The United Kingdom has advised its citizens against all travel to parts of 11 Nigerian states and warned against all but essential travel to parts of 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
The warning is contained in the latest Nigeria travel advisory published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
According to the updated advisory, the UK government 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-South region, the warning covers the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO described the affected riverine locations as areas “accessible by boat, but not by road.”
The UK government also advised against all but essential travel to several other parts of Nigeria.
In the North-East, Bauchi State was placed under the advisory.
The warning also covers Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto states in the North-West.
In the North-Central region, the FCDO listed Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue states as areas where it advises against all but essential travel.
The advisory also applies to the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
In the South-East, the UK government advised against all but essential travel to Abia, Anambra and Imo states.
The warning also covers the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
UK urges travellers to check security advice
The FCDO cautioned travellers that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and urged anyone planning a trip to Nigeria to read the government’s travel advice before departure.
The UK government also advised travellers to research their destinations and obtain appropriate travel insurance.
It warned that travel insurance could be invalidated if a person travels against FCDO advice.
The latest Nigeria travel advisory provides information on entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and how British citizens can access assistance while in Nigeria.
The updated guidance also includes information relating to IVF and fertility treatment scams, as well as overseas adoption.
UK travel advisory covers major security risk areas
The latest restrictions mean the UK’s strongest travel warning applies to six entire states and specific riverine areas across five southern states.
States where the 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 the 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
The FCDO said travellers should ensure their insurance covers their full itinerary, planned activities and potential emergency expenses.
The latest advisory underscores the continuing security concerns affecting different parts of Nigeria and serves as a reminder for travellers to assess regional risks before
