The United Kingdom (UK) has issued a fresh travel warning on Nigeria, advising its citizens to avoid 11 states and some areas in 19 other states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The advice was published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The FCDO placed Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara under its highest travel restriction, advising against all travel to the six states.
It also advised against travel to riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The affected riverine locations were described by the FCDO as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
For 19 other states and the FCT, the UK advised its citizens to travel only when necessary.
The areas listed under this category include Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto in the North.
Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states were also included, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East, the advisory covers Abia, Anambra and Imo states.
The FCDO also advised against all but essential travel to non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The UK government said travelers should take precautions and check the security situation before travelling to Nigeria.
It cautioned that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and advised people planning to visit the country to read its travel advice before departure.
The FCDO also asked travelers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” if they decide to travel.
It further warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
The updated advisory contains information on entry requirements, security risks, health and access to assistance in Nigeria.
It also includes warnings about IVF and fertility treatment scams, as well as overseas adoption.
The FCDO said travelers should ensure their insurance covers their full itinerary, planned activities and possible emergency expenses.
The areas listed by the UK under its travel restrictions are:
States where the UK advises against all travel:
- Borno
- Yobe
- Adamawa
- Gombe
- Katsina
- Zamfara
- Riverine areas of Delta
- Riverine areas of Bayelsa
- Riverine areas of Rivers
- Riverine areas of Akwa Ibom
- Riverine areas of Cross River
States where the UK advises against all but essential travel:
- Bauchi
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Kebbi
- Jigawa
- Sokoto
- Niger
- Kogi
- Plateau
- Taraba
- Kwara
- Benue
- Abia
- Anambra
- Imo
- Non-riverine areas of Delta
- Non-riverine areas of Bayelsa
- Non-riverine areas of Rivers
- Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja