Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is increased tension in parts of northern Nigeria following clashes between militants and security forces in Bauchi State on 26 July 2009 which has extended to parts of Kano, Yobe, Katsina and Borno States on 27 July. A curfew is in force in Maiduguri between 2100 and 0600. If you are travelling in northern Nigeria you should take extra precautions and avoid crowds. Violence could erupt quickly and without warning.  See the political section of this advice for more details if you intend travelling to these areas.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave.  This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks. We advise against all travel to the area bordering Cameroon in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in these areas, you do so at your own risk.  See the Terrorism/Security section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• International events, particularly in the Middle East, can lead to demonstrations and unrest. British Nationals are advised to remain vigilant.
  
  
• There is a high risk of kidnappings and other armed attacks in the Niger Delta to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Delta.  Since 2007, there has been an increase in attacks offshore. There is also a risk of kidnapping in other States in Nigeria.  A British Citizen was kidnapped in June 2009 just outside Benin City and a Canadian citizen was kidnapped in Kaduna, in April 2009 by suspected criminals; both have subsequently been released. These cases demonstrate that there is a risk of kidnapping in all States. See the Terrorism/Security and Sea Travel sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There have been reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in the northern town of Zaria.  The situation is now calm and those wishing to visit any of the Durbars over the next few days should be vigilant and, if necessary, be willing to change their travel plans.
  
  
• Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings.  Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network.  We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.  See the General (Registration) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• 4 British nationals required consular assistance in Nigeria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (4 cases).  Violent crime is also prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
  
  
• Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Nigeria have led to a small number of human fatalities. The last fatality was in 2007. See the Health (Avian Influenza) section of this advice and our Avian and Pandemic Flu page for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.   You should check that your insurance company provides personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake; check any exclusions.  Please see the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel Insurance page for more details.