Know Your Passenger Rights
Comprehensive guide to air travel rights and regulations in Nigeria
Flight Delays & Cancellations
Your Rights Under NCAA Regulations
Delay 2-4 Hours
- Free refreshments (drinks and snacks)
- Access to communication (phone calls, emails)
Delay 4+ Hours
- All benefits from 2-4 hour delay, plus:
- Meal vouchers
- Right to choose: refund or rebooking
Overnight Delay
- All previous benefits, plus:
- Hotel accommodation
- Transportation to/from hotel
Flight Cancellations
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to:
- Full Refund: Within 14 days if you choose not to travel
- Rebooking: On the next available flight at no extra cost
- Alternative Route: If available and acceptable to you
- Care: Refreshments, meals, accommodation based on waiting time
Important: Airlines are NOT required to provide compensation if delays/cancellations are due to:
- Bad weather conditions
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Security threats
- Political instability or strikes
Baggage Rights
Lost Luggage
If your checked baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged:
- Report Immediately: File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline's baggage desk before leaving the airport
- Keep Documents: Retain your baggage claim tags, boarding pass, and PIR
- Follow Up: Contact airline within 21 days for damage claims, 7 days for delayed baggage
- Compensation: Airlines are liable up to approximately ₦250,000-₦350,000 (based on international conventions)
Delayed Baggage
If your baggage is delayed, airlines should provide:
- Emergency toiletries kit
- Allowance for essential purchases (amount varies by airline)
- Daily updates on baggage location
Security Procedures
What to Expect at Security
- X-ray screening of all carry-on items
- Walk-through metal detector
- Possible pat-down search (same-gender officer)
- Random additional screening
- Explosive detection swabs on bags/electronics
Prohibited Items (Carry-On)
❌ Never Allowed
- • Weapons (firearms, knives, etc.)
- • Explosives and flammable items
- • Liquids over 100ml (except baby formula/medicine)
- • Sharp objects (scissors, razor blades)
- • Self-defense items (pepper spray, tasers)
✓ Checked Baggage Only
- • Liquids over 100ml
- • Tools and sporting equipment
- • Lighters (max 1 in checked bag)
Tip: Power banks and lithium batteries MUST be in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.
Customs & Immigration
Duty-Free Allowances (Nigeria)
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Tobacco Products | 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco |
| Alcohol | 1 liter of spirits OR 1 liter of wine |
| Perfume | Small quantities for personal use |
| Currency | Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared |
Items Requiring Declaration
- Cash over $10,000 USD (or equivalent)
- Gold, diamonds, or precious stones
- Professional equipment (cameras, laptops worth over $2,500)
- Plants, animals, or agricultural products
⚠️ Prohibited Imports
- • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- • Counterfeit currency
- • Obscene materials
- • Certain fruits and vegetables (agricultural restrictions)
Visa Requirements
Most international travelers need a visa to enter Nigeria. See our comprehensive Visa Requirements Guide for full details.
Key Points
- Visa-on-Arrival: Available for ALL nationalities but requires online pre-approval
- Processing Time: Apply at least 7 days before travel
- Validity: Tourist visas typically valid for 90 days
- Extension: Can be extended at Immigration offices in Nigeria
Health Requirements
⚠️ MANDATORY: Yellow Fever Vaccination
ALL travelers entering Nigeria MUST have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. This is strictly enforced.
- Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel
- Certificate is valid for life
- You will be denied entry without it
- Available at designated Yellow Fever vaccination centers worldwide
Recommended Health Precautions
- Malaria Prophylaxis: Recommended (not required) - consult your doctor
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for medical emergencies
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus recommended
How to File Complaints
Step 1: Contact the Airline
Always try to resolve issues directly with the airline first:
- Speak to airline staff at the airport
- Email or call airline customer service
- Keep records of all communications
- Request a reference number for your complaint
Step 2: Escalate to NCAA
If the airline doesn't resolve your issue within 30 days, contact the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA):
NCAA Consumer Protection Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 9 461 3333
Website: www.ncaa.gov.ng
What to Include in Your Complaint
- Flight details (number, date, route)
- Ticket/booking confirmation number
- Detailed description of the problem
- Copies of relevant documents (boarding pass, receipts, correspondence)
- What resolution you're seeking
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about passenger rights in Nigeria based on NCAA regulations and international conventions. Regulations may change, and specific circumstances may affect your rights. For legal advice, consult with a qualified attorney. Always verify current regulations with official sources before traveling.
Last Updated: December 4, 2025 | Sources: NCAA, FAAN, IATA, Montreal Convention