So your visa is approved (or nearly there) and the japa dream is finally becoming real. Congratulations — that’s the hardest part done. But the 90 days before you fly are where a lot of people fumble: missed deadlines, last-minute panic-packing, forgotten documents, and avoidable extra costs.
Here’s a stage-by-stage checklist to keep you sane and organized, whether you’re relocating for study, work, or permanently.
90 – 60 Days Before: Paperwork and Big Decisions
- Confirm your visa conditions. Know your exact entry deadline, permitted work hours (for study visas), and any conditions attached to your visa. Missing these details can cause issues at the border.
- Book your flight early. Prices climb fast as your travel date nears, and popular routes from Lagos fill up quickly during peak japa season (August–September, December–January).
- Sort out your accommodation. Whether it’s student housing, a short-let, or staying with family/friends first, get this locked in. Landing with nowhere confirmed to sleep adds unnecessary stress.
- Start your international bank account or transfer setup. Look into options like Wise, Payoneer, or your destination country’s student/newcomer bank accounts so you’re not stuck relying on Nigerian cards abroad.
- Register for pre-departure briefings. Many embassies and organizations (British Council, IOM, etc.) run free sessions — these are worth attending for real, updated information. If you’re specifically headed to the UK, our complete step-by-step UK visa guide covers everything you’ll need before departure.
60 – 30 Days Before: Health, Finances, and Documentation
- Do your medical checks and vaccinations. Some countries require specific vaccines or medical exams before entry — check your destination’s requirements early since appointments can take weeks to book.
- Get travel and health insurance sorted. Some visas require proof of insurance before you can even enter the country.
- Organize your international documents. This includes:
- International passport (check it has at least 6 months validity)
- Yellow card (vaccination certificate)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (originals + certified copies)
- Birth certificate and international passport photocopies
- Visa approval letter and admission/offer letter
- Notify your bank about your international travel plans and set up your card for foreign transactions.
- Start converting your funds gradually rather than all at once — this can help you get better rates and avoid last-minute forex wahala.
- Apply for a WES or equivalent credential evaluation if your program or job requires it — this process alone can take several weeks.
30 – 14 Days Before: Logistics and Packing
- Reconfirm your flight and accommodation.
- Sort your luggage strategically. Airlines have strict weight limits — pack essentials, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything hard to get abroad (specific foodstuffs, Nigerian spices, familiar toiletries) while leaving room for documents to stay easily accessible, not buried in checked luggage.
- Photocopy and scan everything. Passport, visa, admission letter, insurance — keep both digital (cloud/email) and physical copies separate from the originals.
- Sort out a local SIM or eSIM plan for your destination so you’re not stranded without data on arrival.
- Inform your bank, family, and workplace (if applicable) of your final travel dates.
- Get a good travel adapter and any medications you take regularly, with prescriptions if needed.
14 – 1 Days Before: Final Checks
- Print all key documents — even if you have digital copies, immigration officers often want physical proof.
- Reconfirm your flight 48–72 hours before departure.
- Check your visa sticker/approval one more time for any errors — a wrong date or misspelled name can cause real problems at the airport.
- Pack your carry-on with everything critical: passport, visa documents, admission letter, some cash in the local currency, and a change of clothes in case checked luggage gets delayed.
- Say your goodbyes — but also make sure someone back home has copies of your documents and your contact details abroad.
A Few Extra Tips
- Don’t wait until the last week to convert money. Rates fluctuate, and panic-buying forex rarely gets you a good deal.
- Have a “just in case” fund in an easily accessible account for your first few weeks abroad, separate from tuition or big payments.
- Join community groups (Nigerian student unions, professional diaspora groups, WhatsApp/Telegram communities) before you even land — they’re often the fastest way to get real answers once you arrive.