Is Nigeria safe to visit?
It depends on where you go. Lagos, where most first-time visitors land, is not covered by the UK government's travel warning, but UK and Canadian advice both ask visitors to take care.
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By NaijaRave
It depends on where you go. Lagos, where most first-time visitors land, is not covered by the UK government's travel warning, but UK and Canadian advice both ask visitors to take care. Large parts of the north and the Niger Delta are different: official advice there is to stay away. This page sums up what governments say and what to do about it.
What governments say
- UK (FCDO): advises against all travel to some areas and against all but essential travel to others. Lagos is not under a travel warning. The advice is to be cautious, especially on the mainland, where street crime is a concern. FCDO last updated its advice on 22 October 2026.
- Canada: advises avoiding non-essential travel to most of the country, including Abuja. Lagos and Calabar are treated separately, with a high degree of caution advised because crime is high. Last updated 21 October 2026.
- United States: the State Department sets its own advice and it can change quickly. Check the current level on its Nigeria page before you book.
Areas the UK advises against visiting
Against all travel
- Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe
- Katsina and Zamfara
- riverine areas (reached only by boat) of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Against all but essential travel
- Bauchi
- Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto
- Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara and Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory including Abuja
- Abia, Anambra and Imo, and the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers.
Lagos is not on either list.
Two well-known attractions are in these areas: Zuma Rock in Niger State and Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
Staying safe in Lagos
- Street crime: stay in busy, well-lit areas after dark. The UK says the risk is higher when walking at night, mainly in crowded areas.
- Keep cash and valuables out of sight and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Take extra care around banks and ATMs, especially at night, and watch your card when you pay. Card fraud is common.
- Arrange your airport pick-up in advance and check the identity of anyone meeting you.
- Taxis, including app-based ones, can carry a kidnap risk according to UK advice. Use trusted drivers or ones your hotel arranges.
- Avoid travelling after dark outside city centres. Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic. Allow extra time, because Lagos traffic can be very slow.
- Protests can start with little warning. Avoid crowds and follow local news.
- Curfews and mobile network shutdowns have happened at short notice in Nigeria.
- Romance, business and job scams aimed at foreign visitors are rising, according to the UK.
- Follow the advice of your hotel or host.
Health and entry
- Visa: most visitors need one. See our guide: Nigeria e-visa guide.
- Yellow fever: Canada says proof of vaccination is required if you arrive from, or pass through an airport in, a country where yellow fever occurs, and vaccination is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lagos safe for tourists?
Lagos is not under a UK travel warning, but both the UK and Canada advise caution. Street crime is the main concern, particularly on the mainland and at night. Use trusted transport and keep valuables out of sight.
Which parts of Nigeria should I avoid?
The UK advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara and the riverine areas of five Niger Delta states, and against all but essential travel to many others. See the full list above.
Is it safe to visit Nigeria for Detty December?
The same advice applies. Lagos is not under a UK warning, but crowds and busy venues are where scams and theft are more likely, so arrange transport in advance and keep valuables out of sight. See the Detty December travel checklist.
Where can I check the latest advice?
UK: gov.uk foreign travel advice for Nigeria. Canada: travel.gc.ca. US: travel.state.gov. Advice can change at short notice.
Sources and further reading
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