U.S. State Department Updates Nigeria Travel Advisory Summary; Maintains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel'

Current rules

The advisory level remains Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) for Nigeria, with an updated advisory summary detailing risks related to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Specific Level 4 (Do Not Travel) warnings apply to Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa states; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states; and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt).

Overview

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Nigeria, maintaining a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' status. The summary now provides enhanced details on risks such as violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare. This update serves to inform U.S. citizens of ongoing dangers in Nigeria and reinforces existing 'Do Not Travel' recommendations for numerous states.

What changed in the latest version

This updated travel advice summary matters because it gives more specific details about the safety and health dangers in Nigeria. It confirms the U.S. government's advice to reconsider travel. The clear Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warnings for many states show extreme dangers in certain areas. They advise against any travel to these areas. U.S. citizens, especially those who are citizens of two countries (dual nationals), are often targets for kidnapping and crime. These detailed warnings are very important for personal safety and for making decisions for people who plan to travel or live in Nigeria. The advice also stresses the need to prepare for inadequate medical facilities and services. This includes carrying enough medicine and buying insurance for medical evacuation.

Explained simply

Hey, if you're thinking about going to Nigeria, the U.S. government is saying 'think twice'. It's super important because there's a lot of crime, like kidnappings (especially if you look like you have money), and also terrorism and fights. The hospitals aren't great either, so if you get sick or hurt, it could be tough. They've also listed many states where you absolutely shouldn't go. If you still decide to go, make sure someone knows where you are, get special travel insurance for emergencies, and be super careful everywhere you go.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 12 Jun 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   U.S. State Department Updates Nigeria Travel Advisory Summary; Maintains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel'

   The U.S. State Department updated its travel advice for Nigeria. It still suggests people 'Reconsider Travel' (Level 3) for the country as a whole. This update explains current dangers like crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and poor health care. The State Department also issued 'Do Not Travel' warnings (Level 4) for specific states in Nigeria. These states are Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, northern Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (but not Port Harcourt). These warnings are due to different combinations of these dangers. This advice applies to all U.S. citizens who travel to or live in Nigeria.