The main problems are associated with attacks, robberies and drug trafficking. I am an Asian American who will be travelling to Nigeria, most likely Lagos, for a couple of Press Conferences in July and I would like to know if it is safe enough for me to visit. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Replacement parts can be found in local informal markets and are also generally refurbished parts. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turntofor help. Nigerian scams Civil unrest in Nigeria Terrorism Lagos: high-risk Kidnapping and robberies Petty crime The political and economic instability of Nigeria opens the doors for crime, from basic theft and pick pocketing to armed robberies, muggings, abductions, and car-jackings. Emergency services comparable to those in the United States or Europe are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. Floods are the most devastating natural disaster in Lagos. Nearby is Freedom Park, once a colonial-era prison and now a venue for concerts and public events. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of anyone trying to distract you. Low quality of life and poor housing conditions. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. See more of a Nigeria with a day trip from Lagos. The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Nigeria is not the safest country to travel to. You should consider traveling to the United States, Europe, or South Africa for treatment for serious conditions. The economic and cultural powerhouse of the country thanks to an influx of oil money, Lagos has an exploding arts and music scene that will keep your yansh engaged far past dawn. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. Email:abujaACS@state.gov, U.S. Consulate General Lagos Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. If youre lucky to be invited to any of these gatherings, accept at once. Public transport is not well developed. The UK government warns that terrorist groups are likely to strike anywhere in Nigeria. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. U.S. citizens found with firearms (declared or undeclared) will be arrested. Another thing about the city is that most tourists wont experience anything bad, mostly because the areas where white people and tourists reside are absurdly secured. | Safety Concerns, The 10 Best Beaches in Florida in 2023 | Our Must-Visit Picks, The Best & Worst Times to Visit Nigeria in 2023. For serious medical problems, you should consider traveling to the United States, Europe, or South Africa for treatment. Named after the Portuguese word for lagoon, Lagos has been a Yoruba port, a British . Imported higher-end equipment such as electric wheelchairs and lifting equipment can be purchased from a limited number of medical equipment suppliers in the major cities. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(234) (0) (1) 460-3400 Is Nigeria safe for American tourists? - ProfoundAdvice Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Lagos gets severely hit by heavy tropical rains and thunderstorms regularly, and this usually leads to flash floods. Traffic Laws: Motor vehicle accidents can be reported by dialing 119. Traffic control officers may occasionally seek bribes when citing drivers for traffic violations. Lagos is definitely not Africa for beginners, but if you are not easily ruffled there really is no reason not to come to Lagos. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region. 1. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information, and visit NigeriasFederal Road Safety Corpswebsite. Is it Safe to Travel to Nigeria? 6 Essential Safety Tips - World Nomads The Canadian governmentwarned that there have been violent incidents around banks and ATMs due to the Central Bank of Nigerias reissuing of Naira notes. not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas. This information is subject to change. 15 Reply BrokenbyMFteam 9 mo. ago Is your friend Nigerian? Lagos as safe places to visit but as a Nigerian, I beg you to avoid it. Lagos Warnings and Dangers A visit to. Heres all you need to know about crisscross Lagos by car, boat, rapid bus and other modes of transport. E don do (Its enough) Want to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts to get inspiration and discuss money-saving tips for your next trip? The main problems are hacking, carjacking, theft, drug problems, vandalism, and a high level of corruption. See also the Health section below. Public transportation vehicles, such as buses and motorbikes, are unsafe due to poor maintenance, high speeds, and overcrowding. Return to top Return to top support@ustraveldocs.com Return to top support@ustraveldocs.com Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA) is aninternational airportlocated inIkeja,Lagos State,Nigeria, and is the major airport serving the entire state. There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Nigeria prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities; however, the law is very unevenly enforced. Visit theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfor more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. All travelers should take chemoprophylaxis, even for short stays, and even if they are African by descent. IS NIGERIA SAFE? 7 "CRITICAL" Safety TIPS For EVERY VISITOR TO LAGOS I am planning to visit Nigeria from the US this Fall but would like to know if there are any travel precautions to keep in mind. A driver is a must. Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. TheNairais thecurrencyofNigeria. ), Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists, Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). Don't really think Lagos is a safety risk if you exclude traffic. Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. 22 September 2019 By Christopher Giles BBC Reality Check A recent spate of kidnappings and violent crimes has shaken Nigeria's capital Abuja, regarded as a relatively safe haven in a country. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested, and may use tap water to make ice for drinks. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 pagefor more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 inNigeria. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justice website. Let us be your guide! But dont worry or travel experts have done the hard work for you. Of course, scams too are common in Lagos, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. How safe is Nigeria? : r/Nigeria - Reddit If your travel plans in Nigeria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY: 6 months BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: 1 page TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes VACCINATIONS: Polio and Yellow Fever CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: No limit if declared CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: No limit if declared Still, governments in several countries have issued warnings against traveling to the entire country of Nigeria, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings and other types of violent crime. Lagos is not the safest place for travelers, but you can avoid most of the troubles if you use common sense and take precautions. According to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, rape is punishable by 12 years to life imprisonment for offenders older than 14 and a maximum of 14 years imprisonment for offenders younger than 14. Nigeria's "Visa on Arrival" requires pre-approval. Sometimes, these crimes escalate into kidnapping attempts, and you want to lower your risk of such a thing happening if at all possible. Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. The Biafra separatist rebellion has been running for decades in the south, while the north of the country has a strong insurgency and Islamic terrorist presence. You cannot legally depart Nigeria unless you can prove, by presenting your visa and entry stamp, that you entered Nigeria legally. Avoid these areas and don't get involved with drugs. Nigeria as a whole is not safe for women especially the northern part with Muslims and terrorist groups. Federal law criminalizes female circumcision or genital mutilation (FGM/C). Is Nigeria Safe? African Jacana Is Lagos Safe for Travel in 2023? You also need to be quiet and wear modest clothing. For more information, see ourTerrorismpage. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report. (How are you?) However, for experienced travelers who know what precautions to take, a trip to Nigeria can still be rewarding. There are a few other factors that make Nigeria feel like such a powder keg sometimes. 10 Safe Cities to Visit in Nigeria - Travelstart Nigeria's Travel Blog Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability. Nigeria does have a reputation for being a bit overwhelming for foreign visitors, but its worth unpacking how much the reputation has to do with reality. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. Tap water is not drinkable in Lagos. As a result, they are more likely to kill a hostage to prove a point for their ideology. Virtual Tourist Travel Smarter! Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads. There are few working traffic lights or stop signs, and few traffic officers to manage traffic during power outages. And as Lagosians work hard, they also play hard. Lagosians generally refer to themselves as Islanders or Mainlanders, depending on which side of the Lagoon they find themselves on. According to Numbeo, Nigeria scores a 70.76 out of 100 on the crime index, meaning that it has a high rate of crime. I would advice against walking around before you get to know the locals. Funding Opportunity Title: U.S. Embassy Abuja PDS Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number: DOS-NGA-PD-ABV-FY23-001 Deadline for Applications: March 31, 2023 Maximum for Each Award: $50,000 Contact/Submission Email: PASAbujaGrants@State.gov. Districts []. The Central Bank of Nigeria . Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Nigeria Reliable air quality data for Nigeria is limited. You can still visit Nigeria but be prepared that you will have to be on your guard the entire time you are there. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. This will be your free pass to an afternoon of joy and spectacle, complete with ceremonial costumes and spirited dancing. Can You Pay for a Hotel in Cash in 2023? A state-sponsored, weeklong fiesta showcases the best of Lagos entertainment scene from comedy to concerts, as the city closes out one year and begins a new one. The metropolis takes home the crown for the city with densely populated areas, busy streets and massive traffic jams in Nigeria. Tips on Lagos Warnings or Dangers - Stay Safe! Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Is nigeria safe for tourists? : r/Nigeria - Reddit Nigeria has resumed domestic and international commercial air travel. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. U.S.-Nigeria dual-national citizens are now required to have a valid Nigerian passport in order to depart the country. | Safety Concerns, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? For emergency services in Nigeria, dial 112. Even so, ignore dire warnings and plunge into the citys unparalleled urban tableau, which will be one of your most lasting memories of Lagos. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. The primary draw for most people when visiting Nigeria are the vibrant cities such as Lagos where you can check out contemporary art at Nike Art Gallery and other places, explore the thumping nightlife, and buy local arts and crafts at the markets. Tips on Lagos Warnings or Dangers - Stay Safe! - SmarterTravel Others may not be prosecuted to a successful conclusion for the victim. States in the northeast such as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe are hotbeds of Boko Haram activity. However, there have been situations of kidnappers killing their victims before. If you attempt to travel to Nigeria without a visa issued into your passport or a Visa on Arrival approval document from a Nigerian embassy or consulate, you will be refused entry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Nigeria due to COVID-19. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Theymay takeplace in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Latest FCDO travel advice for Nigeria . What Covid restrictions are still in place? Respondents report high levels of all types of crime, including break-ins, muggings, vehicle thefts, assault, and violent crimes. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads. Lai lai(impossible/never). They are the Carter Bridge which start from Iddo Island, the Eko Bridge (formerly called the Second Mainland . Crime: Muggings, assaults, burglaries, car-jackings, rape, kidnappings, and extortion occur regularly. If you're headed to Nigeria, you'll have no choice but to jump right in. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). Do not go alone anywhere, and keep in mind that it is best not to move around Lagos at all, except if you're in a car with windows rolled up. In the suburbs of Lagos, local gangs' showdowns take place; during these showdowns, there are shootings and kidnappings. The state has very little control over border areas, making it easy for groups to engage in international crimes. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, and approaches to treatment and services might be significantly different than the United States. Yes we have boko haram, but they only strike small cities of 3 big states that have a combined city total of about 60. Most countries have elevated travel warnings for Nigeria. Outside of Office Hours in Lagos, contact: +234 1 460 3400 Outside of Nigeria: +234 9 461 4000 Emergency Contact - All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance Do Not Travel to: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Childrens passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Lagos/abuja is great. Lagos Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay - New York Magazine Essential travel information for Lagos June 2023. Tips for safe travel Starters are small bites (fried puff-puffs, samosas, spring rolls), accompanied by an assortment of drinks. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Emergency services comparable to those in the United States or Europe are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion. Lagos is dominated by the Yorubas but contains residents hailing from almost every ethnic group in Nigeria. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. The fine can be up to $4,000 USD depending on the length of overstay. It also has a rather high noise level, thanks to honking frequently, sermons from megaphones in religious centers, bus conductors calling out for passengers and other boisterous sources. Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. If someone asks you for money, do what most Lagos do: ignore them completely or keep walking fast. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling ifnecessary. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Nigeria. Poor waste management practices and commercial pollution exacerbate seasonal weather variations that affect air quality. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Reconsider travel to Nigeria due tocrime,terrorism,civil unrest,kidnapping, andmaritime crime. Lagos is infamous for being Nigerias most exclusive city to live in: it is the major economic nerve center of Nigeria and the rest of the West African sub-region. I went with a group of people for a work-related trip and let me tell you, it is not fun. Find the best neighborhood to base yourself in with our insider tips. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea and the Lagos Lagoon. From what to pack to helpful etiquette rules and safety tips, here are the some things to know before visiting Nigeria. The airport was initially built duringWorld War IIand is named afterMurtala Muhammed, the fourth military ruler of Nigeria. Although kidnapping is more prevalent in certain regions of Nigeria such as the North, Northeast, and Niger Delta, it can happen anywhere in the country. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. In addition, if you exceed your authorized period of stay (as determined by the duration of stay given by the entry officer), you will be required to pay a fine before being allowed to depart. However, drivers should also keep their doors locked and only roll their windows down an inch for sound. Organized crime groups are also behind many other crimes such as banditry, carjacking, kidnapping, money laundering, oil bunkering and so much more. Provide information on victims assistance programs in Nigeria: National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (, Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (. You should take sensible precautions to protect your safety. In this case, Americans who want to visit Nigeria should have a valid passport and a VISA with the proper documentation. Violent crime such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape is common throughout the country. It is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, mostly because tourists usually opt for driving. The prolific arms trade means that any criminal that wants a gun, can get a gun with which to do crimes. Lagos - Travel expenses, prices, health care and safety. The Nigerian cities with the lowest crime rates include Benin, Akure, and Calabar. Lagosians light up when foreigners chat them up in pidgin, or in the local Yoruba language. How safe is traveling to Nigeria (Abuja & Lagos) Hello my fellow Nigerians. If you do not have this, you will be prohibited from entering the country. Public displays of affection between persons of the same sex are also punishable by up to ten years imprisonment. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Lagos has a lot of street beggars (both old and young), people with psychological disorders, etc. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Tourist Safety - Nigeria Forum - Tripadvisor A World Health Organization (WHO) yellow card is required for entry into the country. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria. Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. The city experiences rainy (MayAugust) and dry (NovemberApril) seasons, which you should consider as you plan the best time to visit. Violent crime such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape is common throughout the country. Na so (Thats true) Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Nigeria. Governments in several countries have even issued warnings against traveling to this country, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings and other types of violent crime. Nigeria has a high level of political repression, and ACLED reports that over 9,900 people died in 2021 due to organized violence during political events. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Nigeria. If you decide to pursue parenthood in Nigeria via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long delays in documenting your childs citizenship. U.S. citizens who participate in free speech or assemblies relating to same-sex marriage could potentially be prosecuted under this law. Lagos is all hustle and bustle during the daytime. There is no way to fully protect yourself from the possibility of a terrorist attack. Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a safe trip to Nigeria, it is better to get a local guide who will also serve for your safety of movement. All rights reserved. Report crimes to the local police at 112, and contact the Embassy at +(234)(9)461-4328 or Consulate General at +(234)(1) 460-3400. While English is the official language of everyday speech and business, pidgin a homegrown variant is spoken and understood by almost everyone; in fact, Lagos could well be the countrys pidgin capital. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water. Violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas. Kidnappers often target people they believe will have money, such as Nigerians living abroad, workers in the oil industry in the Niger Delta, and humanitarian workers. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Do not pay any bribes.If requested to drive an officer to the police station, do not do so, especially at night, as some traffic police are imposters. Grants - U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria Is Chad Safe to Visit in 2023? There are also smaller, localized bandit groups that operate similarly to terrorists. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. Many medicines are unavailable, including medications for diabetes or asthma. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. citizen victims of crime overseas. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No Visa on Arrival is available for tourism. Typically, the parties are feasts, marked by an almost never-ending flow of food and drinks. View Grant Opportunity (PDF 154KB) Read our Privacy Policy. ago I'm American. Shopping, sight-seeing during the day, and restaurants are all safe and doable alone, but if youre going out at night to a club/bar, its probably better to go with locals for safety. You should also avoid all travel to states in the Niger Delta area, such as: These states have a very high risk of armed militancy, kidnapping, and targeted assault. Northern Nigeria in particular is a hotbed for terrorism, including a growing Islamist insurgency. And they dress up to attend birthdays or wedding parties (owambe), which are a point of pride here. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Nigeria. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) Level 4: Do Not Travel. According to the World Bank, Nigerias intentional homicide rate was a whopping 22 incidents per 100,000 people, well above the global average. The neighborhoods of Lagos brim with commerce and culture Alucardion / Shutterstock, Love Lagos like a local: all you need to know before your trip. How safe is it for a young white male American to vacation in Nigeria So. Terrorism: Terrorist groupsand those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Is Nigeria Safe for Travel in 2023? African Jacana The strongest terrorist group in Nigeria is Boko Haram, which has been around since the 1990s but increased dramatically in capacity since the 2010s. Nigeria is home to one of the worlds terrorist hotspots. Is it safe to travel to nigeria - jostylin Rape remains a rampant problem. Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelers. The main dish could be anything from white rice, jollof rice or fried rice to iyan, eba, amalaand a variety of soups; at buffet events, ask your hosts for advice on which swallow (yam, cassava or rice) goes with which soups, stews or sauce, and which delicacies can be served on the same plate or taken together (ofada rice with bean soup, for instance, would attract curious giggles). Day and night, Lagosians know to keep their wits about them when taking a stroll or shopping, as smartphones have been reported as stolen in crowded markets or at indoor events.
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