Is It Safe To Go To Nigeria By Yourself?

Nigeria is a highly dangerous destination for tourists, with governments warning against travel due to terrorism, kidnappings, and violent crime. To travel to Nigeria, it is essential to carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, and use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria, including in Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of violence.

To travel solo in Nigeria, it might be wise to postpone your trip. Niger travel advice should be read before traveling by land across the border. Intercity transport by road and rail is also advised due to the high incidence of criminal and terrorist attacks. If you plan to travel within Nigeria, get professional security advice and support before departing.

Passengers must perform a COVID-19 PCR test not more than 3 days (72 hours) before boarding. Rapid antigen or antibody tests are not acceptable; only PCR tests can be used for this purpose. If your travel plans in Nigeria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Niger ranks 144th out of 163 countries for safety, with a global average comparable to popular tourism spots like Colombia, Israel, and Turkey. The safety scores range from 1 to 4, with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous for solo female travelers.

There have been armed robberies and incidents of piracy in Nigerian waters, the wider Gulf of Guinea, and on rivers and harbors in the Niger Delta area. Safety should be your top concern when traveling alone. Nigeria has some safe spots for tourists, but you need to know which areas to avoid. Stick to popular tourist destinations and consider your safety when traveling to Nigeria.

How safe is Nigeria for tourists?

The US State Department advises US citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Nigeria, including hepatitis A, B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

Is USA safer than Nigeria?

Nigeria’s intentional homicide rate in 2019 was 21. 75/100, 000 population, a significant decrease from the 2016 rate of 33. 6/100, 000, while the US rate was 4. 99/100, 000.

Is Nigeria safe for solo travel?

Travel to Nigeria is advised due to increased risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states. Violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape, is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom often target dual national citizens and U. S. citizens with perceived wealth.

Is Lagos safe for white tourists?

Lagos is known for high criminality levels, with violent incidents against foreign nationals and frequented areas. It is advised to avoid non-essential travel beyond this area and avoid unnecessary travel after dark.

Is Nigeria cheap for tourists?

Nigeria can cost between $500 and $5000 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. To save money while enjoying your trip to Nigeria, consider the following methods:

1. Book flights and accommodations in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and avoid last-minute price hikes.
2. Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like guesthouses or hostels, which offer comfortable yet affordable options.
3. Research and make smart decisions to make your trip cost-effective without compromising on the quality of your experience.
4. Be aware of the potential for price hikes and make informed decisions to ensure you don’t miss out on the incredible experiences Nigeria has to offer.

Where is the safest place in Nigeria to visit?

Enugu, also known as the coal city, is a thriving city in Nigeria, known for its neat roadside landscaping and lush greenery. It is known for its significant coal mining history and is known for its vibrant contemporary attractions like Aso Rock, Nike Lake, Ngwo Pine Forest, and the wellspring of local culture at the Ezeagu tourist complex. Enugu is also the socio-cultural melting pot of the Igbo tribe, embodied by a rich tapestry of Nigerian artistry accentuated by local markets like Ogbete, Artisan, and New market.

Oshogbo, located in the heart of Nigeria, is a culturally rich city known for its annual Osun-Oshogbo festival, which brings thousands of spectators together for colorful costumes, energetic dance performances, and pulsating drum beats. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Oshogbo is a significant spiritual and artistic hub, boasting numerous shrines, sculptures, and artworks by renowned artists. The city’s vibrant markets, teeming with local crafts, textiles, and exotic fruits, add further charm to this African gem, offering an immersive experience for visitors.

Is it safe to go to Nigeria at night?

Nigeria is experiencing a surge in carjackings, particularly involving armed gunmen, targeting British nationals due to their perceived wealth. To avoid such incidents, follow guidance from hosts or employers, limit nighttime travel, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and avoid wearing valuable items. If caught in an armed robbery, comply with the attackers’ demands. Additionally, take extra precautions when withdrawing cash, especially at night, as areas around banks and ATMs have seen a surge in criminal activity.

How far does $1 go in Nigeria?

The United States Dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) conversion is a useful tool for converting currencies. It allows users to send money abroad reliably, quickly, and safely, at a rate cheaper than most banks. The currency converter is easy to use and updated frequently, making it essential for those dealing with extreme volatility in global currencies.

Is Nigeria safer than South Africa?

South Africa ranked first in the crime index in 2024, with a score of 74. 8 points, while Nigeria was the second most dangerous country. The index evaluates crime levels in a specific country, with several African countries scoring between 60 and 80 points. South Africa had one of the highest proportions of respondents expressing concerns about crime and violence, with a peak of 67% in March 2023. The country also ranked third highest in organized crime, with human trafficking and financial crimes being the most prevalent activities. From a regional perspective, Southern African countries had the lowest organized crime rate.

How safe is Lagos, Nigeria?

Lagos is a city known for its high level of criminality, with violent incidents occurring against foreign nationals and frequented areas. To avoid this, it is advised to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel beyond the Ikeja area. Travelers should stay in secure accommodations and maintain a high level of personal security awareness. It is also advised to carry photocopies of official identification and store passports, visas, and travel documents securely. Avoid unnecessary travel after dark and stay in guarded accommodations.

Is $200 a lot in Nigeria?

200 USD equals N72, 000 at the current exchange rate of N360/$1. In Lagos, this equates to an average of 28 Uber trips, one night at a good hotel, or a weekend in a less than average hotel, or 220GB worth of data.