Last updated: 15 May 2025

Nigeria

hotel

Accommodation

About

Nigeria is blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline, national parks and fascinating ancient sites. Nigeria's greatest asset - its wealth of native races and religions, its vibrant population, the largest of any country in Africa - have also proven its downfall on countless explosive occasions.

Walk where the capital of the Yoruba Empire once was, and admire Oyo's old Portuguese-style houses. Worship the Yoruba goddess of fertility in Oshogbo, the founding centre of the internationally renowned school of Oshogbo art and home of the shrines and grove of Oshun. The famous Oshun Shrine is to be found here. The Oshun Festival takes place towards the end of August each year (at the end of the rainy season, during which thousands of childless women seek the help of the Yoruba goddess of fertility).

Marvel at some of Nigeria's magnificent views: Akure is a good base from which to explore the seven Olumirin Waterfalls; Calabar is a pleasant town in a beautiful setting, high on a hill above the Calabar River; Abuja's outlook across the savannah; and the striking and fascinating mountain scenery enjoyed around Biu and towards the Cameroon border.

Nigeria’s most scenic national park might also go to the Gashaka Game Reserve near Yola, which provides opportunities to view birds and animals and is home to some highly endangered species.
Capital:  Abuja (ABV)
Currency:  Naira (NGN)
Language:  English
Dialling code from SA:  + 234
Time Zones: UTC/GMT +1 hour (1 hour behind South Africa)
Public Holidays 2022:

Jan 1; Apr 15, 18; May 1, 3-4; Jun 12; Jul 10-11; Oct 1, 8; Dec 25, 26
Side of the Road: Right
Best Time to go: December to March
Plugs: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.
Drinking Water: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised.
Health: Public health facilities are ill-equipped; however there are plenty of private facilities which offer excellent health care.  Medical insurance is advised; however doctors will require payment in cash.
Customs: As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should avoid wearing trousers and keep their arms and leg covered.  Swimwear is permissible on the beach. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan.
Local Offences / Laws: Photography is not allowed in airports and may lead to arrest. Homosexuality is illegal.
Travel Warnings / Tips: Travellers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Public transport should be avoided.  Travellers should be cautious for potential scams.
Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Nigeria by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200g of tobacco products
• 1L of spirits and 1L of wine
• 284ml of perfume
• Gifts to the value of NGN50,000 (excluding jewellery, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods)
Prohibited Imports: Prohibited imports include birds and birds' eggs, pork, beef, water containing added sugar or sweeteners, certain medicines and mosquito repellent coils. For a full list see www.customs.gov.ng. 
Prohibited Exports: All banned imports as well as maize, timber, raw hides or skin, endangered species, and artifacts and antiquities.

Issuing Authorities

Nigerian Consulate-General, Johannesburg
16 Rivonia Rd, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 442 3620
Email: cgjhb@nigerianconsulatesa.org
Web: www.nigerianconsulatesa.org

High Commission of Nigeria, Pretoria
971 Francis Baard Str., Arcadia
Tel: 012 342 0805 / 0808 / 0905
E-mail: nhcp@telkomsa.net 
Web: www.nhcpsa.org

Nigeria Immigration Services: 
Web: www.immigration.gov.ng

OIS (Online Integration Solutions) - In partnership with Nigerian Consulate-General, Johannesburg
Web: www.oisservices.com

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by SA passport holders.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the online visa application at: visa.immigration.gov.ng (must be printed and signed)
  • Application fees will be paid on the portal (receipt must be printed)
  • Passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages (plus copy)
  • Two (2) recent passport sized (35x40mm) photograph
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Hotel reservation / host address in Nigeria
  • Biometrics
  • Flight reservation / ticket
  • Letter of invitation with a copy of invitees passport (if applicable)
  • Letter of confirmation of employment
  • Copy of ID

Additional requirements for business visa: 

  • A letter from the hosting company that states the Immigration responsibility of the applicant will be catered for
  • Letter of confirmation of employment (SA employer)
  • Certificate of incorporation for your host company
  • FIRS Tax Clearance from your host company

Visa Processing Time

Minimum 7 days (confirm with relevant issuing authority for processing delays).

Visa Validity

Valid for not more than 90 days from the date of issuance

Visa Cost

Single-entry: $198
Multiple-entry: $243

Capturing of biometrics may incur additional fees. 

SA Representative

SA High Commission
D41004 European Union CRS, Diplomatic Zone, Central Business District, Abuja
Tel: +234 09 462 4200
Email: AbujaHC@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/abuja/

Travel Health

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever
Recommended:  Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
  Malaria Risk