The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, while restricting travel to 19 other states and the Federal Capital Territory to essential journeys only.
The warning is contained in the latest Nigeria travel advisory issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and updated on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East, as well as Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West.
In the South-East and South-South, the advisory covers riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The UK government defined the affected riverine locations as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
The FCDO also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State in the North-East, as well as Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states in the North-West.
In the North-Central region, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states were also placed under the essential-travel-only advisory.
The restriction extends to the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abia, Anambra and Imo states. Similar restrictions apply to non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The FCDO cautioned British nationals that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and urged those planning to visit Nigeria to consult its travel advice before embarking on their journeys.
It also advised travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance.
The advisory warned that travel insurance policies could become invalid if travellers visit areas against FCDO advice.
The latest update also contains information on IVF and fertility treatment scams, overseas adoption, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and how British nationals can obtain assistance while in Nigeria.
The FCDO further advised travellers to ensure their insurance covers their entire itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses.
States Where the UK Advises Against All Travel
Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, as well as 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 states, as well as non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
