Documents to travel to Nigeria

Nigeria is one of the Africa’s best kept secrets. This is the typical country that people usually ignore when planning their vacations, and when they dare to visit it, they are surprised. Today, it is known as the modern face of the continent; but, despite this, she has maintained her culture, history and traditions.

Like the rest of the countries in Africa, Nigeria is a destination for adventure lovers. Although you will find many places where you can relax and be amazed by the natural beauty, it is no less true that excursions in the jungle will raise your adrenaline to the maximum. And not to mention its gastronomy, with its delicious soups and high-carbohydrate dishes.

Another aspect for which it is said that this is a destination for adventurers is for its undeniable political reality. Some cities are really dangerous and therefore it is locations not recommended for tourists. But this has not stopped those who are attracted by its traditions, crystal clear beaches or for the entertainment offered by Lagos, the economic center of the country.

Requirements to travel to Nigeria

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All travelers to Nigeria must be fully informed about the documentation that said country will require before authorize your entry. In this sense, it is important to keep in mind that this nation does not grant tourists a visa on arrival, but rather it has to be requested in advance of the trip. To formalize the petition, it will be required:

• Passport. With at least six months of validity counted from the date of entry into the country and two consecutive blank pages.
• Legible photocopy of the passport. In which the personal data of the applicant is appreciated.
• Two color photographs. Recent, on a white background and whose dimensions are 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
• copy of reservation of round-trip flights. Also from the hotel or, failing that, an invitation letter.
• Copy of bank statements. Sealed by the issuing financial institution, showing economic solvency of at least 2,000 euros.
• Company letter where you work. And in case of being a student, issued by the educational institute.
• Application form.
• Tax payment. Consular and administrative.

Aspects to take into account when applying for a tourist visa

Once you have gathered the documents mentioned above, it is important to verify that they are suitable for the required conditions by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this sense, they must fulfill the following formalities:

• Letter from company or academic institution. These must be addressed to the corresponding embassy, ​​written in English, stating the vacation time or work permit granted and the purpose of the trip. Additionally, they are required to contain the letterhead and seal of the issuer, be signed by an authorized representative and not be more than 30 days old.
• Letter of Invitation. It should be attached only when you do not have a hotel reservation. It will include the identification data of the host and the guest, duration and purpose of the trip. It must be written in English, signed by the inviter and issued within a maximum period of 30 days prior to the submission of the visa application.
• Application form. It must be filled from the web system that the Nigerian authorities have arranged for it. It has an instruction manual, we recommend you read it before starting the process. Fees can also be paid on this platform and you must have a debit or credit card compatible with the protocol Verified by Visa. To access the form, enter the following web address:https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/

Once you have completed the online process, you must print the form and present it together with the other documents in the Nigerian embassy closest to your home. If the visa is granted, it will allow you a maximum stay of 30 days in the country.

COVID-19 protocol applicable to travelers

Regarding COVID 19, Nigeria has developed a biosafety protocol quite strict which may include a isolation period. In this sense, each traveler must meet the following requirements:

• Negative PCR test. Performed by a laboratory recognized by local authorities. It must be practiced within 48 hours after arrival in the country. The traveler must pay their cost in advance, through the following Nigerian international travel portal: https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng/
• Health declaration form. It is mandatory to register with the Nigerian International Travel Portal and complete the online questionnaire. Once all the steps have been completed, including the payment of the aforementioned PCR test, the corresponding report will be sent via email, which must be printed and presented when boarding the flight and upon arrival.
• Vaccination certificate. Only valid international vaccination certificates will be accepted, stating that the full doses have been applied. That is, two in the case of AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer and one of Johnson and Johnson. People who do not meet these requirements must self-isolate for seven days. And, at the end, undergo a PCR test in order to determine if it is safe to transit through the country.

Compliance with these measures does not prevent the authorities from taking additional measures such as: temperature control or visual assessment. Likewise, it could be decided to carry out extra tests if the traveler shows any symptoms related to COVID 19.

Biosafety standards enacted in Nigeria

Once you are allowed to enter the country, it is important obey the rules that the Nigerian authorities have established on their territory to minimize infections. These measures are the following:

• Curfew. From 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
• Access to public offices. Partially restricted. Priority requests are accepted, with limited capacity.
• are not allowed social gatherings or public events with more than 50 people.
• Use of the mask. It is mandatory in public spaces and transport, and also in closed environments.
• Bars and discotheques. They remain closed.
• Stores. They are open.

However, it is essential to check the validity of these regulations in the city you are visiting, since the restrictions may vary according to the incidence of local cases. On the other hand, it is advisable to contribute to the cause using antibacterial gelwashing your hands frequently and keeping the social distancing.

Other health recommendations

Although Nigeria is still a attractive destination for the adventurous touristsit is important to keep in mind that the sanitary conditions are not comparable to those of other countries. Therefore, in order to avoid health complications, it is recommended:

• Hire a comprehensive health insurance including repatriation services.
• apply the vaccines against hepatitis A and B, meningitis and tetanus. In the case of yellow fever, the application is mandatory.
• Consume, as much as possible, bottled water.
• Avoid the eating of food in street stalls.
• Avoid any action that could represent a risk of contagionsince the AIDS and HIV rates among the Nigerian population are high.

These precautions are actually prevention measures that are recommended when traveling to any destination. In the case of Nigeria, the exhortation acquires greater relevance given the conditions of your health system. However, as long as prudence influences the decisions that are made, there will be no danger to fear.

So, follow these tips and get ready to enjoy a country of friendly and warm peopleof a fascinating culture. In Nigeria you can’t help but be dazzled by the contrast between old and new and the beauty of their natural landscapes.