How to Travel to Canada From Nigeria 2024
Good day everyone, and welcome to our website where we will be talking about how to travel to Canada from Nigeria. As a Nigerian citizen, you’ll need to obtain a temporary resident visa to visit Canada. The application process can take some time, so make sure to start early.
To apply for a Canadian visa, you’ll need:
i. A valid Nigerian passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
ii. Proof of funds – Bank statements for the past 6 months to show you have enough money for your trip.
iii. Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends) – Have your host write a letter inviting you to stay with them. Include details of your relationship and planned trip dates.
iv. Flight itinerary – Provide a copy of your round trip flight reservation or ticket.
v. Additional documents (if requested) – You may need to provide additional evidence of your situation, accommodations, activities, etc. Follow any requests carefully.
1. Complete the online application
You must apply for a temporary resident visa through the online application on the Government of Canada’s website. The application will ask for details about your identity, family, employment, funds, and trip. Be prepared to pay the required application fee.
2. Schedule a biometrics appointment
As part of the application process, most Nigerian applicants will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). You will schedule an appointment at a visa application center in Nigeria. Your biometrics must be provided within 30 days of submitting your online application.
3. Prepare for your interview
If requested, attend an interview to discuss your application with a visa officer. Be ready to answer questions about your identity, purpose of travel, funds, and plans to leave Canada at the end of your trip. Speak honestly and directly to support your application.
Booking Flights to Canada from Nigeria
Booking your flights to Canada from Nigeria in advance is key to finding the best deals and ensuring you have a seat.
1. Search for flights at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip
This gives you enough time to compare fares across multiple airlines and find a good price. Check sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Kayak which search hundreds of airlines at once. Look for direct flights or one-stop routes with a short layover. One-way fares are often cheaper if you’re planning an open-ended trip.
2. Compare the major airlines that offer direct flights to Canada from Nigeria
Air Canada, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa and EgyptAir all operate direct flights or one-stop routes from Lagos or Abuja to cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Compare their economy and business class fares to see who has the best deals and amenities that matter to you.
3. Be flexible with your dates and times if possible
Flying midweek or non-peak days like Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday may save you money. Red-eye flights or those landing late at night also tend to be more affordable. Even flying a day or two earlier or later could make a big difference in fare.
4. Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for the best rates
While it’s good to start looking early, in most cases you’ll find the lowest fares if you book around 2 months before your trip. Any later and lower fare classes may sell out. Any earlier and you risk paying more than you need to.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Canada From Nigeria
When packing for your trip to Canada from Nigeria, be sure to prepare for a variety of weather conditions and activities. Canada’s climate varies greatly depending on the region and time of year.
1. Clothing
Pack a mix of clothing for different temperatures, from shorts and t-shirts to sweaters, jackets and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget a rain jacket, warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf. Thermal undergarments will help keep you warm in colder weather. For the summer, bring light and breathable clothing. If you plan to visit Niagara Falls or go hiking, pack appropriate outerwear.
Bring both casual and formal attire if you’ll be dining out or attending events. For men, slacks and button-down shirts are good options. For women, dresses, skirts, blouses and dress pants are suitable.
2. Toiletries
Bring any toiletries or medications that you regularly use. While many standard items can be purchased in Canada, it’s best to pack essentials to avoid hassle. Don’t forget a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant and any prescription drugs.
3. Documents
Don’t forget important documents like your passport, visa, plane tickets, hotel reservations and insurance information. Keep copies of your documents in a separate bag in case the originals get misplaced or stolen.
4. Electronics
Bring a phone charger, camera, laptop and adapter for Canadian electrical outlets. Nigeria operates on a 240V supply, while Canada uses 120V, so an adapter is necessary to avoid damaging your electronics.
5. Money
Have cash on hand for taxis, meals and shopping. Major banks offer currency exchange, but it’s a good idea to exchange some money before leaving Nigeria to avoid high exchange rates upon arrival. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but inform your bank of travel plans to avoid declined transactions.
6. Extras
Don’t forget sunglasses, maps, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle and small umbrella or poncho. Packing cubes, compression bags and a lightweight duffel bag can help keep you organized and your luggage within airline size limits.
Costs to Budget for When Traveling to Canada From Nigeria
When planning your trip to Canada from Nigeria, budgeting properly is key.
Here are some of the major costs you’ll want to account for:
1. Airfare
Roundtrip airfare from Lagos to a major Canadian city like Toronto or Vancouver can range from $800 USD to $1,500 USD per person, depending on the season. Look for deals and budget airlines to save, or consider flying into a U.S. city like New York first, then catching a short flight to Canada.
2. Accommodation
Hotel rates in Canada vary greatly based on location and amenities. You can expect to pay between $80 to $200 USD per night for a basic hotel room. Opting for short-term vacation rentals or Airbnbs can often save you money, especially if traveling with a group. Camping and hostels are budget-friendly options as well, ranging from $20 to $50 USD per night.
3. Transportation
Canada has an efficient public transit system, with busses, trains, and bike shares in most major cities. Fares range from $2 to $5 per ride. Renting a car will give you more flexibility to explore outside of cities, with rates around $30 to $75 USD per day. Don’t forget to budget for fuel costs, which are higher in Canada.
4. Food
You can easily spend $30 to $50 USD per day on food in Canada if dining out for most meals. Opt for casual restaurants and cafes to save money. Grocery shopping and cooking some of your own meals is a great way to cut down on food costs. A week’s worth of groceries for one person may be $100 to $200 USD.
5. Activities
There are many free things to do in Canada like visiting parks, shopping districts, and museums with free admission days. Ticketed attractions like the CN Tower, whale watching tours, and skiing can cost $30 to $200 USD per person. Budget at least $500 to $1,000 USD for activities over the course of a 1 to 2 week trip.
Conclusion
The total cost for a 2 week trip to Canada can range from $2,500 to $5,000 USD per person including flights, depending on the season and your travel style. With some savvy saving on accommodation and dining, you can easily experience all Canada has to offer within a reasonable budget.