UK Reaffirms Visa Requirement for Nigeria, 32 Other African Countries

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries must continue to obtain a visa before travelling to or transiting through the country, following an update to its immigration guidance.

The updated guidance, published by the UK Home Office, confirms that nationals of more than 100 countries and territories remain subject to visa requirements for visits of up to six months unless they qualify for specific exemptions under UK immigration rules.

According to the Home Office, the requirement also applies to certain passengers making connecting journeys through the United Kingdom, meaning some travellers transiting through British airports may be required to obtain entry clearance before departure.

The guidance further states that stateless persons and individuals travelling with documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards must also obtain a visa before travelling.

The Home Office advised prospective travellers to confirm their visa requirements before booking flights, warning that passengers who do not possess the required travel documents could experience delays, travel disruptions or be refused boarding by airlines.

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for African travellers, attracting thousands each year for education, business, tourism and family visits.

Officials said the updated guidance forms part of the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and ensure compliance with existing immigration laws.

The African countries whose citizens remain subject to the UK’s visa requirement are Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.