Getting Into Nigeria: A Guide to Flights and Land Borders

Ben Johnson

Sept. 22, 2026

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and one of its best-connected, so getting there is usually the easy part. Here's what you actually need to know about flying in, and the current picture on land borders if you're coming overland.

Which Airport Should I Fly Into?

Most travellers fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, Nigeria's busiest hub and the main gateway for our tours. Direct flights connect from London, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and a growing number of US cities, with British Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa and KLM among the main carriers.

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in the capital, Abuja, is Nigeria's second major entry point, and a useful alternative if your trip is centred more on the north or the Federal Capital Territory rather than Lagos and the Yoruba south-west.

Can I Cross Into Nigeria by Land?

Nigeria shares land borders with four countries — Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon — and crossings exist at all of them, though the picture varies a lot depending on which one you're looking at.

The Seme border with Benin, just outside Lagos, is by far the busiest and most straightforward crossing, and the one we'd recommend if you're combining Nigeria with a wider West Africa itinerary. It's well used by both locals and travellers and doesn't require any special arrangement beyond the usual passport and visa checks.

The Niger border in the north has several crossing points, but current security guidance urges caution across this region, and we don't advise foreign travellers attempt any of the northern land crossings into Nigeria at the moment.

The Cameroon border in the east has multiple crossing points and is possible to cross, though as with any West African land border it pays to check the current situation close to your travel dates.

The Chad border, around Lake Chad, is the least used of the four and generally not recommended for tourists, given the security situation in that part of the country.

ECOWAS Nationals

If you're a citizen of another ECOWAS member state (the West African regional bloc), you don't need a visa to enter Nigeria at all — Nigeria maintains free movement with its regional neighbours, similar to the exemptions you'll find on our Niger and Benin visa pages.

A Quick Note on Visas and Entry

Since May 2025, Nigeria has run its own e-visa system, and for most nationalities the entire application can be completed online before you even leave home — no embassy visit required. You'll also need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, checked on arrival, so make sure you're vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel. We've covered the full application process, required documents and current costs in our dedicated guide, How to Get a Nigerian E-Visa , so have a look at that once your flights are sorted.

Why This Matters for How We Plan Your Trip

Because Lagos is both the easiest way in and the starting point of our Yoruba heartland route, every one of our Nigeria itineraries is built around flying into Murtala Muhammed International Airport. It's worth noting that Lagos traffic can be unpredictable and intense, so on departure day you may need to head to the airport up to five hours before your flight — we'll keep you informed of timings throughout.

Do We Offer Nigeria Tours?

Yes. Our Best of Nigeria tour runs each February through Lagos, Abeokuta, Ife-Ife and Osogbo, and Nigeria also forms part of our combined Best of West Africa tour alongside Benin and Togo. You can see full dates and pricing on our Nigeria tours page .

How Can I Book a Tour?

Drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll help you find the right dates and start planning your trip.