Staying Healthy in Nigeria: Tips for Travelers and Residents

Entry Requirements and Health Precautions

All travelers arriving in Nigeria will be required to⁚ 1. Go through the routine Port Health screening and present electronic or print-out evidence of preboarding COVID-19 PCR test (Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated passengers only)‚ Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR Code; and Vaccination Certificate (For fully vaccinated travelers). 2. Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken. Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions‚ including⁚ food and water safety. accident prevention. sun safety. avoiding insect bites. preventing and treating animal bites. Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page and the CDC Travel Notices on Yellow Fever ‚ Monkeypox ‚ and Lassa Fever in Nigeria‚ which has information on this outbreak and advice on further steps to take. See the State Departments travel website and Country Specific Information for Nigeria. As of 16th January 2022‚ over 18‚000 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded from inbound travellers to Nigeria. Therefore‚ the associated risk of disease transmission is not trivial. We are aware of reports of travellers to Nigeria who have experienced delays at the airport for not meeting all the travel requirements as stated on the NITP. All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance.

COVID-19 Measures

As a result of the declining cases of COVID-19 and the steady increase in vaccination coverage in Nigeria‚ the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC-COVID-19) has advised the relaxation of all COVID-19 safety measures and travel advisories. Travelers reporting or developing symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival in Nigeria‚ or during screening will not be allowed to self-quarantine and will be placed in institutional quarantine; C. EXIT FROM SELF-ISOLATION. However‚ it is still essential to be aware of the evolving situation and take necessary precautions.



Here are some key COVID-19 measures to be aware of when traveling to Nigeria⁚

  • Pre-Travel Testing⁚ Effective immediately‚ all inbound travelers aged 10 and up to Nigeria must present a negative PCR test done no more than 48 hours prior to the first leg of their journey.


  • Vaccination Status⁚ Fully vaccinated travelers will need to present their vaccination certificate upon arrival. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will be required to undergo a mandatory 7-day self-isolation period upon arrival‚ along with a COVID-19 PCR test on days 2 and 7 after arrival.


  • Quarantine Requirements⁚ Passengers arriving in Nigeria must self-isolate for 8 days if the COVID retest on day 7 is negative. If retest results are positive‚ passengers must self-isolate for 14 days. Isolating in the city of port entry (Abuja or Lagos) is recommended but not required.


  • Stay Informed⁚ The situation can change rapidly‚ so it's crucial to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and health guidelines from official sources like the Nigerian government‚ the CDC‚ and the WHO.


  • Health Insurance⁚ It's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel health insurance that covers COVID-19-related expenses‚ including potential quarantine costs and medical treatment.

Other Health Risks

While COVID-19 is a significant concern‚ travelers to Nigeria should also be aware of other potential health risks. It's essential to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from these risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Food and Water Safety

Food and water safety is a crucial aspect of staying healthy while traveling in Nigeria. While the country offers a diverse culinary scene‚ it's essential to be mindful of potential risks associated with food and waterborne illnesses.



Here are some key tips to ensure food and water safety during your trip⁚

  • Drink Bottled Water⁚ Avoid drinking tap water in Nigeria. Stick to bottled water‚ which is readily available throughout the country. Ensure the bottle is sealed and unopened.


  • Choose Reputable Restaurants⁚ Opt for restaurants known for their hygiene standards‚ especially when it comes to food preparation. Pay attention to cleanliness‚ food storage‚ and handling practices.


  • Avoid Street Food⁚ While street food can be a tempting and delicious part of the local experience‚ it's best to avoid it‚ especially if you're unsure about hygiene practices. The risk of foodborne illness is higher with street food.


  • Cook Thoroughly⁚ If you're preparing your own food‚ ensure it's cooked thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat‚ poultry‚ fish‚ or shellfish.


  • Wash Your Hands⁚ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water‚ especially before eating and after using the restroom. Carry hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't readily available.


  • Be Aware of Fruits and Vegetables⁚ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them‚ even if you plan to peel them. Choose produce that looks fresh and free of blemishes.


  • Ice⁚ Be cautious about consuming ice in drinks. It's best to avoid it entirely unless you're confident about its source and preparation.

Insect and Tick Bite Avoidance

Nigeria is home to various insects and ticks that can transmit diseases. It's crucial to take precautions to avoid insect and tick bites‚ especially during outdoor activities.



Here are some tips to minimize your risk⁚

  • Use Insect Repellent⁚ Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing. Choose a repellent with a high DEET concentration (20-30%) for areas with high mosquito activity. Reapply regularly‚ especially after sweating or swimming.


  • Wear Protective Clothing⁚ Wear light-colored‚ long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure. Tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. Choose clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that can help prevent insect bites.


  • Stay in Air-Conditioned Areas⁚ When possible‚ stay in air-conditioned areas to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. Use mosquito nets over beds‚ especially in areas where malaria is prevalent.


  • Avoid Dusk and Dawn⁚ Mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn. Limit outdoor activities during these times‚ or take extra precautions if you must be outside.


  • Check for Ticks⁚ After spending time in wooded or grassy areas‚ carefully check yourself‚ your children‚ and pets for ticks. Ticks can attach to skin and transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Remove any ticks promptly with tweezers.


  • Be Aware of Yellow Fever⁚ Yellow fever is a viral disease spread through mosquito bites. It's highly recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling to Nigeria. Vaccination should be completed at least 10 days before travel to allow for immunity to develop.

Personal Safety

Personal safety is a priority when traveling to any unfamiliar destination‚ and Nigeria is no exception. While the country offers a rich cultural experience‚ it's essential to be aware of potential security risks and take precautions to ensure your well-being.



Here are some tips to prioritize personal safety⁚

  • Stay Informed⁚ Before your trip‚ familiarize yourself with the current security situation in Nigeria. Consult travel advisories from your home country's government and organizations like the CDC and the UK's Foreign‚ Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Stay updated on any security alerts or warnings.


  • Choose Safe Areas⁚ When selecting accommodation and destinations‚ opt for areas known for their safety and security. Consult with local authorities or tour operators for recommendations. Avoid traveling alone in isolated or unfamiliar areas‚ especially at night.


  • Be Mindful of Surroundings⁚ Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential risks. Avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash. Keep your belongings secure‚ and don't carry unnecessary items.


  • Use Reputable Transportation⁚ Use licensed and reputable transportation services‚ such as taxis‚ buses‚ or ride-sharing apps. Avoid hailing taxis from the street‚ especially at night. Always confirm the driver's identity and destination before entering the vehicle.


  • Be Cautious with Strangers⁚ Be wary of unsolicited help or offers from strangers. Avoid engaging in conversations with individuals who seem suspicious or aggressive. Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any situation that makes you uncomfortable.


  • Avoid Demonstrations⁚ Be aware of any planned protests or demonstrations. Avoid areas where these events are taking place as they can become unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health concern‚ and Nigeria is no exception. It's crucial to be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect yourself.



Here are some key considerations regarding STIs⁚

  • Practice Safe Sex⁚ Consistent and correct use of condoms is the most effective way to prevent STIs. Always negotiate condom use with your sexual partners. Avoid engaging in risky sexual behaviors‚ such as unprotected sex with multiple partners or sex with individuals whose STI status is unknown;


  • Get Tested⁚ Before traveling‚ consider getting tested for STIs. If you engage in sexual activity during your trip‚ get tested again upon your return. Early detection and treatment are essential for managing STIs and preventing complications.


  • Be Aware of Local Risks⁚ Research the prevalence of STIs in Nigeria and be aware of any specific risks associated with your destination. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional about any concerns.


  • Seek Medical Attention⁚ If you experience any symptoms of an STI‚ seek medical attention immediately. Don't hesitate to discuss any sexual health concerns with a healthcare provider.


  • Respect Local Culture⁚ Be mindful of local cultural norms and practices related to sexual health. Engage in respectful and consensual sexual encounters.

Sun Protection

Nigeria experiences intense sunlight‚ especially during the dry season. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial to prevent sunburn‚ premature aging‚ and an increased risk of skin cancer.



Here are some tips for effective sun protection⁚

  • Wear Sunscreen⁚ Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours‚ especially after swimming or sweating. Choose sunscreens that are water-resistant and offer both UVA and UVB protection.


  • Wear Protective Clothing⁚ Cover up with light-colored‚ loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Choose fabrics that offer UV protection‚ such as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face‚ ears‚ and neck.


  • Seek Shade⁚ During the hottest part of the day‚ seek shade whenever possible. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use umbrellas or shade structures if available.


  • Stay Hydrated⁚ Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated‚ especially when you're outside in the sun. Dehydration can increase your risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.


  • Be Aware of Sensitive Areas⁚ Pay extra attention to sensitive areas‚ such as your face‚ ears‚ neck‚ and shoulders‚ as they are more prone to sunburn. Apply sunscreen generously to these areas.

Recommended Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a crucial aspect of protecting yourself from preventable diseases while traveling. It's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider at least 8 weeks before your trip to Nigeria to ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations and to discuss any additional recommended vaccinations based on your individual health history and travel itinerary.



Here are some vaccinations commonly recommended for travelers to Nigeria⁚

  • Routine Vaccinations⁚ Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations‚ including⁚ Diphtheria‚ Tetanus‚ Pertussis (DTaP)‚ Measles‚ Mumps‚ Rubella (MMR)‚ Polio‚ Hepatitis A‚ Hepatitis B‚ and Varicella (Chickenpox).


  • Yellow Fever⁚ Yellow fever is a serious viral disease spread through mosquito bites. Vaccination against yellow fever is highly recommended for travelers to Nigeria. It's essential to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip to allow for immunity to develop.


  • Typhoid⁚ Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination against typhoid is recommended for travelers to Nigeria‚ especially if you'll be staying in areas with poor sanitation.


  • Meningococcal Meningitis⁚ Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that can be serious. Vaccination is recommended for travelers to Nigeria‚ especially during the dry season (December to May). Meningococcal vaccines are usually given as a single dose‚ but some types may require a booster dose.


  • Hepatitis B⁚ Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause serious liver damage. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for travelers to Nigeria‚ especially if you'll be staying for an extended period or engaging in activities that could expose you to the virus‚ such as healthcare work or close contact with the local population.


  • Rabies⁚ Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal. Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travelers to Nigeria‚ especially if you'll be engaging in activities that could expose you to animals‚ such as hiking‚ camping‚ or visiting farms or markets where animals are present.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It's highly prevalent in Nigeria‚ and it's essential to take proactive steps to prevent malaria infection.



Here are some key malaria prevention strategies⁚

  • Malaria Medications⁚ Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate antimalarial medication for your trip. Malaria medications are generally taken daily‚ starting a few days before your trip‚ throughout your stay‚ and for a few weeks after your return. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully‚ as some medications require a prescription and may have side effects.


  • Insect Repellent⁚ Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to minimize mosquito bites. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing‚ and reapply regularly‚ especially after sweating or swimming. Choose a repellent with a high DEET concentration (20-30%) for areas with high mosquito activity.


  • Protective Clothing⁚ Wear light-colored‚ long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure. Tuck pants into socks to prevent mosquitoes from biting your ankles. Choose clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that can help prevent insect bites.


  • Mosquito Nets⁚ Use mosquito nets over beds‚ especially in areas where malaria is prevalent. Ensure the net is properly tucked in and free of holes.


  • Stay in Air-Conditioned Areas⁚ When possible‚ stay in air-conditioned areas to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. Use air conditioning or fans in your hotel room to keep mosquitoes away.

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