Essential Preparations: Abuja

Planning Timeline

This guide outlines important actions for different stages before your departure.

Months Before: Initial Steps

Visa Application

Start Nigerian visa application early; processing may take weeks to months. Use official Nigeria Immigration Service.

Passport Validity

Passport valid minimum six months beyond stay, with two blank pages for visa.

Health & Vaccinations

Consult doctor/travel clinic. Obtain mandatory Yellow Fever vaccine (ICVP). Discuss recommended vaccinations & anti-malarial medication.

Month Before: Bookings

Flights & Accommodation

Finalize and book international and domestic flights, alongside accommodation. Confirm all reservations.

Travel Insurance

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.

Document Copies

Make physical and digital copies of passport, Yellow Fever certificate, insurance, tickets, and reservations. Store separately.

Week Before: Final Checks

Booking Confirmation

Reconfirm flights, hotel reservations, and any pre-booked tours.

Packing & Banking

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and essential items. Notify bank of travel to avoid card issues.

Tech & Contacts

Download Uber, Bolt, Google Maps (offline), Google Translate. Charge devices. Share itinerary with trusted contact. Obtain initial Naira.

Advance Bookings

Booking elements ahead of time secures your plans and availability.

Necessary Reservations

Flights: Both international and any domestic flights within Nigeria.
Hotels: Accommodation for the entire duration of your stay.
Major Tours: Organized day trips (e.g., Gurara Waterfalls with a specific operator).
Train Tickets: Inter-city train (Abuja-Kaduna line) often sells out, book early.

Pre-Trip Learning

Familiarizing yourself with aspects of Abuja enriches your journey.

Informative Research

Local Customs & Safety: Nigerian cultural norms, etiquette, and current safety advisories. Review your country's travel advisories for Nigeria.
History & Culture: Read on Nigerian history (Abuja's creation) and diverse cultures.
Basic Phrases: Learn a few words in Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba (e.g. From Section 11.1).
Home Preparation: Secure your home, settle bills, inform trusted contacts.

Practical Considerations

Home Security

Lock all doors and windows.
Stop mail delivery.
Arrange for any necessary house-sitting or pet care.
Temporarily suspend any regular services.

Financial Readiness

Pay any upcoming bills or arrange for automatic payments.
Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card flagging.
Obtain some initial local currency (Naira) for arrival.
Set up budget tracking for travel expenses.

Trusted Contacts

Let neighbors or family know you will be away.
Share your detailed itinerary with a trusted family member or friend.
Provide emergency contact numbers to your trusted contacts.
Leave a spare with a trusted person for emergencies.

Travel Insurance Insight

Comprehensive travel insurance covers various contingencies, from medical emergencies to trip disruptions. World Nomads (Https://www.worldnomads.com) presents policies designed for adventurous travelers.

Arrival Checklist

These steps aid settling into Abuja efficiently upon arrival.

Airport Procedures

1
Immigration & Customs:
Passport, valid visa, original Yellow Fever Certificate ready. Prepare for biometric screening.
2
Luggage Collection:
Proceed to baggage claim for checked bags.
3
Transport Locate:
Find pick-up for pre-arranged transport (hotel shuttle, private car) or ride-hailing apps.

On-Site Orientation

Accommodation:
Prioritize reaching your hotel or serviced apartment and settling in.
Local SIM Card:
Purchase from an authorized vendor (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) using your passport for registration.
Familiarization:
Locate nearby restaurants, ATMs, or convenience stores around your lodging.

Connectivity & Logistics

Currency & Purchases

Exchange Currency: Small amount at airport, or ATM for Naira.

Initial Purchases: Bottled water immediately upon arrival.

Airport Transfers

Transport: Use pre-booked hotel shuttle, official airport taxi (negotiate fare), or Uber/Bolt.

Safest and most convenient way to reach accommodation.

Staying Connected

Local SIM: Connectivity for essential apps.

Power bank: Maintain charged devices for constant access to information.

Departure Preparation

Ensure a smooth departure from Abuja.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Luggage Space/Weight: Account for souvenirs in luggage weight limits.
Shipping: For large purchases, inquire about international shipping options from vendors.
Customs: Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for importing items.
Packing strategies: Consider packable bags for extra purchases.

VAT & Timing

VAT Refund: Nigeria does not have a formal Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists.
Airport Arrival: Arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) minimum three hours before international flight.
Traffic Delays: Allow extra time for potential traffic, especially during rush hours.
Security Checks: Prepare for multiple security screenings before boarding.

Final Checks

Departure Day Protocol

Confirm Flight Details:Reconfirm your return flight details with your airline 24 hours before departure.
Documents Readiness:Ensure all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass, any health certificates) are easily accessible.
Accommodation Check:Do a final sweep of your room/apartment for any forgotten items.
Pre-arranged Transport:Confirm your ride to the airport to avoid last-minute delays.

Return Trip Preparedness

Reconfirm your return flight details with your airline 24 hours before departure.
Ensure all necessary travel documents (passport, boarding pass, any health certificates required by your next destination) are easily accessible.
Plan your onward journey from your home airport if you have connecting travel.
Set reminders for airport arrival timing based on your flight schedule.

Smooth Exit

A detailed checklist aids stress reduction, allowing focus on journey enjoyment.

Preparation for departure ensures a calm and unhindered conclusion to your trip.

Essential Preparations