11 Nigerian states UK warns its citizens not to travel to and why
The United Kingdom (UK) has issued a fresh travel warning for Nigeria, advising its citizens to avoid certain parts of the country over security concerns.
The updated advisory, published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Thursday, August 20, 2026, categorises affected locations into two levels of restriction.
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While the UK advised against all travel to parts of 11 states, it recommended that British nationals undertake only essential journeys to 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
11 areas under the strongest warning
The FCDO placed Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe under a total travel restriction in the North-East.
Katsina and Zamfara states in the North-West were also included in the category.
In southern Nigeria, the warning applies specifically to riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The FCDO explained that the riverine areas refer to “the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road.”
The areas where the UK advises against all travel are:
1. Borno
2. Yobe
3. Adamawa
4. Gombe
5. Katsina
6. Zamfara
7. Riverine areas of Delta
8. Riverine areas of Bayelsa
9. Riverine areas of Rivers
10. Riverine areas of Akwa Ibom
11. Riverine areas of Cross River
19 states and Abuja face essential-travel restriction
The UK also advised against all but essential travel to a wider group of Nigerian states and the FCT.
In the North-East, Bauchi was placed under the restriction.
The North-West states affected are Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto.
The advisory also covers six North-Central states: Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue.
In the South-East, the restriction applies to Abia, Anambra and Imo.
Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers are also covered, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja.
The areas where the UK advises against all but essential travel are:
1. Bauchi
2. Kaduna
3. Kano
4. Kebbi
5. Jigawa
6. Sokoto
7. Niger
8. Kogi
9. Plateau
10. Taraba
11. Kwara
12. Benue
13. Abia
14. Anambra
15. Imo
16. Non-riverine areas of Delta
17. Non-riverine areas of Bayelsa
18. Non-riverine areas of Rivers
19. Federal Capital Territory, including Abuja
UK warns travellers about insurance
The FCDO urged people planning to visit Nigeria to review its travel advice before making their journeys.
The British government stressed that “No travel can be guaranteed safe” and encouraged travellers to “research your destinations.”
It also advised visitors to “get appropriate travel insurance” before travelling.
The advisory warned that “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
According to the FCDO, travel insurance should cover the traveller’s itinerary, planned activities and possible emergency expenses.
The latest update also provides guidance on Nigerian entry requirements, health, security, regional risks and how British nationals can seek help while in the country.
It further includes information concerning IVF, fertility treatment scams and overseas adoption.