This page gathers the practical information you need to prepare a journey to Nigeria from Burkina Faso. Rules can change, so check the official sources linked below before you leave.
Entry formalities
- Passport and visa. You need a valid passport. Most visitors also need a visa, which must be obtained before travel because visas are not issued at the port of entry. Short-visit e-Visas are requested at evisa.immigration.gov.ng, and other visas at visa.immigration.gov.ng. Citizens of Burkina Faso should read the consular services pages, which explain the arrangements that followed Burkina Faso's withdrawal from ECOWAS.
- Electronic landing card. All passengers travelling to Nigeria, except Nigerian citizens, must complete the electronic landing card at lecard.immigration.gov.ng before boarding.
- Yellow fever. Travellers aged nine months or over are required to hold a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria. Keep the certificate with your passport.
Getting there
Nigeria's main international airports are Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport. Nigeria and Burkina Faso do not share a border: travellers who go by road pass through Niger or Benin and must meet the entry requirements of those countries as well.
Money
The currency is the naira (₦, code NGN), issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Exchange money at banks or authorised dealers, and keep your receipts.
Time
Nigeria uses West Africa Time (UTC+1) all year round. When it is noon in Ouagadougou, it is 1 pm in Lagos and Abuja.
Climate
Nigeria has a tropical climate with a rainy season and a dry season. The rains start earlier and last longer in the south than in the north. During the dry season, the Harmattan, a dry and dusty wind from the Sahara, can bring hazy skies and cool nights, especially in the north. Pack light clothing, rain protection for the wet season and a warmer layer for evenings in the north and on the plateaus.
Language
English is the language of government, business and most signage. Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are widely spoken in the north, the south-west and the south-east respectively.
Telephone
The international dialling code for Nigeria is +234.
Driving
Traffic drives on the right.