Yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Nigeria and must be taken at least 10 days before travel. Malaria is the bigger daily risk, so get prophylaxis before you go. This guide covers every health step to take before visiting or moving to Nigeria.
If you are planning a trip to Nigeria or considering relocating there permanently, sorting out your health preparation before you travel is one of the most important things you can do. Getting sick in a country you do not know yet, especially in the first few weeks, is one of the fastest ways to derail an otherwise great experience. This guide covers what you actually need, what is optional, and how to protect yourself and your children from the most common health risks.
The Yellow Fever Vaccine Is Required
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Nigeria. You will need to show your yellow card, which is the official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, when you arrive at the airport. Immigration officers do check for it, and without it you can be denied entry or charged a fee on the spot.
The yellow fever vaccine is a one-time shot. You only need it once in your lifetime and it covers you permanently. Get it at a certified travel health clinic or your local health department well before your travel date, because the vaccine needs at least 10 days to become effective. Do not leave this until the last minute.
Malaria Is the Bigger Day-to-Day Risk
Malaria is present in Nigeria year-round and is the most common illness that travelers and new arrivals face. The yellow fever vaccine protects you at the border, but malaria is what will affect your daily life if you are not careful.
Before you travel, visit a travel health clinic or your doctor and ask about malaria prophylaxis. Common options include Doxycycline, Malarone, and Mefloquine. Your doctor will recommend the right one based on your health history and how long you plan to stay. If you are bringing children, make sure their dosage is calculated correctly for their weight and age.
Malaria medication does not stop mosquito bites. It prevents malaria from developing in your body after you have been bitten. This means you still need to take practical steps to reduce how often you get bitten in the first place.
Wear long sleeves and light linen pants in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active. Use mosquito repellent with DEET, especially in humid or outdoor areas. Keep windows closed at night or make sure your accommodation has mosquito nets. Many people who live in Nigeria long term fumigate their homes every few months, which keeps mosquitoes out of your immediate environment for an extended period and is worth doing as soon as you settle into a place.
Other Vaccines Worth Getting
Beyond yellow fever, the CDC recommends making sure the following are up to date before traveling to Nigeria. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water and is very relevant in Nigeria. Typhoid is spread the same way and is worth getting if you plan to eat street food or stay for longer than a short visit. Make sure your routine vaccinations including Tetanus, MMR, and Polio are current. Hepatitis B is recommended for longer stays. None of these are required at the border the way yellow fever is, but getting sick from any of them when you are new to the country is a serious disruption to your plans.
Water and Food Safety
Do not drink tap water in Nigeria. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. This applies everywhere in the country regardless of which city you are in. Bottled water is cheap and widely available so there is no reason to take the risk.
Food from reputable restaurants and cooked street food that is prepared fresh and hot in front of you is generally fine. Be more careful with raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and anything that has been sitting out for a long time. Your stomach will take a few weeks to adjust to local food even when it is perfectly safe, so ease in gradually rather than eating everything at once in the first few days.
Health Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Do not travel to Nigeria without health coverage. Private hospitals in Nigeria are generally good and significantly cheaper than hospitals in the US, but costs can still add up quickly if you need extended care or emergency treatment. International health insurance from providers like Cigna Global or Allianz Care will cover you in Nigeria. If you are only visiting for a short time, travel insurance with medical coverage is a more affordable option.
Keep a small emergency fund available for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Most private hospitals will ask for a deposit before treating you, so having cash or a card accessible at all times matters.
If You Are Traveling with Children
Everything above applies to children too, including the yellow fever vaccine and malaria prevention. Get their yellow cards sorted before travel just as you would your own. Talk to a pediatrician about the right malaria prophylaxis for your child's age and weight. Pack a good supply of child-safe insect repellent. Keep them hydrated in the heat and be watchful for fever in the first few weeks, since early malaria symptoms can feel like a common flu and catching it early makes treatment much simpler.