creating globally competitive brands, and musicians pushing African sounds onto world stages. Her article became a feature series celebrating African innovation.

Comparing Nigeria to Other West African Destinations

How does Nigeria stack up against neighbouring countries regarding safety and tourism?

Ghana consistently ranks as West Africa’s safest, most tourist-friendly nation. It offers similar cultural experiences, beaches, and historical sites (especially related to the transatlantic slave trade) with better tourism infrastructure and fewer security concerns. Many first-time West African visitors start with Ghana.

Senegal similarly provides relatively stable, tourist-ready infrastructure with Francophone culture, beautiful beaches, and accessible national parks. Dakar offers cosmopolitan amenities with less chaos than Lagos.

Benin (the country, not the Nigerian city) remains safe and accessible with fascinating voodoo culture, historical slave route sites, and stilt villages, though tourism infrastructure is less developed.

So why choose Nigeria over these alternatives? Size and diversity matter. Nigeria offers experiences unavailable elsewhere: nowhere else has Lagos’s particular energy, Nigeria’s specific musical heritage (Fela Kuti didn’t emerge from nowhere), or the same depth of Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa culture. Ghana is safer but offers a fraction of Nigeria’s complexity and scale.

Rather like comparing a small, perfectly formed European city with London, Ghana might be easier and more straightforward, but Nigeria offers depth, diversity, and intensity unavailable in smaller nations. Which suits you depends on your travel style, risk tolerance, and what you’re seeking.

Preparing for Your Nigerian Journey: Final Practical Steps

You’ve decided to visit. Excellent! Here’s your final preparation checklist:

Health preparations (start 6-8 weeks before travel):

• Yellow fever vaccination (mandatory, recorded in International Certificate of Vaccination)
• Malaria prophylaxis prescription from travel clinic
• Check routine vaccines current (tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid)
• Arrange comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation
• Pack prescription medications in original packaging with copies of prescriptions

Documentation:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates
• Visa (check current requirements; rules change)
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination
• Travel insurance documents
• Photocopies and digital copies of all documents
• Emergency contact details

Financial preparation:

• Notify bank/credit card companies of travel dates to avoid card blocking
• Order small amounts of US dollars or pounds for initial exchange
• Research current exchange rates
• Set up international calling/data plan or plan to buy local SIM
• Budget for higher costs in secure areas versus general Nigerian costs

Accommodation and transport:

• Book first few nights’ accommodation in advance
• Arrange airport pickup through hotel or reputable service
• Research ride-hailing app availability in your destinations
• Plan internal travel between cities

Packing essentials:

• Modest, practical clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection
• Insect repellent with high DEET concentration
• Water purification tablets or portable filter
• First aid kit and medications
• Portable door lock
• Money belt
• Portable power bank and charging cables
• Universal plug adapter (UK plugs work but bring adapter for other devices)

Staying Safe: Concluding Thoughts on Visiting Nigeria

After everything we’ve covered, let me bring this together into something useful rather than overwhelming.

Is it safe to visit Nigeria? The answer remains: yes, with preparation, awareness, and smart choices about where you go and what you do. Nigeria isn’t a country where you can wander aimlessly hoping for the best, but neither is it an impenetrable danger zone. It’s a complex, vibrant nation where millions of people live, work, and welcome visitors daily.

Your safety largely depends on your decisions. Choose Lagos’s established areas over rural regions without infrastructure. Visit Abuja’s attractions rather than venturing into warned-against territories. Travel during appropriate seasons. Arrange reliable transport. Stay alert without being paranoid. These actions reduce risks to manageable levels.

I’ve watched countless visitors return from Nigeria with stories of incredible experiences, warm hospitality, and perspective-shifting encounters. Very few had serious problems beyond minor inconveniences. The common factor? They’d prepared thoroughly, stayed alert, respected local culture, and made sensible choices.

Nigeria rewards the curious, the culturally sensitive, and the well-prepared. It punishes the careless, the arrogant, and the naive. Approach it with respect, do your homework, remain flexible, and you’re likely to have an extraordinary experience few of your friends can match.

The question isn’t really “Is it safe?” but rather “Am I willing to prepare properly and travel intelligently?” If yes, Nigeria awaits with experiences that will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of Africa, development, and human resilience.

Key Takeaways for Safe Nigerian Travel

• Focus on established safe zones: Lagos (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki), Abuja, and Calabar offer the best combination of attractions and security for international visitors, with proper tourist infrastructure already in place.
• Preparation prevents problems: Comprehensive travel insurance, appropriate vaccinations, registered transport, and booked accommodation in secure areas eliminate most serious risks before they occur.
• Cultural awareness enhances safety: Respecting local customs, dressing modestly, learning basic greetings, and building relationships rather than rushing transactions keeps you safer and enriches your experience immeasurably.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nigeria Safely

Is it safe to visit Nigeria as a tourist in 2025?

Yes, specific areas of Nigeria can be visited safely by tourists in 2025, particularly Lagos’s upscale neighbourhoods (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki), Abuja, and Calabar. Avoid northeastern and northwestern states where security situations remain concerning, and follow current government travel advisories for the most up-to-date regional information.

Where is the safest place in Nigeria to visit right now?

Abuja represents Nigeria’s safest major destination currently, being purpose-built as the capital with significant diplomatic presence and security infrastructure. Lagos’s Victoria Island and Ikoyi areas follow closely, offering international hotels, restaurants, and attractions with established security measures.

Why does Nigeria appear on travel warning red lists?

Nigeria appears on red lists primarily due to serious security concerns in northeastern states (Boko Haram insurgency, ISIS-West Africa activity) and northwestern regions (armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom). These warnings apply regionally rather than nationally, meaning southern cities face different risk levels than conflict-affected areas.

Is Nigeria safe for UK citizens specifically?

UK citizens can visit Nigeria safely by following FCDO guidelines, staying in advised areas, registering with the British High Commission, and maintaining comprehensive travel insurance. The UK-Nigeria relationship remains strong, with established consular support, though assistance in high-risk areas is limited.

What vaccinations do I absolutely need for Nigeria?

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Nigeria entry and must be recorded in an International Certificate of Vaccination that you’ll present at immigration. Additionally, malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations (tetanus, measles) are strongly recommended for health protection.

Can I travel safely between Nigerian cities?

Flying between cities is generally safer than road travel, with major carriers like Air Peace maintaining reasonable safety standards. Road travel carries risks from poor road conditions, dangerous driving, and security concerns on certain routes, particularly after dark.

Is Lagos safe for tourists to explore?

Lagos is safe for tourists who stick to established areas (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki), use reliable transport, avoid displaying wealth, and remain alert in crowded places. The city sees thousands of international business travellers and tourists annually, with appropriate precautions making visits manageable.

What’s the biggest safety risk tourists actually face in Nigeria?

Petty crime (phone snatching, pickpocketing, bag theft) represents the most common risk tourists encounter in Nigeria, occurring primarily in crowded areas, markets, and traffic. These risks are manageable through vigilance, keeping valuables hidden, and avoiding obvious displays of wealth.

When is the best time to visit Nigeria safely?

November through March represents the optimal period, coinciding with the dry season when travel is easiest and most comfortable. This period avoids heavy rains that can make roads impassable and generally offers better conditions for tourist activities.

How much does comprehensive travel insurance for Nigeria cost?

Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation for Nigeria typically costs £60-150 for a two-week trip, depending on age, coverage level, and whether you’re visiting FCDO-advised-against areas. Specialist policies for high-risk areas cost considerably more but remain essential for coverage validity.

Are there safe beaches in Nigeria for tourists?

Yes, Lagos offers several beaches frequented by tourists and expats, including Elegushi Beach and La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, which maintain security and facilities. Calabar’s beaches and the Obudu Mountain Resort also provide safe, tourist-friendly beach and resort experiences.

Can I use my UK driving licence in Nigeria?

UK driving licences are recognised in Nigeria, but honestly, hiring a driver is infinitely safer and less stressful than attempting to navigate Nigerian traffic yourself. Lagos traffic particularly requires local expertise and nerves of steel that most visitors lack.