Travelling to Lagos is easier than many people imagine. We’ll help you prepare before you leave and, once you arrive, take care of the practicalities — including airport transfers, transport around Lagos and planning your activities.

Here are the main things you need to know before travelling.

Visas

Most international visitors, including British passport holders, need a visa to enter Nigeria.

Nigeria now operates an e-Visa system, with tourism included among the eligible categories. Applications are made online through the official Nigeria Immigration Service. Requirements depend on your nationality and visa category, but normally include a passport valid for at least six months, details of your accommodation, return travel and evidence that you have sufficient funds.

We will provide the accommodation and supporting information you need for your application and are happy to guide you through the process. If you prefer that we submit the application from here, please let us know.

Always apply through the official Nigeria Immigration Service rather than one of the many commercial visa websites. Nigeria Immigration Service

You should print your e-Visa approval letter and bring it with you when travelling. citeturn0search12

Flights

Lagos is served by Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), with direct and connecting flights from Europe, North America, the Middle East and elsewhere in Africa.

From the UK, we particularly recommend the direct British Airways flight from London Heathrow or Air Peace from London Gatwick, as their schedules generally work well with our itinerary.

You don’t need to worry about finding a taxi when you land. We will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation. We will also take you back to the airport at the end of your stay.

If you choose a different flight, that’s absolutely fine — just give us your arrival details in advance.

Vaccinations & Health

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Nigeria, subject to limited age-related exemptions. citeturn0search5

Other vaccinations may be recommended depending on your personal circumstances and vaccination history. We strongly recommend speaking to your GP, travel clinic or other qualified healthcare professional well before departure.

Malaria is present in Nigeria, so you should also seek medical advice about appropriate malaria prevention and antimalarial medication.

If you take regular prescription medication, bring enough for your entire stay, ideally in its original packaging. It is also sensible to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor for important medication.

Nigeria currently also requires travellers to complete an online Health Declaration Form before entry. Requirements can change, so we will remind you of the current arrangements before you travel. citeturn0search5

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Your policy should cover Nigeria and include medical treatment, emergency evacuation or repatriation, cancellation and your personal belongings.

Please check the terms of your policy carefully before travelling, particularly any geographical restrictions or exclusions.

Travel insurance is not included in the cost of your Hosted Lagos experience.

Safety

Lagos is a huge, energetic city of more than 20 million people and, like any major city, requires a degree of common sense.

The biggest difference with Hosted Lagos is that you aren’t navigating the city alone.

You will have local guides, a private vehicle and driver, and we’ll collect you from the airport. We choose the places we visit and the people we work with carefully, and your guides know Lagos extremely well.

We don’t recommend walking around unfamiliar areas alone at night, displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, or accepting lifts from people you don’t know.

We also recommend that guests do not use dating apps while they are here. They are available and widely used in Nigeria, but criminals can use dating apps to target people — particularly visitors. There are much safer ways to meet people through your guides, the bars and events we visit, and the private social network around Hosted Lagos.

We want you to experience Lagos rather than be frightened of it. Sensible precautions matter, but they shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the city.

Money

Nigeria’s currency is the Naira (₦ / NGN). Mastercard / Visa is NOT widely accepted, and it is also difficult to withdraw cash from ATMs. Cash isn’t used much, as bank transfers are the most common way to pay.

Most of your major costs — accommodation, meals, transport, guides and included excursions — are already covered by your Hosted Lagos booking.

Your guides can help with payments and exchange arrangements while you’re here.

Phones, Wi-Fi & Staying Connected

Wi-Fi is available at your accommodation and at the beach resort, although speeds and reliability can vary.

Mobile data in Lagos is generally inexpensive and widely available. We can help you arrange a local SIM or eSIM if required.

We recommend enabling international roaming before leaving home as a backup, even if you intend to use a Nigerian SIM while you’re here.

Electricity

Nigeria uses 230V electricity and British-style three-pin Type G plugs, so visitors from the UK generally don’t need a plug adaptor.

Power cuts are a fact of life in Lagos, but your accommodation has alternative power arrangements, so they should cause minimal disruption to your stay.

What Should I Pack?

Lagos is warm throughout the year, so lightweight, breathable clothing is best.

Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes or trainers, sandals or flip-flops, sunscreen, insect repellent and something lightweight for rain.

Lagos is generally relaxed about clothing. For most of our itinerary, shorts and T-shirts are perfectly appropriate.

And don’t overpack — there is a washing machine and laundry facilities at the house, so you don’t need seven days’ worth of everything.

Food & Water

Your stay is full board and we have a personal chef at the house.

This is also an opportunity to try Nigerian food, and we’ll introduce you to some of our favourites. If you have allergies, dietary requirements or simply foods you really don’t like, tell us before you arrive.

We recommend drinking bottled or properly filtered water rather than tap water.