How to Travel Safely in Nigeria: Practical Tips

1. Read official travel advice. Governments publish advisories that list the areas to avoid or approach with care. Check them for your route and again just before you leave, because they change.
2. Choose where to go with that advice in mind. Many of the best places are in regions that are calm and welcoming; your operator can tell you what is current.
3. Use a reviewed, registered tour operator. See our guide to choosing a trusted operator.
4. Tell someone your plans. Share your itinerary, your accommodation and your return time with a friend or family member.
5. Get insurance and see a doctor. Ask about vaccines and malaria prevention well before you travel.

• Travel in daylight. Long journeys are safer and easier when you can see the road and arrive before dark.
• Use licensed or app-based transport in cities. Ride-hailing apps and reputable taxi firms are safer than hailing anything on the street.
• Keep to main roads. Your operator’s drivers know the routes and the conditions.
• Wear a seatbelt, and do not be shy about asking a driver to slow down.

• Carry a little cash in small notes for small purchases, and keep the rest in a safe place
• Use ATMs inside banks and avoid counting cash in public
• Keep a copy of your passport and tickets apart from the originals
• Do not display expensive phones, cameras and jewellery without need

• Drink bottled or treated water, and eat food that is freshly cooked
• Use insect repellent, and sleep under a net if advised
• Bring any medicine you need, with a copy of the prescription
• Carry a small first-aid kit, and sun protection

Never send money to a stranger who offers a “special deal” by message. Book through a platform that holds your payment securely, shows the cancellation policy before you pay and offers help if something goes wrong. On Waca Tour, every operator is checked by a person, your payment is handled by a trusted payment provider, and a guest protection process lets you report a problem after the trip with photos.

Nigeria’s national emergency number is 112. Keep your operator’s phone number, your embassy’s details and your insurer’s helpline saved on your phone.

1. Check the latest official travel advice for every region on your route
2. Book through a reviewed operator and keep your confirmation
3. Share your itinerary with someone at home
4. Save emergency numbers and your insurer’s helpline
5. Pack a first-aid kit, water and a power bank

Respecting local customs, dressing appropriately, asking before photographing people and greeting politely will make your trip safer and friendlier. A smile and a greeting open many doors.