No direct China–Nigeria flight is confirmed as operating, so most travellers connect with Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa from Lagos or Abuja to cities such as Guangzhou. Within Nigeria, easy weekend trips include Lagos beaches and the Lekki Conservation Centre, and further afield the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove World Heritage site. Before any trip, check your visa, your yellow fever certificate and the security level at your destination.
Before you travel to Nigeria
- Apply for e-Visa (≈48h)
- Yellow fever certificate
- Online landing card within 72h
- Book via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian)
- Check destination security level
Key points
- Visa on Arrival has ended. Since 1 May 2025, short visits need an e-Visa, and landing and exit cards must be filled in online within 72 hours of each arrival and departure.
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is the main route. In April 2026 it ran 14 weekly Guangzhou–Addis flights.
- A yellow fever certificate is required to enter and to leave Nigeria.
- Nigeria has two World Heritage sites: Sukur Cultural Landscape (1999) and Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (2005).
- Some hotels in Lagos and Abuja have casinos, open to adults 18+ only.
Flying between China and Nigeria
Air Peace launched Lagos–Guangzhou in 2022 and resumed it at the end of 2023, but Guangzhou no longer appears in its route list and the service appears to be suspended.
Ethiopian Airlines is now the main option, connecting Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) to China via Addis Ababa, with 14 weekly Guangzhou–Addis flights in April 2026. Our China–Nigeria flights guide compares routes, fares and baggage rules.
Entry formalities
- e-Visa: apply on the Nigeria Immigration Service e-Visa portal. Decisions take about 48 hours after documents and payment. e-Visas cannot be extended, and the fee for Chinese passports is shown on the portal.
- Landing and exit cards: complete online within 72 hours before each arrival and departure.
- Work or long stays: you need an STR visa and residence card, not an e-Visa.
Our Nigeria e-Visa guide explains the categories and steps.
Health preparation
According to TravelHealthPro’s August 2025 update, all travellers entering or leaving Nigeria need a yellow fever certificate; infants under 9 months and adults over 60 are exempt. Malaria risk is high nationwide all year. See our malaria and vaccinations guide.
Places to visit
Around Lagos
The Lekki Conservation Centre, run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, is home to what it calls Africa’s longest canopy walkway and makes a good half-day trip. The Lagos coast has several beaches reachable by boat or road. Go in daylight and use registered boats and guides.
World Heritage sites
UNESCO lists two sites in Nigeria: the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State (2005) and the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State (1999). Adamawa is currently on the UK’s “against all travel” list, so we don’t recommend going there. Check the latest advice before travelling to Osun too.
Abuja
The capital is relatively orderly, and Aso Rock, the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre are popular photo stops. More in our Abuja city guide.
Hotel leisure and casinos
Some upscale hotels include a casino among their facilities, for example the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino on Victoria Island, Lagos, and the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. Gambling is legislated and regulated by each state. You must be 18 or over, and Kano and several other northern states ban it. If you want to try it on a business trip or holiday, check the local rules and set a budget first. Our guide to gambling in Nigeria covers venues and the law.
Travel safety
Security varies sharply by region. Read our safety section before you go, fly rather than drive long distances, avoid roads after dark and save the Chinese Embassy and Consulate helplines.
Sources
- Ethiopian Airlines: flights from Nigeria to China
- Huacheng+: Guangzhou–Addis flights (Mar 2026)
- Air Peace (Wikipedia)
- Aluko & Oyebode: Nigeria e-Visa (2025)
- TravelHealthPro: Nigeria
- UNESCO: Nigeria World Heritage properties
- Nigerian Conservation Foundation: Lekki Conservation Centre
- Transcorp Hilton Abuja
- UK FCDO Nigeria travel advice
In this section
FAQ
Are there direct flights from China to Nigeria?
None is confirmed as operating; the usual route is Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.
Does Nigeria still offer visa on arrival?
No. Since 1 May 2025 visitors need an e-Visa and must complete online landing and exit cards.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
Yes, a certificate is required to enter and leave Nigeria; infants under 9 months and adults over 60 are exempt.
Are hotel casinos legal in Nigeria?
Gambling is regulated by each state; licensed venues are legal for adults 18+, while Kano and some northern states ban it.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts