What to know before flying out of Nigeria for the first time

Travelling abroad can be a lot of fun, especially for a first time traveler. The excitement at the airport, the thought of all the places you would visit, friends and family you are going to meet, experiencing snow for the first time and selfies. Oh lord, the selfies. However, you know what the man said about failing to plan, if you do not prepare for your trip abroad, it can quickly turn from a lot of fun, to an experience you would never want to repeat or even remember. So, here are some of the things you need to know before flying out of Nigeria for the first time, free of charge.

No information is too much information

Find out about everything you need to find out about before leaving Nigeria. No such thing as TMI when travelling for the first time to a foreign country. Not knowing the exchange rate of the country you are heading to can get you to spend a lot of unnecessary money. As well as not notifying your bank about your departure. Sudden transactions on your account from somewhere in Hawaii or Tokyo can lead the bank authorities to suspend your MasterCard to “protect” you. And that can really put a cramp on your day. That said, keep reading.

Check: Visa, Passport and Other Documentation

Some countries do not require you to get a visa before visiting them, such as the ECOWAS countries. So, find out about the visa definitions for the country you are visiting long before you are set to travel. Also, ensure your passport is up to date. Many countries would not let you in or even grant you a visa without at least 6 months on your passport. Also make sure you have evidence of your travel itinerary, some countries would require you present it before entering into the country. Basically, they need to know where you are going.

Find out about vaccine requirements

Many countries require you to get a vaccination before entering into the country with proof. South Africa and even Nigeria for example are pretty big on Yellow Fever vaccinations for visitors. You may have to present proof of vaccination (called Yellow Card for Yellow fever) at the airport before being allowed to enter the country.

Contact the embassy

Before you travel and as soon as you get to your destination, ensure you contact the Nigerian embassy and let them know of your arrival, where you will be staying etc. this is in case there is any form of unrest in the country, the embassy knows where you are and can make plans for you. Oh, and some perks could exist for you like invitations to state dinners during your stay.

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before schedule

So, your flight can be delayed - and that may happen at some point, but don’t take chances. Arrive at the airport really early so you can get through the hassle of baggage checks, security checks etc.,before it is time to board. Another thing you could do is lodge in a hotel close to the airport or at the airport hotel, Lagos (or airport hotel, Abuja, if your're in Abuja) so as to have the advantage. A lot of things can go wrong on the day of your flight and being early and ready is a great way to stay above the mess.

Leave the contraband at home

Believe me, they have Coke in other countries too. Many airports would not let you take liquids on a plane, so don’t bother trying to hide a bottle in your bag. Leave other objects like knives, strange looking white powders, grassy looking paper wrapped substances – if you understand me, and other such at home.

Pack light

If you are Nigerian, then you already understand the concept of “Paying for load”. Packing an overweight bag would only grant you an opportunity to pay extra duties. Pack light, even if you are going for an extended stay, you can be sure there would be plenty of opportunities to shop abroad.

Keep your important documents and everything you would need to show at the airport on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Also include an extra set of clothes. Sure, you don’t wish for it, but sometimes, airports could misplace your luggage and you definitely do not want to be wearing the same “polo” for the next few days while you wait for the luggage to be found. It is also smart to include a few snacks in your carry-on. It might take you a while to get used to the food in the country you are heading to, so rather than make nauseous faces at Asian food, keep some biscuits and chocolate in your bag.

Board early

Boarding early is really important. If you waste time getting on board an international flight, you could get on and find that all the space for carry-on luggage has been taken. No, you would not be allowed to keep it on your lap. You would have to go check in your bag which can be pretty inconveniencing considering you need some of the items in the carry-on for your trip.

Sleep on the flight

If it’s your first time abroad, it is easy to get distracted by all the in-flight entertainment, the view of the clouds skimming beneath the plane and the layout of the cities below. However, you should be warned that jetlag is not funny business – except for the people watching you of course. You should find out about the time differences at your destination and try and sleep on the flight so you are refreshed when you arrive or else, your entire trip may be made up of days sleeping and wakeful nights. Not a fun way to enjoy a vacation.

Buy tickets ahead of time for the places you want to see

There are excellent deals for tourists from other countries you can take advantage of by booking from Nigeria before you even travel if you are sure you would visit those countries. Also, it omits having to spend hours of your time overseas standing in queues. Also find out about events that would interest you holding at the country you are visiting. You do not want to get back to Nigeria and find out that just two blocks away from where you stayed was a Linkin Park concert, or even a Davido show.

Carry along an adaptor or make plans to buy one

A lot of people do not realize but sockets in some foreign countries are a lot different from those in Nigeria. Make plans to have an adaptor for your devices in case. Also, be aware of the voltage differences so you do not blow up your electronics.

Find out about exit fees

Some countries mandate you pay entry and exit fees different from your ticket fares at the airport before you are granted entry. To avoid causing the famous Nigerian scene in baseless outrage when asked to pay, you could find out if your destination requires such fees.

That said, enjoy your trip and do not forget to bring back things for friends and family. Anything I missed out that you learned on your first trip abroad, please don’t hesitate to add in the comments.