Fire and rescue services
Call 119 or 112.
Medical emergencies
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Police
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest police station.
We advise:
Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.
Higher levels apply.
Call 119 or 112.
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest police station.
We advise:
Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.
Higher levels apply.
Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja.
Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja, due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.
See Safety
Do not travel to Adamawa, Anambra, Akawa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Federal Capital Territory (excluding Abuja), Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara states.
Do not travel to:
due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, the threat of kidnapping, robbery and armed attacks and the volatile security situation.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
If you travel to Nigeria, you're at risk of:
The security situation could change suddenly. You could get caught up in violence directed at others. If you travel to high-risk areas despite our advice, it is unlikely we will be able to provide consular services. Seek professional security advice and arrange personal security measures.
Violent crime is common in Nigeria, including in parts of Lagos and Abuja. Politically-motivated violence, including terrorist bombings and armed attacks on both security forces and innocent bystanders, can occur throughout Nigeria.
Police maintain patrols and checkpoints in many locations in Nigeria, including in Abuja and at city entry points. Police officers or people posing as police officers may ask for bribes. Intimidation may be used, including a display of weapons. We strongly recommend you don’t drive at night, due to the presence of official and unofficial checkpoints. See 'Travel'.
There's a high risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria by various militant groups. Further attacks are likely.
Terrorist attacks:
Potential targets include a wide range of venues, facilities and locations. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect foreign interests as well as places visited by tourists. Avoid places where crowds gather, this includes:
Terrorists may seek to target the staff of, or locations closely associated with, foreign governments. Australian officials rarely travel outside Abuja and Lagos, due to the high-risk security environment. Australian officials always use enhanced security measures if they do travel.
Attacks can be large, simultaneous, and might include:
Secondary attacks sometimes target first responders.
Boko Haram is active in north-eastern Nigeria, especially Borno State. Boko Haram also operates in adjacent north eastern states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe, and, in the past, has launched attacks further afield such as in Abuja. No location in Nigeria should be viewed as being outside the scope for potential Boko Haram activity. Around 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed by Boko Haram over more than 10 years of conflict.
The Islamic State West Africa Province is more active than Boko Haram. They can conduct operations in most parts of Nigeria, including on the outskirts of Abuja.
Bandit groups are active throughout Nigeria. Attacks on civilians, motorists and local communities can involve gunfire, explosives and kidnapping.
Armed groups often target transport routes. Avoid intercity transport by road and rail. If despite our advice you undertake travel within Nigeria, research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If you're in a 'Do not travel' area, leave if it's safe to do so.
If there's an attack, leave the area immediately. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
More information:
The threat of kidnapping is high in all parts of Nigeria, including in Lagos and Abuja.
Boko Haram and associated groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province engage in kidnapping throughout Nigeria.
There is an increasing risk of kidnapping throughout Nigeria by ‘bandit’ groups, and an ongoing risk of kidnapping in the southern delta/riverine regions of Nigeria.
Maritime piracy and seaborne kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea region is a significant risk.
We advise do not travel to several areas of Nigeria, especially the north, south, and south-east.
Kidnappers usually target locals, but foreigners have been taken, including Australians in the past. Aid workers may be targets. Kidnapping in Nigeria can be motivated by both financial and terrorist reasons.
If you travel to a high-risk area despite our advice, we may not be able to provide consular services. Seek professional security advice and arrange personal security measures.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
The risk of post-election related violence remains high. There have been numerous instances of deaths and injuries from election related violence during past elections.
Since the commencement of the official election period in September 2022, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission across the country have been targeted by bombing, shooting and arson attacks. These locations should be avoided at all times. Politically motivated murders and kidnappings have also occurred, and the threat of further attacks remains high.
The potential for clashes between political supporters and their opponents or government authorities is high. Violence may last until after the Presidential inauguration.
While foreigners are not expected to be specifically targeted by election related violence, you may become caught up in election related events.
Avoid all protests, demonstrations and political gatherings. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Foreigners generally aren't the target of political violence. However, you could get caught up in violence directed at others. Public demonstrations and protest activity have sometimes been subject to forceful suppression by government security forces, including live firing. Government authorities may also react by imposing local curfews suddenly.
Protests have the potential to occur spontaneously and in several locations at once. Protests can occur anywhere in Nigeria, including in Abuja and Lagos, resulting in violence, looting and deaths. Monitor reputable local and international media. The security situation can change rapidly.
Long-standing tribal, religious, political and community arguments can lead to violence and unrest. Recent civil unrest has also included conflict between cattle herders and villagers in many rural locations of Nigeria, including the risk of violence to bystanders.
There have been protests over the cost of living and tensions in parts of Nigeria as a result of petrol shortages. Exercise caution and avoid large groups at petrol stations, where tensions can boil over leading to personal injury and property damage. Queues at these locations can number in the hundreds and last for hours. Those standing in queues may not always be successful in obtaining petrol.
Trading and business disruptions have occurred as a result of shortages. You should maintain stocks of essential supplies during this time.
To protect yourself if you encounter a protest or local tension:
Under all circumstances, exercise caution and avoid locations where protests or street gatherings may be occurring.
More information:
Nigeria's crime rate is high. Crime increases at night, particularly in major cities and on highways. The following forms of crime are common:
If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical attention. Nigeria has a higher rate of HIV/AIDS infections than Australia.
To protect yourself from petty crime:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Commercial and internet fraud often originates in Nigeria.
Online scammers defraud victims. Victims who have travelled to the originating country have put their lives in danger.
Criminals often seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas, such as yours. They claim they will transfer large sums of money into the account. Victims believe they will get a donation or a percentage of the amount involved.
Be aware of other scams where criminals:
To protect yourself against a scam, be wary of:
Be careful about giving out personal information or disposing of personal documents while in Nigeria.
Scammers can access your personal data when you use open networks. Be careful when and where you use internet banking and other sites that transmit or store your data or passwords.
If you're travelling to Nigeria, your family and friends may receive bogus phone calls and emails from Nigeria. Scammers may claim that you're in legal, financial or medical trouble and that you need money.
Some scams ask you to transfer money through the Australian High Commission in Abuja. Some scammers pretend to work there.
Check with the Australian High Commission in Abuja if you're asked to send money or details to them (see 'Local contacts').
Do not travel to Nigeria to try to get your money back or seek revenge. You could be in danger.
Bogus dating schemes
Criminals in West Africa operate fake online friendship, dating and marriage schemes.
Scammers use these schemes to defraud and threaten the lives of Australians. They do this by targeting Australians and other foreigners on internet dating sites or chat rooms. They may pose as a prospective friend or spouse.
Once a friendship develops, the scammer asks for money to allow them to travel to Australia. In some cases, the scammer ends the relationship once the money has been sent. There's little chance of getting the money back.
In other cases, foreigners are lured to Africa to meet their prospective friend or marriage partner. Once in Africa, they may become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.
The rainy season is from May to October. There have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding. Essential services may be disrupted. Follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates.
The dry season is from November to April. Temperatures may be higher than 40°C for multiple days, especially in the north.
Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Conditions can change quickly. Several people drown each year.
Nigeria experiences the Harmattan from December to March. This seasonal wind blows sand and dust in the air. Dust storms are common and flights can change due to bad visibility.
If a natural disaster or severe weather happens, follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Nigeria. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Do not assume the same medication will be available in Nigeria if your supply runs out.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
HIV/AIDS is common in Nigeria.
Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Yellow fever is common in Nigeria. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination, which is also a requirement for entry. Get vaccinated before you leave.
Other common insect-borne diseases include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
Lassa fever occurs in several states in Nigeria. Monitor local media and the World Health Organization for updates.
Lassa fever is spread through contact with rodents or body fluids of infected people. To protect yourself:
Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Africa. In areas where monkeypox is found, you should avoid contact with animals (especially primates and rodents), infected people and items that may have come into contact with them.
Common waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical facilities throughout Nigeria can be basic.
You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.
If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They may include long jail terms and large fines.
More information:
The death penalty can apply for serious crimes like murder and armed robbery.
Sharia law operates in 12 northern states:
Sharia law is increasingly enforced in these areas.
Same-sex sexual activity between adults can carry severe penalties in these states under Sharia law. Stealing, adultery and blasphemy may also lead to harsh punishment under Sharia Law, including extra-judicial execution.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in all parts of Nigeria. They are also regarded as socially unacceptable by many in Nigeria.
It's illegal to:
More information:
It's illegal to photograph or film around:
Restricted areas may not be well defined or signposted.
It's also illegal to:
See further information on items subject to import and export restrictions for travellers from Nigeria’s Customs service, including under ‘passenger concessions’.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
If you're an Australian-Nigerian dual national and aged between 18 and 30, you may need to join the National Youth Service Corps program.
Nigerian authorities may insist dual nationals enter and exit on a Nigerian passport.
Contact an embassy or consulate of Nigeria for advice before you travel.
More information:
Nigeria is ethnically and religiously diverse. Avoid behaving or dressing in ways that might offend local expectations or religious sensitivities, especially outside of urban areas.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Nigeria, especially in northern Nigeria. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day (see 'Sharia Law'). If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You'll need a visa to travel to Nigeria. You can apply and pay for a visa online on the Nigeria Immigration Service website. To complete the process, you'll need to provide your passport by mail or in person to the appropriate Nigerian diplomatic mission in your country.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Expect enhanced screening measures at airports. Check the Nigerian International Travel Portal for the most up to date entry requirements.
More information:
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Australian expats in Nigeria must register with Nigerian immigration authorities.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Nigeria Naira (NGN).
Nigeria is still largely a cash based economy.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the redesign and issue of new N200, N500 and N1,000 Naira notes. There have been reported shortages of the new notes. Distribution of the new notes is expected to continue into December 2023.
Old notes are gradually being removed from active circulation and will stop being legal tender from 1 January 2024. Be aware that some vendors may not accept old notes.
You must declare amounts of currencies, negotiable instruments, or precious stones/metals in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent brought into or out of Nigeria.
Facilities for changing traveller's cheques and Australian dollars are very limited.
US dollars are easily exchangeable in Nigeria, and usually accepted at:
ATMs are widely available in major cities. However, it’s hard to use non-Nigerian debit and credit cards outside of major hotels. Most transactions need to be conducted using local cards, bank transfers or cash.
Fraud is a risk when using debit and credit cards
Travel disruptions have also occurred in recent weeks due to difficulties in obtaining fuel for vehicles or cash to pay for travel. Not all travel providers accept credit or debit cards. You should reconsider your need to travel and have back-up options.
Some of Nigeria's land borders are now open for personal travel, but you should check if the specific border you propose to travel through is open at the time of travel. Avoid travelling over land borders to Nigeria. Most destinations bordering Nigeria have a high travel advice level. If despite our advice you travel overland, read the travel advice of the destination your entering or exiting.
International Driving Permits aren't recognised in Nigeria.
You must have a local driver's licence.
Driving in Nigeria is dangerous due to:
Be alert to security threats, particularly in traffic jams and at traffic lights.
Avoid travel by domestic road transport between urban centres due to the high incidence of attacks on motorists by criminal gangs, bandits and terrorists. If despite our advice, you decide to travel via domestic road transport, engage with professional security for support and planning. Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle is the safest domestic road transport option.
Armed robbery happens on highways. Criminals stop travellers with nails and branches on the road, fake breakdowns and injured people.
Expect delays when you travel. This can include:
These will often happen in major cities and after dark.
If you can't produce your identity documents, car registration or ownership papers, police may fine you or ask for a bribe.
If you're in a traffic accident, nearby crowds may gather quickly. They may also overreact if they think you're at fault or use this as an opportunity to assault you or steal from you.
Nigeria is experiencing constant fuel shortages. Long lines at service stations often block traffic in urban centres.
More information:
Motorbikes are banned in some cities – for example in Lagos. Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you to ride a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
We recommend using car hire services organised through a major hotel. Do not use local taxis and ride-sharing services due to poor safety standards and risk of petty crime.
Public transport is often unsafe, due to:
Don't use public transport.
Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle is the safest option.
At sea or on ships in port, you may encounter:
This risk has increased in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea, including the Niger Delta. Criminals with speedboats and high-calibre weapons are common in these areas.
The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to piracy. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.
Domestic and international flights are often overbooked, delayed or cancelled suddenly.
Safety and reliability of some domestic airlines is a concern. Airlines may not have strict maintenance procedures and safety standards. If you travel on these airlines, insurance may not cover you.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Nigeria's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
National emergency numbers, 119 and 112, can be unreliable.
Call 119 or 112.
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest police station.
Police can be slow to respond to reports of criminal activity. Sometimes they may not investigate your report. Sometimes they don't respond at all.
Always try to get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia has a High Commission in Abuja. However, it's currently only providing limited consular and passport services. Check before you visit.
Australia has a consulate in Lagos. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn’t issue Australian passports.
The High Commission and Consulate don't process visa requests.
Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
Twitter: @AusHCAbuja
Check the High Commission website for details about services, opening hours, appointments and any temporary closures.
8th Floor, Union Marble House
1 Alfred Rewane Road (formerly Kingsway), Falomo
Ikoyi Lagos, Nigeria
Phone: (+234 0) 803 300 7291
Email: alandavies@jamescubittgroup.com
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.