Lagos Travel Information

SEPT 2013 ▾
FEB 2013 ▾

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If you’re reading this it’s probably because you are already in the planning stages for your trip to Social Media Week Lagos. Traveling to a new country is always exciting and being prepared is key to enjoying your visit. We’ve put together some tips and information that every traveler to Nigeria should know. In addition you will find all the information you need to know about obtaining a Nigerian Travel Visa (required), Official SMW Hotel & Airline Partners, Discounted SMW rates, SMW Liaisons and Ground Transportation.

Study this guide! It will help you avoid some of the pit falls of international travel and hopefully help you navigate the hustle & bustle of  Lagos’ airport.

Quick Tips For Smart Travelers
  1. Before you leave your home country make sure that you have all of your important travel documents. We suggest making photo copies of your passport, visa & travel itinerary .
  2. Insure your airport pick up is confirmed. Being stuck at the airport is never fun!
  3. Don’t exchange your money with strangers. We strongly recommend that you only exchange money at your hotel. Ask your SMW Lagos Hotel Liaison for assistance.
  4. SMW will have a trusted “point of contact” person at each of our partner hotels. This persons will be your SMW Hotel Liaison and he/she will be familiar with the local landscape and be able to assist you should the need arise.
  5. Luggage Trolleys are available at the airport. They can be rented for US$2
  6. Contact your mobile phone and credit card companies and inquire about fees and usage abroad.
General Travel Information
To enter Nigeria, a valid passport and visa are required for nationals of virtually all countries (including US & UK). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after period of intended stay. Travelers must first obtain an Invitation Letter. An Invitation letter is required to apply for a Nigerian Visa. SMW Attendees should download the SMW Invitation Letter and bring it with them when they apply (in advance and from your home country’s Nigerian embassy or consulate) for a Nigerian Visa. Visas cannot be obtained aboard planes or at the airport. Expedited processing will take at least two days. We do not recommend the recently drafted Visas on Arrival Program.  Click here for more info about obtaining a Nigerian Visa and to download the Official SMW Lagos Invitation letter.

Language

English is the official language of Nigeria and it’s used at all levels of administration, law, commerce and education.However, there are three major ethnic languages: Hausa – mainly spoken in the North; Yoruba – spoken in the West; and Ibo – spoken in the East. Other Languages include Kanuri, Edo etc.

Health Regulations

An international vaccination certificate against yellow fever (10 years) is required. Cholera (six months) is also required if coming from an infected area. Prophylactic anti-malaria and TB inoculation are recommended. It is often recommended to obtain Malaria medication from your country of departure. We recommend that you do research and speak to your health care provider about what medications are best for you.

Currency Regulations

There are no restrictions on importation of foreign currency. A currency declaration is, however required both on arrival and departure, for large sums of money in excess of US$5,000.00. Personal baggage up to 20 kilograms and belongings such as cameras and laptops for the use of bonafide visitors are admitted free of duty.

Airport Customs

Visitors may export souvenirs, although some articles (e.g. animals skins and antiques) require an export permit. Illegal drugs of any description are not allowed into Nigeria. Please check with a Nigerian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission nearest to you for current information before departure.

Baggage Examinations

International airports in Nigeria are staffed by wing customs officers who conduct normal checks of baggage on all international arrivals. Standard security checks are in operation at all Nigerian entry ports.

Currency:

Nigeria’s currency is the naira (N). Currency notes are issued in denominations of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N500 and N1000. Except for hotel bills in some hotels, foreigners should do their shopping and other business in the local currency. There are a number of Bureau De Change and banks at each International Airport where the visitor can convert from local to foreign currency, and vice versa. We recommend exchanging your currency at your hotel.

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