The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states, citing security concerns, while placing 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including Abuja, under an “all but essential travel” advisory.
The warning is contained in the latest Nigeria travel advice published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and updated on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
According to the advisory, the UK government advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states in the North-East.
Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West were also listed among areas where British nationals have been advised against all travel.
In the South-South region, the warning applies to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO defined the affected riverine areas as “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
States under ‘all travel’ warning
The UK government’s list includes:
- 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
The FCDO also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State in the North-East.
In the North-West, the advisory covers Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states.
The North-Central states listed are Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue.
The warning also extends to the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East and South-South, Abia, Anambra and Imo states were listed, alongside the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
The areas under the “all but essential travel” advisory are:
- 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
The FCDO cautioned travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and urged British nationals planning trips to Nigeria to consult its travel advice before embarking on their journeys.
It also advised travellers to “research your destinations” and “get appropriate travel insurance” before travelling.
The UK government warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
The FCDO further advised travellers to ensure their insurance covers their entire itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in the event of an emergency.
The latest update also contains information on IVF and fertility treatment scams, overseas adoption, entry requirements, safety and security, health and how British nationals can seek assistance while in Nigeria.
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