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 the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
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 the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
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 the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
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 volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.
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, occurs frequently.
Police maintain patrols and checkpoints in many locations in Nigeria, including at entry points into, and key junctions within cities. 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. See 'Travel'.
For more information on the situation in Nigeria:
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 locations. 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 of Abuja and Lagos, due to the high-risk security environment. Australian officials always use enhanced security measures when they travel.
Attacks can be large, simultaneous, and might include:
Boko Haram is active in north-eastern Nigeria, especially Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe states, and, in the past, has launched attacks further afield, including Abuja. Over 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed by Boko Haram in more than 10 years of conflict.
The Islamic State West Africa Province has become very active across Nigeria. They have shown a capability and intent to conduct operations across large parts of the country.
Criminal 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:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Kidnappers may seek political concessions or ransom payments. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
The threat of kidnapping is high in all parts of Nigeria, including in Lagos and Abuja.
Terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, and separatist groups, including the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, engage in kidnapping throughout Nigeria.
There's a high risk of kidnapping throughout Nigeria by criminal bandit groups, and an ongoing risk of kidnapping in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Seaborne kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea region is also a significant risk.
Kidnappers usually target locals, but foreigners have been kidnapped in the past, including Australians. Business people, workers in extractives industries, tourists, journalists and humanitarian aid workers may be seen as legitimate targets.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups would likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
The risk of election related violence in Nigeria is high. Politically motivated murders and kidnappings have occurred. Clashes between political supporters and their opponents or government authorities is high.
While foreigners are not expected to be specifically targeted by election related violence, you may become caught up in election related events.
Foreigners generally aren't the target of civil unrest. However, you could get caught up in violence directed at others. Avoid public demonstrations, rallies and gatherings. These can spontaneously occur anywhere in Nigeria and turn violent. They have sometimes been subject to forceful suppression by government security forces, including the use of live fire. Government authorities may also impose local curfews or suspend communications networks with little warning.
Long-standing tribal, ethnic, religious, political and community arguments can lead to violence and unrest. Recent civil unrest has included conflict between cattle herders and villagers in many rural locations of Nigeria competing over access to land and resources. In urban settings there may be clashes between rival gangs known colloquially as ‘Area Boys’. Although foreign nationals are not normally the target of such violence, there is a risk you may be caught up in an attack, especially if perceived to have provided support to one of the groups involved.
There have recently been strikes and protests over the cost of living in Nigeria. These could resume with little warning.
Trading and business disruptions have occurred as a result of strike and protest action. You should maintain stocks of essential supplies, such as food, water and petrol in anticipation of periods of unrest.
To protect yourself if you encounter a protest or local tension:
More information:
Nigeria's crime rate is high. Crime increases at night, particularly in major cities and on highways. Criminals have targeted foreigners, as their perceived wealth makes them attractive targets. 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. ATM and credit card fraud is also common (see 'Money').
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 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 scammers may pretend to work for the Australian High Commission in Abuja and ask you to transfer money to the High Commission. Check with the High Commission first through its official contact details if you're asked to send money or information to them (see 'Local contacts').
Don't travel to Nigeria to try to get your money back or to seek justice or revenge. You could be in danger.
Bogus dating schemes
Scammers in West Africa operate fake online friendship, dating and marriage schemes to defraud and threaten foreigners. They do this by targeting Australians and other foreigners on internet dating sites or chat rooms. They may pose as a prospective friend or partner or display a completely false identity.
Once a friendship develops, the scammer may ask 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 partner. Once in Africa, they may become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.
There have also been cases of sextortion, where scammers develop a fake romantic relationship and then ask to exchange revealing photographs or videos. Once they have these, the nature of the relationship will often change abruptly, and the scammers will demand payment in exchange for not releasing these items to the victim's family, friends or work colleagues.
More information:
Nigeria experiences a rainy season from May to October. In past years, 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.
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.
Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Conditions can change quickly. Several people drown each year.
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:
Travel insurance may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' locations in Nigeria.
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. Don't assume the same medication will be available in Nigeria if your supply runs out. The quality of medication in Nigeria can't be guaranteed.
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 a requirement for entry into Nigeria. You must provide proof of vaccination in the form of a 'yellow book'. 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:
There's currently an outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in parts of Africa, including some cases in Nigeria. Maintain strict hygiene standards and avoid physical contact with infected people, animals (especially primates and rodents) and items that may have come into contact with them.
More information:
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, ambulances 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 in Nigeria.
Sharia law operates in 12 northern Nigerian states:
Sharia law is increasingly enforced in these areas.
Serious crimes, including stealing, adultery and blasphemy may also lead to harsh punishment under Sharia Law, including extra-judicial execution or corporal punishment.
Same-sex relationships largely regarded as socially unacceptable and are illegal in all parts of Nigeria.
It's illegal to:
Same-sex sexual activity between adults can carry severe penalties in states operating under Sharia law.
More information:
It's illegal to photograph or film around:
Restricted areas may not be well defined or signposted. Avoid taking pictures of military or police personnel.
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’.
Local SIMs for use on the mobile phone network must be linked to a Nigerian Identification Number (NIN). Before you travel, get guidance from your network operator on whether you can use your existing number while roaming in Nigeria.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
While dual citizenship is recognised in Nigeria, it may impact our ability to offer you consular services.
If you're an Australian-Nigerian dual national and aged between 18 and 30, you may be required 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. You should avoid behaving or dressing in ways that might offend conservative local standards or religious sensitivities, especially outside of urban areas. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Nigeria, especially in northern Nigeria.
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.
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 valid visa or Nigerian residence permit to travel to or reside in Nigeria. Some business travellers may be eligible to apply for a visa on arrival. You can check visa conditions and apply and pay for a visa online through 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.
Significant penalties, including fines and detention, may apply for people who overstay their visa terms.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.
Expect enhanced security and health screening measures at airports. You may also need to fill in a Health Declaration Form prior to arrival. 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 require sighting your vaccination certificate prior to boarding your flight to Nigeria.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
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. Cash shortages can occur occasionally.
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, British Pounds and Euros are easily exchangeable in Nigeria, and usually accepted at:
ATMs are widely available in major cities only. 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 and skimming are high risks when using debit and credit cards with ATMs or EFTPOS machines.
Travel services in Nigeria are not reliable. Not all travel providers accept credit or debit cards. You should reconsider your need to travel and have back-up options.
Avoid travelling over land borders to Nigeria. Nigeria's land borders may open and close at short notice. Check if the specific border you propose to travel through is open at the time of travel. Most destinations bordering Nigeria also have a high travel advice level. If despite our advice you travel overland, read the travel advice of the destination you're entering or exiting.
International Driving Permits are recognised in Nigeria for up to three months, provided they are accompanied by a valid driver's licence.
After this period you must obtain 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. Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.
Avoid travel by domestic road transport between urban centres due to the high incidence of attacks on motorists by criminal gangs, bandits and terrorists. They may attempt to stop travellers with nails and branches on the road, fake breakdowns and injured people, and fake checkpoints. If despite our advice, you decide to travel via domestic road transport, you should engage professional security for support and planning. Travelling in an armoured vehicle with a trusted security provider is the safest domestic road transport option.
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.
Rental cars may be available but should be avoided as their maintenance record and insurance coverage cannot be assured.
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 that include a driver, organised through a major hotel or reputable security provider. Don’t use local taxis and ride-sharing services, including motorcycle and tricycle (Tuk-Tuk style) taxis called ‘Okada’ and ‘Keke’ respectively, due to poor safety standards and risk of petty crime. Don't use public transport including bus and rail services, to travel within or between cities.
Public transport is often unsafe, due to:
Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle with professional security support is the safest option.
At sea or on ships in port, you may encounter:
Do not travel in the Gulf of Guinea or coastal areas around the Niger Delta. Criminals with speedboats and high-calibre weapons commonly target pleasure craft, cruise liners, oil tankers, container ships and other large vessels in these areas.
The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to piracy. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.
Safety and reliability of some domestic and inter-country ferry services is a concern. Maintenance procedures and safety standards are not to Australian standards. If you travel on these services, insurance may not cover you.
Domestic and international flights are often overbooked, delayed or cancelled with little notice.
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, in the first instance it may be best to contact your:
National emergency numbers, 119 and 112, can be unreliable.
Call 119 or 112.
Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
There is no national ambulance service. Some hospitals own and operate their own services. Ambulance service response times are unreliable and may not be available outside of major cities.
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.
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 may be limited in terms of the consular and passport services it can provide.
Australia has an Honorary Consulate in Lagos. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn’t issue Australian passports. You should first contact the High Commission in Abuja for consular enquiries.
Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
X: @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.