Country Information > West Africa > Nigeria
Let's discuss Nigeria. Why you ask? I'll tell you more tomorrow, read the bottom for a tip.
General Warning
Nigeria has limited tourist facilities and conditions pose considerable risks to travelers.
Violent crime, committed by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector is increasingly common in the southeast region of Nigeria.
Use of public transportation throughout Nigeria, including taxis, is dangerous and should be avoided. Nigerian airlines have aging fleets, and the U.S. Embassy in Lagos is concerned that maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to ensure passenger safety.
Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose danger of financial loss. Recipients pursuing such fraudulent offers risk physical harm if they come to Nigeria. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with their local Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. An invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. Under no circumstances should you travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.
Country Description
Nigeria is a developing west African country that has experienced political instability, but which has an emerging internal infrastructure.
Entry Requirements
A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required. Promises of entry into Nigeria without a visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily harm. Travellers cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally. Entry information may be obtained at your nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
Safety & Security
Nigeria has experienced civil unrest, violence and strikes. The causes and locations vary. Locations where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area, southwestern Nigeria, the oil-producing states in the southeast, and Kaduna state. There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized vehicle checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by armed bands of police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or soldiers. Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of road travel in Nigeria. Reports of threats against firms and foreigners associated with the petroleum sector recur from time to time. In the past, Chadian troop incursions have occurred at the border area in the far northeast, near Lake Chad. Incidents have also occurred in the southeast in the disputed Bakassi Peninsula at the border area between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Information on Crime
Violent crime affecting foreigners is a serious problem, especially in Lagos and the southern half of the country. Visitors and resident Americans report armed muggings, assaults, burglary, kidnappings, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence. Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often; assailants sometimes shoot victims for no apparent reason. Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. While tighter security measures have largely eliminated the danger of pickpockets and con artists inside Murtala Muhammed Airport, such persons are still commonly found outside the terminal building in the parking lot.
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Currency Regulations
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels. Due to the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria and credit card fraud by Nigerians, credit card use is generally ill-advised. It is usually necessary to bring sufficient travelers checks and/or currency to cover the expenses of a planned visit. It is rare for banks to cash travelers checks. American Express does not have office in Nigeria although Thomas Cook does. Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.
What If I Think I am Involved in a Scam?"
Contact the Nigeria Desk Officer at your local Embassy or at the Department of Commerce. You may also wish to contact the local police, as well, if threats have been made against you.
Now that you've skimmed the country information on Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian city of Lagos- keep it in mind for tomorrows blog... someone attempted to scam me. I'll have some maps posted tomorrow.
General Warning
Nigeria has limited tourist facilities and conditions pose considerable risks to travelers.
Violent crime, committed by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem throughout the country. Kidnapping for ransom of persons associated with the petroleum sector is increasingly common in the southeast region of Nigeria.
Use of public transportation throughout Nigeria, including taxis, is dangerous and should be avoided. Nigerian airlines have aging fleets, and the U.S. Embassy in Lagos is concerned that maintenance and operational procedures may be inadequate to ensure passenger safety.
Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose danger of financial loss. Recipients pursuing such fraudulent offers risk physical harm if they come to Nigeria. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with their local Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. An invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. Under no circumstances should you travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.
Country Description
Nigeria is a developing west African country that has experienced political instability, but which has an emerging internal infrastructure.
Entry Requirements
A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required. Promises of entry into Nigeria without a visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily harm. Travellers cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally. Entry information may be obtained at your nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.
Safety & Security
Nigeria has experienced civil unrest, violence and strikes. The causes and locations vary. Locations where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area, southwestern Nigeria, the oil-producing states in the southeast, and Kaduna state. There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized vehicle checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by armed bands of police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or soldiers. Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of road travel in Nigeria. Reports of threats against firms and foreigners associated with the petroleum sector recur from time to time. In the past, Chadian troop incursions have occurred at the border area in the far northeast, near Lake Chad. Incidents have also occurred in the southeast in the disputed Bakassi Peninsula at the border area between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Information on Crime
Violent crime affecting foreigners is a serious problem, especially in Lagos and the southern half of the country. Visitors and resident Americans report armed muggings, assaults, burglary, kidnappings, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence. Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often; assailants sometimes shoot victims for no apparent reason. Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. While tighter security measures have largely eliminated the danger of pickpockets and con artists inside Murtala Muhammed Airport, such persons are still commonly found outside the terminal building in the parking lot.
The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest Embassy or Consulate.
Currency Regulations
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels. Due to the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria and credit card fraud by Nigerians, credit card use is generally ill-advised. It is usually necessary to bring sufficient travelers checks and/or currency to cover the expenses of a planned visit. It is rare for banks to cash travelers checks. American Express does not have office in Nigeria although Thomas Cook does. Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish.
What If I Think I am Involved in a Scam?"
Contact the Nigeria Desk Officer at your local Embassy or at the Department of Commerce. You may also wish to contact the local police, as well, if threats have been made against you.
Now that you've skimmed the country information on Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian city of Lagos- keep it in mind for tomorrows blog... someone attempted to scam me. I'll have some maps posted tomorrow.
Noodled by Burninghair at 1:57 PM
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