The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, warning its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe, while recommending that trips to parts of 19 other states and the Federal Capital Territory be limited to essential journeys.
The latest advisory was issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday, August 20, 2026, citing security concerns across several regions.
The FCDO placed Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe in the North-East, as well as Katsina and Zamfara in the North-West, under its strongest warning against all travel.
In the South-East and South-South, the advisory covers riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The UK defines the affected areas as river and swamp locations accessible by boat but not by road.
Meanwhile, the UK advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi in the North-East and Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states in the North-West.
The same restriction applies to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states in the North-Central region.
In the South-East, Abia, Anambra and Imo were also listed under the essential-travel-only category. The advisory further covers non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja, is also among the locations where the UK recommends travel only when necessary.
The FCDO cautioned that no journey can be guaranteed to be completely safe and urged people planning to visit Nigeria to review the latest travel advice before departure.
It also advised travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance, warning that insurance coverage could become invalid if a person travels against FCDO advice.
The UK government said travellers should ensure their insurance covers their full itinerary, planned activities and potential emergency expenses.
The updated travel guidance also contains information on issues including IVF and fertility treatment scams, overseas adoption, entry requirements, health concerns and how British nationals can access assistance in Nigeria.
The areas classified under the “against all travel” category are Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states, alongside the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The “against all but essential travel” category includes 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, and the Federal Capital Territory.
