Packing list for Nigeria, travel insurance for Nigeria and taking your belongings

What to take to Nigeria: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents and Money: a passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and a valid visa or eVisa (depending on current regulations). Bring multiple paper copies and digital copies of important documents, including a vaccination booklet. The local currency is the Nigerian naira (NGN). ATMs are available in larger cities, but outages occur regularly. Therefore, bring sufficient cash to exchange locally and distribute it across multiple locations.
• Clothing: light, breathable clothing is comfortable due to the heat and high humidity. If you are visiting the north of Nigeria or religious sites, covering clothing is recommended. A raincoat is useful during the rainy season (approximately April to October, heavier in the south, less so in the north).
• Shoes: comfortable shoes for cities and sturdy hiking boots if you are visiting nature reserves or national parks. Sandals or flip-flops are handy in warm weather.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand gel are helpful.
• Packing and protection: a waterproof cover for your backpack or daypack and possibly waterproof pouches for electronics.
• Insects and animals: a good mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridine is essential for Nigeria.
• Sleeping and accommodation: an impregnated mosquito net can also be useful when staying outside larger hotels.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a comprehensive travel first-aid kit with plasters, ORS, painkillers, hand sanitizer, anti-diarrhea medication, and personal medication. Also consider malaria prophylaxis if recommended for your trip.
• Outdoors and handy items: a reusable water bottle (with a water filter), sunglasses, a hat or cap, and a flashlight or headlamp. Power outages occur regularly.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for type D and G sockets and a good power bank in case the power goes out.
• Safety and theft: a money belt or concealed document pouch is wise to keep valuables out of sight as much as possible.

To consider:

• Spare glasses or extra contact lenses.
• Quick-drying towel.
• Gifts from your home country, when you are staying with local families.
• Basic knowledge of local customs and etiquette. Nigeria has hundreds of ethnic groups and cultures, and respectful clothing and behavior are often highly appreciated.

Are there mosquitoes in Nigeria?

• Nigeria is a paradise for mosquitoes. They occur all year round, with peaks during and just after the rainy season.
• Nigeria is also a country where malaria is common. Additionally, mosquitoes can also transmit dengue, yellow fever, and other diseases.
• A good mosquito repellent, protective clothing, and possibly a mosquito net are important to prevent health problems.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Nigeria?

• Sandflies occur in several parts of Nigeria, especially in rural and drier areas. For most travelers, they do not pose a major problem, but they can transmit leishmaniasis.
• Fortunately, covering clothing and an insect repellent containing DEET also offer protection against sandflies.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Nigeria?

• Insect repellents are available in larger cities at pharmacies and sometimes at supermarkets. Outside the major cities, it can be difficult to find insect repellents.
• It may therefore be nice to bring enough of your own trusted insect repellent.
• More about DEET anti-mosquito repellent.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Nigeria, or to bring it with you to Nigeria?

• No, possession, use, trade, and import of cannabis are strictly illegal in Nigeria.
• The penalties are far from mild, with a minimum prison sentence of more than 10 years for use and possession.
• The government seems to be working on the legalization of industrial cannabis to give the country's economy a boost.