FULL LIST: UK warns citizens against travel to 11 Nigerian states
August 20, 2026 3:59 pm
The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, while warning against all but essential travel to parts of 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The advisory was contained in the latest Nigeria travel advice published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday.
According to the advisory, updated on August 20, 2026, the FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East.
It also warned against all travel to Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West.
In the South-East and South-South, the UK advised against all travel to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO defined the affected areas as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
The UK government also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State in the North-East.
In the North-West, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states were placed under the same advisory.
The FCDO further listed Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states in the North-Central region as areas where it advised against all but essential travel.
The advisory also covered the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East and South-South, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Abia State, Anambra State and Imo State, as well as non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The FCDO cautioned travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and urged those planning trips to Nigeria to read its travel advice before travelling.
The UK government also advised travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” if they chose to travel.
It warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
The latest update to the Nigeria travel advisory also included information on IVF, fertility treatment scams and overseas adoption, according to the FCDO.
The travel advice covers entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and how to get help while in Nigeria.
The FCDO said insurance should cover a traveller’s itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
States where 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 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
Fawzi is a journalist and subeditor covering a wide range of beats including politics, metro, and international news, among others. He also optimises stories for digital audiences.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]