Due to very unfortunate circumstances, I have to travel
through Nigeria soon. Here in the states I have been trying
to get a tourist visa - a headache! They wont grant me a
visa unless I have a letter of introduction from the person
I am staying with. I know a few people, but it wold take a
while for the letter to arrive here in the US. What should I
do? Have any of you been tempted to...?
Also, is Nigeria that bad?
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sounds a bit strange....to take it backwards: "is Nigeria
that bad"..what does that mean? No matter. Sounds to me
like whoever you dealing with is looking for a bribe. I'd
suggest that you just give the name of a hotel. You don't
actually have to make a booking; it's just something to put
on the forms. Quite a few African countries ask this kind
of question, so it's always prudent to have an address
handy, but NOT a private citizen. (even if that's where
you're staying.) If it gets difficult, move into the hotel
on your form for a night..and then move out.
This branch seems to attract the Nigeria-haters and the Nigeria-lovers. I am from the latter group. I loved the place. I suppose it depends where you go, but I stuck to the north. I got my Nigeria visa in Mauritania (I think) and don't remember anything about an intro letter, but if they ask for one then maybe you could arrange a few nights at a hotel and get them to send you a letter. Maybe an accomodation confirmation letter would suffice. Try the advice of #1 above, but if they do actually check it (unlikely) then your chances are blown. The major hotel chains such as Hilton often can make you a booking over the phone, fax you a confirmation, and you can still cancel the room 24 hours before arrival, after you have your visa.
I got my visa for Nigeria in Bamako, mali. there are no
real difficulties if you enter overland. by air, however
things are different. make sure your docs are 100% and have
some dollars cash ready.
nigeria is the most corrupt country in africa and the
authorities are very unhelpfull. avoid lagos at all cost as
it is very dangerous. people get shot in broad day light.
the country side however is fantastic and the people are
great. it is a very poor place and everything you see is in
a mess.
good luck
Gill, Sorry to say that Nigeria is "that bad", especially
if you are dealing with Lagos, and especially if you are
trying to get things done rather than just travelling. I
also was forced to deal with Nigeria by unfortunate
circumstances, and I am curious about the unfortunate
circumstances that are forcing you to go there. I don't
mean to pry, but I am interested. You can respond here, or
email me.
Nigeria gets all this bad press. It's great, if a little
frenetic but that's the same as all African capitals, let
alone if you're the most populace country in Africa. Keep
your wits about you, but you have to do that in London.
The place is really optimistic right now and crime is
down. Get out up North and check out the little bronze men
for sale. it's awesome and don't let anyone tell you
otherwise.
Beth UK
Well, I spent 3 weeks in Nigeria, and upon arrival, I would've given my right arm to get outta there! But you have to consider that I stayed in the southern half of Nigeria, (Lagos, Benin, etc.) But I have heard nothing but raves about the Northern half. I guess it all depends on where you stay. Lagos is pretty much the "armpit of Nigeria", but then again, so are most capital cities. If you're white, be careful in Lagos (especially the airport and surrounding area). You'll stick out like a sore thumb to professional thieves. The night I was coming out of the airport, there was a lot of begging going on by young children (you probably see that a lot anywhere), but it breaks your heart. I also had trouble getting my visa, but it eventually went through at the last minute. Airport security in Lagos is about the worst in the world (ask any international airport, and they'll tell you the same).
On the upside, however, I must say that Nigeria is filled with some of the most WONDERFUL people in the world. They've got a great sense of humor! And many of them would give you their shirt if it was the only thing they owned.
Will you have any sort of military escort? In the rougher areas, it helps to have one (it gets you by the constant military road-checks). But since it sounds like you'll be in the buisness areas, you should be fine. Overall... Nigeria's bad points stick out, but if you take a deep breath and laugh it all off, you might just ENJOY your trip.
Good Luck!
One final tip: WHATEVER YOU DO... always, Always, ALWAYS have your passport/visa handy. Frequent stops by the military can result in big doo-doo if you don't have it on hand at ALL times!