The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning its citizens against all travel to six states and riverine areas in five others while limiting travel to essential trips in 19 additional states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The latest guidance was issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of its updated assessment of security and other risks facing travellers in Nigeria.
Under the most restrictive category, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states.
The advisory also covers riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, with the affected locations defined as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
For another category of locations, the British government advised its citizens to undertake only essential travel, covering 19 states as well as the FCT.
The states in this category include Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto in the northern part of the country.
Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states are also covered by the advice, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East, the advisory lists Abia, Anambra and Imo states among areas where British nationals have been advised to travel only when necessary.
The guidance also extends to non-riverine parts of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, where the FCDO recommends against all but essential travel.
The UK government urged people planning to visit Nigeria to consider the security situation carefully and obtain relevant information about their destinations before departure.
It cautioned that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and advised prospective travellers to consult its full travel guidance before embarking on their journeys.
The FCDO further urged travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” before travelling to Nigeria.
It warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
Beyond security concerns, the updated advisory contains information covering entry requirements, health considerations and the availability of assistance for British nationals in Nigeria.
The guidance also highlights risks associated with IVF and fertility treatment scams, as well as issues relating to overseas adoption.
The British government advised travellers to ensure their insurance policies provide adequate cover for their entire itinerary, planned activities and potential emergency costs.
States where the UK advises against all travel
Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara are listed under the UK’s advice against all travel.
The same restriction applies to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
States where the UK advises against all but essential travel
Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Anambra and Imo are included in the second category.
The restriction also applies to non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
The FCDO said the advisory is intended to provide travellers with information to help them assess the risks associated with visiting different parts of Nigeria before making travel arrangements.
