Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Christmas
25 December
Boxing Day
26 December
Islamic holidays are observed in northern Nigeria.
SAFE TRAVEL
Lagos has a reputation for petty and violent crime, not always undeserved, although it's
been on the decline in the past few years. As a traveller you're unlikely to have trouble
with large-scale corruption and bribery. Police roadblocks are common, but fines and
bribes are paid by the driver. Some caution should be exercised on the major highways in-
to Lagos, where armed robbery is a problem at night.
Currently the most dangerous region is northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram, a militant
jihadist organisation, wages a low-grade war against the federal government. Most Nigeri-
ans will tell you to avoid northern Nigeria altogether.
A previously troubled region of the country is the Niger delta. Recent amnesty agree-
ments have quelled long-running grievances between the local population and the big oil
companies.
Enugu has a reputation for kidnapping schemes, but they're more likely after wealthy
oil execs rather than scruffy backpackers.
TELEPHONE
Nigeria is in love with the mobile phone, and cellular networks are more reliable than
landlines. Having a local SIM card to use in a smart phone is extremely useful. The best
service is Etisalat (SIMs cost N300), though MTN has the widest coverage. Street vendors
everywhere sell top-up scratch cards.
Calls at roadside phone stands are quick and easy to make, costing around N20 per
minute inside Nigeria, and around N60 for an international call. Most mobile numbers
start with
080. The country code is
234.
VISAS
Everyone needs a visa to visit Nigeria, and applications can be quite a process. Many Ni-
gerian embassies issue visas only to residents and nationals of the country in which the
embassy is located, so it's essential to put things in motion well before your trip. Exact re-
quirements vary, but as a rule of thumb, forms are required in triplicate, along with proof
of funds to cover your stay, a round-trip air ticket, and possibly confirmed hotel reserva-
tions. You also need a letter of invitation from a resident of Nigeria or a business in the
country. The cost of a 30-day visa is from US$70 to US$190, according to nationality.
