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.
Who is affected by the latest change
- U.S. citizens considering travel to Nigeria
- U.S. citizens residing in Nigeria
What changed in the latest version
Before
Nigeria's previous advisory level was Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). It had existing risk indicators. However, the summary content was different.
After
The advisory level for Nigeria stays at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). An updated advisory summary details risks. These risks are crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and health care services that are not always available. Specific Level 4 (Do Not Travel) warnings apply to certain states. These are Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states. They also apply to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. Finally, they apply to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, but not Port Harcourt.
This updated advisory summary is important because it gives more specific details. It covers the safety and health risks in Nigeria. It also confirms the U.S. government's recommendation to reconsider travel. The clear Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warnings for many states highlight extreme dangers. These warnings advise against any travel to those areas. U.S. citizens, especially those who are dual nationals (citizens of both the U.S. and another country), are key targets for kidnapping and crime. This makes these detailed warnings vital for personal safety. They help people decide if they should travel to or live in Nigeria. The advice also stresses that medical facilities and services may be inadequate. It suggests carrying enough medicine and getting medical evacuation insurance.
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
- v1Effective 12 Jun 2026EffectiveMedium impactU.S. State Department Updates Nigeria Travel Advisory Summary; Maintains 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel'
The U.S. State Department has updated its Travel Advisory summary for Nigeria. The overall warning stays at 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel'. This update explains the ongoing dangers. These include crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and poor health care services. The State Department also gives 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' warnings for many states in Nigeria. These states have different combinations of these dangers. They include Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states. They also include Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. Lastly, they include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states, but not Port Harcourt. This advice applies to all U.S. citizens who travel to or live in Nigeria.