Destinations
Flights to Lagos from New York and Newark
Nonstops on Delta from JFK and United from Newark, one-stops via Paris and Casablanca. Visa on arrival, yellow fever, baggage and December planning, verified September 2026.
Lagos is the busiest gateway in West Africa and the destination for the large Nigerian communities of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Newark, Houston and Atlanta. Delta flies nonstop from JFK and United from Newark, about eleven and a half hours; Air France via Paris and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca are the usual one-stop alternatives and often cheaper outside December.
Entry requirements
Most non-Nigerian passport holders need a visa: apply for the e-visa or visa on arrival approval through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal well before travel, and carry the approval letter. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is checked on arrival. Nigerian citizens abroad can use a Nigerian passport regardless of other nationality.
Airports
Murtala Muhammed (LOS) Terminal 2 handles Delta, United and most foreign carriers. Four hours before departure is the norm; screening is thorough and only ticketed passengers enter. Pre-book your pickup.
Airlines
Best time to fly
December is the peak and sells out months ahead; July and August are the second peak. February to May and September to November are cheapest. Harmattan haze in December and January can delay morning arrivals.
Baggage realities
Delta Main and United Economy include two 50 lb bags; Basic Economy includes one on Delta, none on United. Air France Economy Standard includes two 23 kg bags to Lagos. Royal Air Maroc includes two on most fares. Bags over 70 lb are not accepted by the US carriers on this route.
Safety
The State Department rates Nigeria Level 3, Reconsider Travel, with Level 4 for several northern states. Lagos itself is Level 3; use pre-booked transport, avoid the airport road after dark, and keep valuables out of sight in traffic.
Money, SIM cards and getting around
Naira; bring US dollars to change at bank counters, and expect card acceptance to be patchy. MTN and Airtel SIMs require NIN registration for locals; visitors can buy tourist SIMs at the airport. Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) works in Lagos; pre-arranged airport pickup is safer at night.
Routes to Nigeria
JFK → LOS
Flights from New York to Lagos
Nonstop · from $1,213
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EWR → LOS
Flights from Newark to Lagos
Nonstop · from $1,386
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Total price includes taxes and the Jetvala service fee; baggage fees may apply.