Medical care cannot be compared to Europe. It is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment or hygiene, especially outside of the big cities. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. Medical treatments often have to be paid for immediately. Sufficient health insurance coverage valid in Nigeria and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended, as is taking a well-stocked first-aid kit with you. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] Year-round protection against malaria required in all parts of the country. The predominant dangerous form is malaria tropica (over 95% of cases), which is usually fatal in untreated Europeans if left untreated. [2] Poliomyelitis occurs. As of 2020, Nigeria is considered wild poliovirus free. However, mutant vaccine virus strains are still in circulation. The WHO requires Nigeria to ensure that all those leaving Nigeria with a stay of at least 4 weeks certify a valid vaccination against poliomyelitis, which must have taken place four weeks to 12 months before departure. For shorter stays, a vaccination should be given upon departure. Nigeria can people who are not vaccinated against polio from leaving the country. [3] Experience has shown that a vaccination certificate against cholera is often required when entering the country from African countries, but according to the Federal Foreign Office it is no longer officially required. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice and contact the embassy in good time before you travel. [4] A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travelers to Nigeria who are nine months old. Travelers of all nations do not need a vaccination booster or an electronic yellow fever card (e-Yellow Card) if they have a valid international vaccination card issued outside of Nigeria and which documents the vaccination against yellow fever. Nigerian nationals, Those who have been vaccinated in Nigeria and plan to travel to Nigeria after June 30, 2019 will need an electronic Yellow Fever Card (e-Yellow Card). (Short-term changes possible. Information from the Nigerian embassies).
Food and drink
Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized or bought packaged before drinking, brushing your teeth and making ice cubes. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is usually not pasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Across the country, there is a risk of transmission of borreliosis/Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs. An effective insect repellent is recommended. There is a national risk of spotted fever, which is transmitted by body lice. One protects oneself through consistent personal hygiene and regular change of linen. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Lassa fever disease (transmitted by rats) occurs regularly in some states, especially in Edo state. Travelers should ensure good food hygiene and clean accommodations. There is no vaccination. The risk of infection for tourists is estimated to be low. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly mosquitoes, occurs, as does mosquito-borne filiarose. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. A combined vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) makes sense for travelers who are planning a longer stay and do not have sufficient vaccination protection or who did not go through the diseases as a child. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur regularly, particularly in rural areas in the north and west. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. A meningitis vaccination certificate is occasionally required when entering the country from African countries. Sleeping sickness, transmitted by diurnal tse tse (horseflies) flies, is found nationwide. Appropriate clothing provides protection. Vaccination against poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis) is recommended. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, monkeys, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs. Vaccination should be considered for exposure. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing, insect repellent and body checks for ticks after staying in grassy and savannah landscapes. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. The isolated deaths documented so far were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus can cause microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended.
Health certificate
For work and long-term stays, an HIV test in English is required (does not apply to travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Money
Currency
1 naira = 100 kobo. Currency code: N, NGN (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of N1,000, N500, N200, N100, N50, N20, N10 and N5; Coins are no longer used. There are plans to introduce the common West African currency Eco, but exact dates have not yet been set.
Credit cards
American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa are only partially accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. In general, the use of credit cards is not recommended due to common fraud cases.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at a few ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers Checks are not accepted in Nigeria.
Bank opening hours
Mon 08.00-15.00, Tue-Fri 08.00-13.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is permitted up to N5000 provided the amount is declared upon entry. The import and export of foreign currencies is unlimited and must be declared if the equivalent is US$ 5,000 or more.
Currency Exchange
The Nigerian government has set a very high exchange rate for the naira. Nevertheless, money should only be exchanged at official exchange offices and at official rates. Exchanging money on the black market is dangerous and can lead to arrests. It is advisable to bring US dollars in cash.
