Which vaccines do you need for Nigeria?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
- Yellow feverFor travel to risk areas; suitability depends on age and health. Certificate rules are covered separately below.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- ChikungunyaVaccine may be considered for some travellers during outbreaks or long stays; bite avoidance is key.
- CholeraFor aid or disaster work, outbreak areas, or very limited access to safe water and medical care.
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Measles (MMR)Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, or are otherwise immune.
- Meningococcal (MenACWY)For close contact with local people, longer stays, outbreak areas, or pilgrimage travel.
- PolioA booster may be advised for some travellers, especially for long stays or where polio is circulating.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
Entry requirements and certificates
A yellow fever certificate is required from all travellers aged 60 years and over entering Nigeria, whatever country they arrive from.
Proof of polio vaccination may be requested from some travellers, particularly those arriving from countries where polio is circulating.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Nigeria
Transmission risk
Yellow fever transmission occurs throughout Nigeria.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for some travellers to Nigeria, depending on the areas visited. Suitability depends on age and health, so it needs a clinician’s assessment.
Certificate
A yellow fever certificate is required from all travellers aged 60 years and over entering Nigeria, whatever country they arrive from.
Malaria in Nigeria
- High risk
High risk of malaria in Nigeria.
Antimalarial tablets are usually advised — a clinician chooses if and which, based on you and your route.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Schistosomiasis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Zika virus
What travellers to Nigeria should consider
Malaria is a significant consideration in Nigeria. Tell your clinician where you will sleep each night, because prevention is matched to specific areas rather than the whole country.
Yellow fever transmission occurs across Nigeria, which is a separate question from any entry certificate rule.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Cholera vaccine is reserved for particular situations, such as humanitarian work or very limited access to safe water.
Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water where schistosomiasis is reported.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Nigeria?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.