This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Crime (update) and Local Travel (update). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. In February 2003, Al-Qa'ida leader Osama bin Laden called for an uprising by Muslims in a number of countries, including Nigeria, and suggested that 'faithful Muslims' rise up against the Nigerian Government. In a separate December 2004 statement, he referred to 'support for brothers' in Nigeria.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets. These include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as residential areas, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, schools, shopping areas, markets, places of worship, embassies, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas. Western economic interests, in particular gas and oil industry installations have been attacked in the past, as well as symbols and buildings associated with the Nigerian government. Significant dates and anniversaries are also symbolic and terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria at this time due to the unpredictable security situation, the high risk of kidnapping and the heightened risk of violent political demonstrations and civil unrest. The uncertain security situation could deteriorate without warning. If you do decide to travel to Nigeria, you should exercise extreme caution.

You should avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.

There is a risk of serious inter-communal violence and unrest in the central and northern regions of Nigeria (the states of Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa and Benue in the central region and Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto and Kano states in the north, including the cities of Kaduna, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Bauchi and Katsina). In recent years, serious inter-communal violence and civil unrest in these areas has led to thousands of deaths. Night curfews have been imposed in some areas.

In February 2006, a number of people died in inter-communal riots in the cities of Maiduguri, Katsina, Bauchi and Onitsha, and in January 2008, four people were killed in riots on the outskirts of Kaduna City.

South-eastern Nigeria: We advise you not to travel to the riverine area in the Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Anambra states in south-eastern Nigeria because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks against foreign oil companies located in the area and increased localised violent civil unrest. The conflict between the Nigerian military and militants is escalating in the Warri area of Delta state. These areas or any areas where military activity is ongoing should be avoided. The situation could change without notice and Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others.

In January 2008, militants carried out several attacks on police stations and a hotel in Port Harcourt and threatened to escalate attacks in the Delta during 2008.

Credible reports indicate that militant groups intend to conduct attacks against oil pipelines and facilities in the Niger Delta region. The exact timing of the attacks is not known, however they are believed to be imminent.

Credible reports indicate that terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners from the Niger delta, including in Akwa Ibom State, for use as human shields.

Militants have significantly increased their kidnappings of expatriate oil workers and foreign businessmen in the Niger Delta region, including from offshore facilities and ships. More than 150 foreign workers have been kidnapped, killed or injured since the beginning of 2007. An Australian was among a small group of foreign workers reported kidnapped on 4 July 2007. Militants have recently warned of further kidnappings.

Bakassi Peninsula: We advise you not to travel to the Bakassi Peninsula. Nigeria handed over the northern part of the Peninsula to Cameroon in August 2006. Uncertainty about former Nigerian residents' feelings about the hand-over is a concern and violent reaction is possible at any time.

If you are already in one of the above areas and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to these regions knowing that there is a high threat from civil unrest or that you may be caught up in attacks against civilian targets. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to these regions, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service.

The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.

Crime

There is a high level of serious crime throughout Nigeria. Violent assault, armed robbery, rape and carjacking across Nigeria is prevalent. There is a higher risk of crime in and around the Lagos international airport, on the roads between the airports in Lagos and Abuja, and when travelling unaccompanied in taxis. Prearranged collection/drop off airport arrangements by someone who knows you or properly identifies themselves can help to minimise risks. Criminals have been known to pose as police or military personnel, injured or pregnant women and bogus greeters at the airport.

Crime increases at night in most areas, particularly in Abuja and Lagos. Both authorised and unauthorised checkpoints abound in Abuja city centre and heavily-armed extortionists commonly make demands on civilians.

The number of armed robberies reported in Lagos recently has increased, with most of these attacks occurring after 10pm. Non-essential travel around the city after 10pm should be avoided.

Assaults and robberies are common on public transport. Visitors have been abducted and robbed when collected from their hotel by criminals claiming to represent a company where the visitor has an appointment. You should use a reputable hire car company or hire cars with drivers as offered by most major hotels. Make sure you can identify anyone collecting you from your hotel. You should question any last minute changes in arrangements and should not disclose personal information unnecessarily.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in Nigeria. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake Nigerian government contract or to supply crude oil and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Nigeria for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a Nigerian financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Nigeria to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

There have also been reports of phone calls and emails to relatives and friends in Australia from bogus hospitals or doctors in Nigeria claiming that an Australian traveller has been injured and money is required to be sent for medical treatment. Your relatives and friends in Australia should make sure that the contact is genuine as this is a common method of extorting money. Treat any requests for money from Nigeria with caution.

Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from west African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.

Local Travel

Driving in Nigeria can be dangerous, especially at night, due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, poor local driving habits, unpredictable pedestrians and inadequate road lighting. Vehicle checkpoints are common throughout the country and you may be expected to show identity documents and car registration and ownership papers. You should avoid unnecessary travel after dark.

Fuel shortages are common and motorists should ensure they have adequate fuel for their journey, particularly in the northern regions.

The Port Harcourt airport has limited daylight operations for some domestic carriers. Full operations, including international flights, will not resume until the airfield lighting system is completed.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of the Bayelsa area of the Niger delta and near Lagos. See our travel advice on shipping and ports for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its web site.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

Recent incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerian airports and civil aviation operations. There are serious doubts about the maintenance and safety of many, often very old, Nigerian registered aircraft operating internal flights within Nigeria. A domestic passenger plane crashed soon after take-off from Lagos Airport in October 2005, killing all on board, while another crashed on landing at Port Harcourt Airport in December 2005, again killing nearly all on board. In October 2006, a passenger aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Abuja killing around 100 passengers and crew. The poor condition of runways due to flooding, potholes and other obstacles and inadequate safety infrastructure also contributed to other recent non-fatal aircraft accidents.

Domestic flights are often delayed or cancelled at short notice. Where possible, international visitors to Abuja are advised to travel on direct flights and avoid transiting through another Nigerian city. The only international services operating to and from Abuja are British Airways from London, KLM from Amsterdam and Lufthansa from Frankfurt.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The rainy season extends from May to October and some roads may become impassable. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas, but note that the use of ATM and credit cards is not recommended due to the prevalence of fraud. Nigeria is a cash economy and facilities for changing travellers' cheques are limited.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Nigeria, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Conditions of detention in Nigeria can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Other serious crimes, such as murder and armed robbery, may lead to the death penalty.

Offences such as stealing and adultery may attract corporal punishment, particularly in the northern, predominantly Muslim states.

Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include imprisonment for up to 14 years.

Taking photographs of government buildings is illegal and can lead to detention.

It is illegal to export African art, particularly antiques, from Nigeria without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

Consistent with local custom and sensitivities of the Muslim tradition, travellers should behave and dress conservatively, especially in central and northern regions of Nigeria where Islamic Sharia Law has been introduced and is being increasingly enforced.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should take care not to offend.

Information for Dual Nationals

Australian-Nigerian dual nationals between the ages of 18-30 may be required to undertake the National Youth Service Corps program. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria for further information.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria for the most up to date information.

The Nigerian immigration authorities have introduced registration requirements for all resident expatriates who are not nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Australians, including children of secondary school age, need to apply for a combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien's Card (CERPAC) at a cost of US$350 annually, when their existing Residence Permit expires.

Nigeria is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of Nigeria. If in doubt, check with your airline.

If you have visited Nigeria in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Medical facilities in major centres are limited and very basic in rural areas. Pharmaceuticals are often in short supply and poor quality substitutes are often used. Up-front payment for services is usually required and the inability to pay will often delay treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation (usually to London, Paris or Johannesburg) would be necessary, with costs ranging from $A13,000 to $A200,000 depending on circumstances.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Nigeria. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophylaxis against malaria and using an insect repellent. Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis, bilharzia, tuberculosis, polio, measles and meningitis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a human death from avian influenza in Nigeria. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Nigeria for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Nigeria for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Nigeria should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Nigeria should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The Australian Government has decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at most of its overseas missions. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. It is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.

Where to Get Help

In Nigeria, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
48 Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama, Abuja
Nigeria
Telephone (234 9) 461 2780
Facsimile (234 9) 461 2782
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au

Australia has a Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria headed by an Honorary Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance which does not include the issue of Australian passports.

Contact details for the Consulate are:

Australian Consulate
Honorary Consul
76 Norman Williams Street
SW Ikoyi, Lagos
Telephone (234 1) 270 1919 or 879 4142
Mobile: (234) 703 244 2004
Email: watson@strategy-safari.com

If you are travelling to Nigeria, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission or Consulate you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.