What vaccines do I need for Nigeria?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for all travelers 9 months of age and older; proof of vaccination required at entry). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningococcal (particularly for northern Nigeria and the meningitis belt), Rabies (for extended stays or animal contact), Cholera.

Is tap water safe to drink in Nigeria?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Nigeria. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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West Africa

Nigeria Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Nigeria carries among the highest infectious disease burdens in West Africa, with year-round malaria transmission across all regions and yellow fever vaccination required for all travelers. Lassa fever is endemic in several states, and meningococcal disease outbreaks occur periodically in the northern belt. Food and water safety is a major concern throughout the country, and cholera outbreaks recur frequently.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Nigeria

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for all travelers 9 months of age and older; proof of vaccination required at entry)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Malaria prophylaxis
Meningococcal (particularly for northern Nigeria and the meningitis belt)
Rabies (for extended stays or animal contact)
Cholera

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Nigeria

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout all of Nigeria year-round. Falciparum malaria is dominant. Resistance to chloroquine is widespread. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are the preferred prophylaxis agents. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all travelers regardless of destination within Nigeria.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is unsafe throughout Nigeria. Drink only commercially bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice, raw or undercooked foods, and street food unless from verified clean sources. Foodborne illness is common even in Lagos hotels.

Key Health Tips for Nigeria

Yellow fever proof of vaccination is strictly enforced at entry; carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Use malaria prophylaxis without exception and pair with high-DEET repellent and permethrin-treated clothing.
Northern Nigeria has elevated risk of meningococcal disease, particularly during the dry season (December through June).
Medical evacuation insurance is essential; quality emergency care is limited outside the major private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja.

Disease Risks in Nigeria

Official Resources

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