Travel Advisories
Updated with return to full operational status, removal of obsolete COVID page links, and updates to Do Not Travel Areas.
Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping
- Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping
- Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
Country Summary:
Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Ni
Nigeria, West Africa’s most populous country, is one of the best places to go if you want an authentic African experience. You can join the approximately 5 million other visitors to Nigeria each year.
The primary draw for most people when visiting Nigeria are the vibrant cities such as Lagos where you can check out contemporary art at Nike Art Gallery and other places, explore the thumping nightlife, and buy local arts and crafts at the markets.
Nigeria also has natural beauty such as the Ikogosi Warm Springs or the wetlands at Lekki Conservation Center. However, before visiting any country, you probably want to know about the safety situation.
Nigeria does have a reputation for being a bit overwhelming for foreign visitors, but it’s worth unpacking how much the reputation has to do with reality.
But don’t worry — or travel experts have done the hard work for you. Below, we’ll thoroughly explore the safety concerns for Nigeria with the goal of helping you plan for your trip. Let us be your guide!
Is Nigeria Safe to Visit in ?
Victoria Island, Lagos / Lagos – June 23 Landscape view of the street at dusk/ba55ey/Shutterstock
Niger
Nigeria is a country located in equatorial West Africa and Africa&#;s most populous nation. It is also the seventh most populous country in the world. It shares borders with Benin to the west, Cameroon to the southeast, Chad to the northeast, and Niger to the north, and it also boasts a southern coastline on the Gulf of Guinea. While being famous for its population, it is also the largest African oil producer and, since April , the largest economy in Africa. Even though this country is rather dangerous, there are ways to spend quality time there &#; without getting hurt. You can go to the Lekki Forest Reserve, which is basically an interesting patch of tropical rainforest with wooden walkways but you&#;ll have a hard time explaining the location to taxi drivers as locals often don&#;t know about this place. You can also visit Obudu: a small and cool mountain escape that also offers a nice resort (Obudu Mountain Resort) on the mountain. You can count on activities like forest walks, hiking, cable car driving, and swimming in
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. The primary terrorist threat in Nigeria comes from Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram. These groups are mainly based in north-east Nigeria in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Since , there have also been attacks likely associated with terrorist groups in the following states: Borno, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Bauchi, Ondo, Zamfara, Taraba, Jigawa, Sokoto, Edo and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur at any time, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: .Is Nigeria Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report
Nigeria : Safety by City
Nigeria
Terrorism
Terrorism in Nigeria