Travel Guide
Traveling to Nigeria
Your friendly, everything-you-need cheat sheet
If you've traveled to Nigeria before, you can skim this page. If it's your first time -- welcome! We've gathered the essentials to help you plan with confidence and arrive ready to celebrate.
Visa
e-Visa required for most guests
Required
Yellow Fever certificate
Connectivity
WiFi common; local SIM recommended
Currency
Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Contents
Entry requirements
Visas, documents, and essential preparations
Most international visitors need a visa before arrival. Nigeria now uses an e-Visa process (apply online and receive approval by email).
Where to apply
Typical requirements
- •Passport (valid 6+ months)
- •Passport photo
- •Online application form + payment receipt
- •Invitation letter from us or confirmed hotel booking
- •Return ticket / itinerary
- •Evidence of funds (e.g., bank statements)
Landing & Exit Cards
Complete and print your confirmation via lecard.immigration.gov.ng or fill paper cards at the airport.
Yellow Fever certificate
Yellow Fever vaccination proof is required for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and keep your Yellow Card in your carry-on.
Support from us
If you need a formal invitation letter for your visa, tell us and we will send one.
Quick tips
- •Start your visa process 6-8 weeks before travel (earlier if you need an embassy appointment).
- •Complete your Landing & Exit Cards online before you fly.
- •Book accommodation early so guests can stay near each other.
- •Keep your Yellow Fever certificate in your hand luggage (you will need it).
Health & safety
Common sense goes a long way
- •Yellow Fever is required. Speak to your doctor about other travel vaccines and malaria prophylaxis.
- •Bring insect repellent (ideally DEET) and use it, especially in the evenings.
- •Stick to bottled water, and eat at reputable spots (hotels/restaurants).
- •Use Uber/Bolt in Abuja or trusted hotel drivers. In Kano, we will coordinate group transport.
- •Keep valuables secure, avoid wandering late at night, and ignore unsolicited help at airports.
Emergency Contacts
Local etiquette
Cultural tips for Kano and beyond
Modest dress in Kano
Photography etiquette
Greetings matter
Timing and patience
Useful Hausa phrases
A few words to help you connect
While English is widely spoken in Kano, learning a few Hausa phrases shows respect and opens doors. You'll earn smiles and warmth just for trying.
Pro tip
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Don't worry about perfection—locals appreciate the effort and will happily help you improve.
Getting around
Abuja, Kano, and between cities
Abuja
- •Uber/Bolt work well and are usually the easiest option.
- •Hotels can arrange cars with drivers (more expensive, very straightforward).
Abuja to Kano
Domestic flights are the recommended option (about 1 hour). We will share suggested flights so guests can travel together.
Kano
- •Uber is available but less consistent than Abuja.
- •For wedding events, we will coordinate group transport.
- •As fun as they look, we recommend avoiding keke (tricycle taxis).
Suggested arrival
Joining the Welcome Dinner? Aim to be in Abuja by Wednesday 15 July 2026 (afternoon). Coming straight to Kano? Aim to arrive by Thursday 16 July 2026 (late morning/afternoon).
Accommodation
Hotels to stay near one another
Abuja (recommended options)
- Transcorp Hilton Abuja
- Fraser Suites Abuja
- Nordic Hotel (Jabi)
- Johnwood Hotel (near the National Mosque)
- Movenpick Abuja (formerly NAF Conference Centre)
Kano (recommended options)
- Bristol Palace Hotel
- Tahir Guest Palace (Nassarawa GRA)
- BON Hotel Kano
Notes
- Rates move quickly -- book early and double-check cancellation terms.
- Power can be inconsistent; good hotels run generators (you will notice a brief switch-over).
- Nigeria is 240V. UK plugs (Type G) are common, but an adapter is handy just in case.
Money, phones, and power
Money
Nigeria uses the Naira (NGN). Cards work at major hotels, but cash is king for tips, markets, and small expenses. Bring a bit of GBP/USD to exchange.
Phones
We recommend a local SIM for data (often MTN or Airtel). You will need your passport for SIM registration. Most hotels have WiFi.
Electricity
Nigeria is 240V. UK three-pin plugs (Type G) are common, but you may see two-pin sockets -- bring an adapter to be safe.
Weather (July)
July is warm and it can be rainy. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Packing essentials
Must-have documents
- •Passport (valid 6+ months)
- •Visa approval
- •Yellow Fever certificate (Yellow Card)
- •Travel insurance
- •Copies of documents (digital + paper)
Clothing
- •Light, breathable outfits (cotton/linen)
- •Traditional attire (optional -- and yes, we can help organize tailoring)
- •Modest outfit for the mosque ceremony
- •Women: head covering/scarf for the mosque
- •Comfortable shoes
Health
- •Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- •Insect repellent
- •Any prescribed meds + basics (painkillers, stomach meds)
Tech
- •Power adapter
- •Portable charger/power bank
Dining & Cuisine
Northern Nigerian food culture
Nigerian food is bold, flavorful, and deeply regional. Kano's cuisine reflects its Hausa heritage with grilled meats, rice dishes, and unique milk-based delicacies.
Hotel restaurants are the safest bet for international visitors, but don't miss trying local specialties—we'll point you to trusted spots.
Suya
Spiced grilled meat skewers (beef, chicken, or ram). A must-try street food.
Contains nuts (groundnut/peanut spice)
Jollof Rice
The famous West African rice dish cooked in tomato sauce with spices.
Often vegetarian-friendly (ask about stock)
Masa
Soft rice cakes, similar to pancakes. A Northern Nigerian specialty.
Vegetarian
Kilishi
Dried spiced beef, similar to jerky. A Kano delicacy.
Contains nuts
Fura da Nono
Millet balls with fermented milk. Refreshing and unique.
Dairy
Tuwo Shinkafa
Soft rice pudding served with various soups. A staple comfort food.
Gluten-free
Recommended spots in Abuja
- Jevinik Restaurant (upscale Nigerian)
- Your hotel restaurant (safest for newcomers)
- Nkoyo (Calabar/Southern cuisine)
Recommended spots in Kano
- Gusto Restaurant
- Cilantro
- Your hotel restaurant
- Suya spots (we'll share our favorites)
Abuja highlights
What to do
- •Aso Rock viewpoints / Three Arms Zone (from a respectful distance)
- •Nigerian National Mosque (dress modestly)
- •Millennium Park
- •Jabi Lake & Jabi Lake Mall
- •Arts & Crafts Village (souvenirs -- bargaining is normal)
Food
Abuja has plenty of solid options -- your hotel, Jevinik, and well-known local spots are all safe bets. If you want recommendations based on where you're staying, message us.
Kano highlights
What to do
- •Kofar Mata Dye Pits
- •Gidan Makama Museum
- •Kurmi Market (best with a local guide)
- •Kano City Walls / old city gates
- •Emir's Palace (exterior views; access can be limited)
Food
- Your hotel restaurants are usually the easiest option.
- Popular picks include Gusto and Cilantro.
- And yes -- you must try suya (we will point you to a good spot).
Local tips
- Dress modestly in the old city.
- Ask before taking photos.
- Start sightseeing early -- it gets hot later in the day.
Still have questions? Reach out directly and we'll be happy to help.