Travel Note
West African nationals with a valid ECOWAS passport do not need a visa to travel to Nigeria. Who Needs a Visa? Non-West African nationals or Americans. Nigeria is NOT a visa-free country, so you will need to obtain a tourist visa from the Nigerian embassy in Washington DC, Atlanta, or New York. Visit the Nigerian Immigration Service website (nigeriaembassyusa.org/visas) to start your application. Fill out the visa application form online and upload all required documents. Pay the visa fee ($150) and schedule an appointment at the nearest Nigerian embassy at least 6 months ahead of travel. Despite the processing time on website, please apply early and pick an early appointment date to submit your passport. Processing time is longer for December travel. Attend the appointment with the following: - Passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. - Two recent passport-sized photos. - Proof of flight and accommodation bookings. - Wedding invitation - Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
Travel Note
DO NOT CONFUSE WITH LAGOS IN PORTUGAL Reliable Airlines to Lagos (LOS) - Delta Airlines: Direct flights from Atlanta and New York. - United Airlines: Direct flights from Washington, DC (IAD). Affordable Airlines - British Airways: Flights connecting via London Heathrow. - Lufthansa: Flights connecting via Frankfurt. - Air France/KLM: Flights connecting via Paris or Amsterdam. - Ethiopian Airlines: Flights connecting via Addis Ababa. and Lome, Togo. Do not connect through Addis Ababa, only through Lome in Togo with ASky. - Qatar Airways: Flights connecting via Doha. - Turkish Airlines: Flights connecting via Istanbul. - Emirates: Flights connecting via Dubai. Airlines to avoid at all cost - Royal Air Maroc - Egypt Air - Kenya Airways Tips for Booking Flights - Book Early: preferably eight months before event. - Use reliable sites: Highly recommend Sky scanner - Check airline baggage policies: Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar, and Ethiopian offer two free bags. Others may offer one free bag. Extra luggage fee ranges from $130 -200 depending on airline.
Travel Note
- Hotels - Airbnb: We recommend getting a place with other attendees - Shortlets also known as short-term rentals - Airport pick-up: Consider organizing pick-up ahead of time. Feel free to contact hosts to assist in this area. You’re also welcome to take an Uber or Taxi. - Local transport: Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber are reliable and widely available -DO NOT rent a car in Lagos
Travel Note
Zaza (#1 spot) Boho Quilox Obi’s House (Mondays) Vaniti Bay Rock Voyage Lagos Nike Art Gallery Lekki Conservation Centre Ilashe Beach Elegushi Beach
Travel Note
- Vaccination: ensure your vaccination is up-to-date. - Malaria Prevention: upon arrival in Lagos, host will provide you with anti-malarial medication, in case you get exposed to mosquitos. - Local Safety: Stick to populated areas and try to travel around Logos in groups. If you’re buying from local vendors, HASSLE as much as you can. They inflate prices for foreigners (they can tell you don’t live in Naija). - Don’t leave your property unattended at any time - When in public, keep your eyes on everything you have, including your phone and purse. - Follow your host’s guidance.
Travel Note
Luggage cover - A luggage cover is highly recommended for Lagos Airport to protect your luggage. Lightweight clothing for the weather. Power adapters (Nigeria uses type D/G plugs, 220V). Small denominations of cash in dollars for tips at the airport. Power bank - helpful to keep your phone fully charged while in public.
Travel Note
- Nigeria uses Naira as the official currency. DO NOT exchange your dollars to Naira at the airport. It’s a rip off. Host may arrange money exchange locally upon arrival. Please contact host ahead of time to do this. - Travel with about $15 in smaller denomination, to be used at the Lagos airport for tips and so forth. Do not hand over $5 to anyone who helps you at the airport. The trolley guys will charge you between N2,000 - 2,500($1.50) for the trolley and will ask for more money to walk you through customs. If you agree to this service, they’ll try to extort you and ask for payment in dollars. DO NOT hand over $5-8 to them in total.