Vaccinations for Nigeria
Nigeria requires extensive pre-travel preparation. Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly medically recommended, and proof is required for entry if you arrive from, or transit through an airport of, a country with yellow fever. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Begin preparations 6–8 weeks before departure.
Last updated .
Government of Canada travel advisory: Avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria.
Read the reasons and any regional advice before you book. Nigeria travel advice on travel.gc.ca (checked 2026-10-19).
Recommended vaccines for Nigeria
Required for entry
- Yellow Fever (proof required for entry if arriving from, or transiting through an airport of, a country with yellow fever)
- Yellow Fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Cholera (Dukoral)
- Meningitis ACWY (for travel during dry season)
- Rabies (for rural or extended travel)
Do you need malaria pills for Nigeria?
Yes, for most itineraries. Malaria risk in Nigeria is high, and antimalarial tablets are recommended for the majority of travellers.
Year-round high malaria risk throughout Nigeria. Lagos and Abuja carry risk as well as rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline is strongly recommended for all itineraries.
Key health considerations
- 1Malaria is the primary health threat — prophylaxis plus strict mosquito prevention is essential.
- 2Yellow fever is endemic — vaccination is recommended.
- 3Lassa fever is endemic in some regions (rural West Africa).
- 4Traveller’s diarrhea is very common.
- 5Meningitis risk during the dry season (November–May) in northern Nigeria.
Travel-health tips
- Carry your Yellow Fever certificate (ICVP) with your passport — it is required for entry if you arrive from, or transit through an airport of, a country with yellow fever.
- Permethrin-treated clothing and 30% DEET are essential for Lagos and all travel outside air-conditioned environments.
- Pack a full medical kit with physician-prescribed antibiotics and antimalarials.
Vaccines commonly needed for Nigeria
Ready to prepare for Nigeria?
A $110 virtual consultation with a licensed physician. We build your Nigeria vaccine and malaria plan, then deliver your prescriptions anywhere in Ontario.
Frequently asked: Nigeria
Is Yellow Fever vaccine required to enter Nigeria?
Only if you arrive from, or have transited through an airport of, a country with yellow fever — then you must present a valid ICVP certificate at the border. Flying directly from Canada does not trigger it, but yellow fever occurs in Nigeria and vaccination is recommended. Our physician confirms your plan by video and refers you to a Government of Canada designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, which gives the vaccine and issues the ICVP. The certificate is valid for life under current WHO guidelines.
What vaccinations do I need for Nigeria?
Yellow Fever is recommended (its ICVP certificate is mandatory for entry if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever). Other recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone or doxycycline), Meningitis ACWY (for dry-season travel to the north), and Rabies for rural or extended travel.
How far in advance should I book before travelling to Nigeria?
We strongly recommend 6–8 weeks before departure. The Yellow Fever ICVP certificate is only valid for travel purposes starting 10 days after vaccination. Allow sufficient time for all vaccine courses to complete.
Which malaria medication is best for Nigeria?
For most Canadian travellers, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is the first-line choice — daily dosing, well-tolerated, only 7 days post-trip required. Doxycycline is a more affordable alternative. Our physician will recommend the right option based on your itinerary and health history.
Related reading for Nigeria travellers
Visiting Family Abroad: A Travel Health Guide for Canadians
People who travel to visit friends and relatives get some travel illnesses more often than tourists. Canada's advice on malaria, typhoid, measles, rabies and TB, for adults, Canadian-born children and grandparents.
Polio and Travel in 2026: Germany, the UK and Who Needs a Booster
Canada's polio travel notice is at Level 2 and lists Germany and the United Kingdom. Who needs a polio booster before a trip, the WHO's 4-week rule for Germany, and the vaccination certificate.
Explore other destinations
This information is for educational purposes and reflects common recommendations for healthy adult Canadian travellers. Individual recommendations depend on your health history, itinerary, and current advisories from the Public Health Agency of Canada and WHO. A consultation with our physician is required before any prescription is issued.