How to Travel to South Africa from Nigeria

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Flights to South Africa from Nigeria

Planning a trip from Nigeria to South Africa can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. We know there are lots of details to sort out, so we've put together this guide to help you get started.

How to travel to South Africa from Nigeria is one of the first things you'll want to figure out. We’ll help you find the best flight options, whether you're leaving from Lagos, Abuja, or elsewhere.

We’ll also cover important details like visa requirements, vaccinations, and currency exchange to make your trip planning as smooth as possible.

To start your search for flights to South Africa from Nigeria, use our search form at the top of the page.

Flights from Lagos

Your options for direct flights to South Africa from Nigeria are pretty limited. You’ll only find flights departing from Lagos. You’ve got two choices: Air Peace and South African Airways.

Air Peace flies from Lagos (LOS) to Johannesburg (JNB) once a week. They use an Embraer E195-E2, which is a smaller plane that you might not expect for a long-haul flight. The journey takes roughly 6 hours.

The aircraft has two classes: 12 business class seats and 112 economy seats. While the business class seats are slightly offset for more privacy, they’re not exactly luxurious. Plus, economy class feels cramped compared to South African Airways.

If you value comfort and want to get to South Africa quicker, we recommend South African Airways. They fly from Lagos to Johannesburg every other day using a larger, more comfortable Airbus A330-300. The flight is shorter at around 5 hours and 20 minutes.

This aircraft offers 46 flat-bed seats in business class and plenty of legroom in economy. While it’s definitely the pricier option – often over £100 more expensive one-way than Air Peace – we think the extra comfort and shorter flight time are worth it for most people.

We’d personally choose South African Airways for the better overall experience. If saving money is your top priority, Air Peace might be the better option for you.

Flights from Abuja

There are no direct flights from Abuja to South Africa. This means you'll need to connect through another city. Your main options are Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines or Lagos with Air Peace.

We recommend flying with Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa (ADD) and connecting to Johannesburg from there. The journey takes just over 13 hours, including your stopover.

Ethiopian Airlines is an excellent airline with a fantastic reputation. Their flights from Addis Ababa to Johannesburg are on the modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It’s an incredibly comfortable aircraft, with spacious seats and great entertainment options.

If you're looking to fly in style, Ethiopian Airlines' business class is worth considering. Their B787-9 business class cabin features 30 lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, so you're guaranteed direct aisle access.

You could also take a domestic flight in Nigeria to Lagos with Air Peace and then connect to their direct flight to Johannesburg. However, this flight only operates once a week, so it's much less flexible. Unless you're really set on this option, we'd suggest going with Ethiopian Airlines for more choice and convenience.

Visa stamp when arriving in South Africa

South Africa Travel Information

Visa requirements: Nigerians need a visa to visit South Africa. You’ll need a valid passport, passport photos, a filled-out application form, and proof of your trip (including flight and hotel bookings). You’ll also need to show you have enough money for your stay.

Most visas are approved within 20 days. You can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days with an eVisa. If you need to stay longer, check with the South African embassy or consulate.

Vaccinations: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is a risk - and Nigeria is one - you must have a yellow fever vaccine certificate. It needs to be done at least ten days before you travel.

We recommend reading our detailed article about vaccines needed to travel to South Africa. It covers different regions of the country and goes into more detail about which jabs might be required.

Currency: The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in bigger cities and tourist spots, but cash is king in smaller towns and markets. We recommend using ATMs for withdrawals. Just be sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Safety: South Africa is generally safe for Nigerian visitors. Be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. For more information and advice, check out our guide on safety in South Africa.

Book Flights to South Africa from Nigeria

At Alternative Airlines, booking flights to South Africa from Nigeria couldn’t be easier. You can pay in over 160+ currencies, including the Nigerian Naira and the South African Rand, with a choice of over 600+ airlines worldwide.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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FAQs about How to Travel to South Africa from Nigeria

How much is the South Africa visa fee in Nigeria?

The South Africa visa fee for Nigerian applicants is N8,600. This fee is non-refundable. Additionally, there is a separate non-refundable service fee of N9,000.

We advise keeping up-to-date with the South African Embassy in Nigeria for the most accurate and current information regarding visa fees.

Is there a direct flight from Nigeria to South Africa?

Yes, the only direct flights from Nigeria to South Africa are from Lagos to Johannesburg. Air Peace and South African Airways (SAA) are the airlines that offer this direct route.

How long is the flight from Nigeria to South Africa?

The flight time from Nigeria to South Africa is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

Is South Africa cheap to visit?

South Africa offers good value for money for Nigerians. The South African Rand is generally weaker than the Naira, which can make costs lower for Nigerian travellers compared to some other international destinations.