The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries must obtain a visa before travelling to the UK for visits or stays of up to six months, following an update to its Immigration Rules.
The updated list was published by the UK Home Office on July 10, 2026, and was subsequently reported by several media organisations on July 11, 2026. The revised guidance forms part of the UK’s Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor, which outlines the nationalities required to obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK.
The Home Office clarified that the update is a reaffirmation and consolidation of the UK’s visitor visa requirements rather than the introduction of a new visa ban. It applies to individuals travelling for tourism, business meetings, short-term studies, medical treatment and other visits lasting less than six months.
African countries on the updated list
The 33 African countries highlighted in the updated guidance are:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Nigeria.
What it means for Nigerians
For Nigerian travellers, the policy means they must continue to obtain a valid UK visitor visa before travelling for short-term visits. Those intending to work, study for extended periods or settle in the UK are required to apply under the appropriate visa categories.
The UK government urged prospective travellers to submit their applications well ahead of their planned travel dates and ensure they meet all documentary and financial requirements before applying.