What to pack when relocating to Canada from Nigeria 2024

Going from one state in Nigeria to another is not the same as traveling from Nigeria to Canada. If you don't pack appropriately for your trip, you could encounter some unneeded difficulties that will hinder your ability to adapt to your new surroundings. It's crucial that you know what to bring while going from Nigeria to Canada in order to avoid this.

Those planning to travel from Nigeria to Canada might use this page as a packing list. It includes advice on what to pack for food, clothing, toiletries, documents, medications, and other items.

Moving to Canada Tips

1) You'll undoubtedly pack items you need, so don't start packing too soon.
2) Don't wait until the last minute, though. Our to-do list divides tasks into three months.
3) Visit the Canadian government website to obtain official information regarding immigration and visas.
4) The summers are warm, and the winters are cold, sometimes even below zero. Make sure you pack for the seasons in accordance with the climate of the area you're moving to!
5) Be advised that the job application procedure may take some time if you do not currently have a job secured. While you make contacts and hunt for a job in your new community, be ready to take your time.
6) Check your eligibility for public health care in Canada. Consider purchasing private health insurance if not.

Moving to Canada check list

1) A work permit or visa
2) Flight to Canada
3) Verify that your passport is current and valid.
4) Bank statements to demonstrate financial stability. Be prepared—this could take a week or two to arrange, depending on your bank.
5) updated résumé in Canadian format (read our section on resume format in Canada, download a good template, and begin to work on it; many people are surprised to learn how important this is to your success in Canada).
6) Make lodging arrangements, at least for the first evening. Find out more about where to stay in Canada.
7) references from prior employers (or, in the event that you need them while in Canada, a contact for someone who will agree to offer them).
8) Request a "no claims" letter from prior insurers to use as documentation of your driving record.
9) In the event that your home license was issued before the date of your driving experience, you might require documentation from your home licensing authority to verify the duration of your driving history. Find out more about obtaining a Canadian driver's license.
10) Tax documents pertaining to your job termination. If you need to claim back unpaid taxes in your home country at the conclusion of the tax year, this will come in handy.
11) Make arrangements in advance if you need to have your phone unblocked in order for it to function with other networks.

Also read: Ultimate Travel Packing List - Packing Checklist To Help You Get Ready

What to pack when moving to Canada from Nigeria

Documents
Some of these items may need to be taken out from your luggage quickly at the airport, so put them somewhere they can be accessed quickly as you begin packing for Canada.

1) Travel Document
2) A visa, a work permit, or additional immigration paperwork
3) A letter about bank balances
4) Proof of insurance, if any (such as a printed copy of your policy)
5) The address of a lodging facility (hotel, hostel, friend's house, etc.)
6) if you intend to go to places where alcohol is served, a driver's license or another type of official identification from the government. Stay away from using (and maybe misplacing) your passport.
7) Your curriculum vitae. You can bring an electronic copy that you can print off as needed, or you can email it to yourself.
8) Letter of recommendation for accommodations.
9) Letter of motor insurance. Your insurance premium costs can go down if you have a "no claims" letter from a prior insurance provider.
10) Transcripts of the students, if needed.
11) prescription drugs (if needed).

What food items can I bring from Nigeria to Canada?

You can find most of the foods you would use in Nigeria in African stores in Canada. However, as you may have already guessed, buying African and Nigerian food products in Canada is expensive, so bring as much as you can. It should be noted that not all of the foods we eat in Nigeria are permitted in Canada. For instance, chicken and anything made with chicken, including chicken spices, are not permitted.

The following foods can be brought from Nigeria to Canada.

Herbs and spices such as achi, crayfish, cloves, ogiri, black pepper, curry, thyme, iru, maggi, ehuru, Cameroun pepper, alligator pepper, and suya spice.
Palm oil (I'll show you how to pack it in a moment)
dried veggies, like oha, uziza, utazi, and ugu leaves. To ensure that your veggies endure a long time, please dry them thoroughly.

 Nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, groundnuts, etc.
Stock fish, or okporoko
Powder Okpa
flour made from beans
Yam flour
Rice Semovita
Garri
Egusi
Ogbono
Ugba
Dry fish
Abacha
Dry snail

Stow your food items in clear bags so that airport personnel can view them without having to open them. Both theirs and your time will be saved.

What should I bring in my suitcase for Canada?
When going from Nigeria to Canada, it's important to pack appropriately for the weather and the area of the country you'll be visiting. Temperatures vary by area, and the climate in Canada is very different from what you might be accustomed to in Nigeria.

Canada is divided into four seasons: winter (December – February/March), fall (September – November), summer (June – August/September), and spring (March to May). In Nigeria, the majority of our clothing is appropriate for the summer and fall, but not for the winter or spring. Prepare to shop for winter clothing, then. However, don't stock up on winter clothing in Nigeria. Better things are available in Canada. Simply purchase two or three of every style of winter clothing listed below in Nigeria.

Pants
T-shirt
Tracksuit bottoms
Thermal clothing—it's crucial!
Pullover, cardigan, or hoodie
Native American clothing (suitable for summer and fall wear)
Beanies, thermal socks, hats, scarves, and gloves are examples of winter accessories.
Essentials for layering: thermal underwear, leggings, and long sleeve shirts
suits—if you've got them already. If you don't have, you don't have to buy—unless you really want to.)
A pair or two of winter coats. Nigerian winter jackets are unable to withstand the bitter cold of Canada. Thus, only get one winter jacket in Nigeria and keep the money you save for a better purchase when you travel to Canada.

Foot ware to take to Canada
1) Slippers (for use indoors only)
2) Sneakers for every season
3) Slides, sandals, flats, and other summer footwear are OK.
4) Winter boot: If you don't already have one, don't buy one in Nigeria. Buy it in Canada instead.

Cosmetics and toiletries
Sanitary pads
Soap
Cream
Lip balm
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Eye pencil
Toothbrush
Body spray

1) Vitamin D supplements.
You will need to take supplements to prevent vitamin D deficiency because sunlight is the main source of vitamin D and you may not get enough of it.

2) Prescription medications
If your doctor has prescribed any prescription drugs, please bring them with you. If you need to take your medication for an extended period of time, make sure you pack enough for up to 90 days.

3) Balm, like Aboniki balm, helps soothe colds and other physical ailments brought on by the weather.

4) Shea butter with coconut oil
Some use shea butter or coconut oil as a balm or moisturizer. Feel free to bring those along as well. If you are going to bring the coconut oil, make sure it is frozen.

Additional items to bring on a trip from Nigeria to Canada
A little cash (USD or CAD)
Cutlery
Attachments  
Wigs
Token
Bank cards
Bedding
Towels
Camera
Laptop
Charger

What cannot be taken into Canada?

1) The following foods are prohibited from entering Canada:
2) Chicken and its leftovers, such as chicken seasonings
3) Unless it's newborn formula or recommended milk, bringing milk into Canada without a permit is prohibited.
4) Ammunitions, fireworks, and firearms