Is Nigeria Safe to Travel to in 2026?
Risk level: Extreme risk
Last updated
Overview
Large and populous West African country with significant oil wealth but plagued by widespread insecurity, corruption, and violent conflict in multiple regions. Currently one of the most dangerous countries in the world for travelers.
Best time to visit
Dry season roughly November to March is often preferred; humidity and rains dominate much of the rest of the year by region.
Safety
Extremely high risk. Kidnapping for ransom is widespread, especially in the north and Niger Delta. Boko Haram and other armed groups remain active. Armed robbery, carjackings, and violent crime are common even in urban areas. Security situation is unstable and unpredictable.
Recommendations
Do not travel to Nigeria. The risk of kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, and violent crime is extremely high across large parts of the country. Even major cities like Lagos carry significant risk.
Health and tap water
Tap water: Not recommended — use bottled or filtered water.
Very limited healthcare infrastructure. High risk of malaria, typhoid, and other tropical diseases. Medical facilities are poor outside of a few private clinics in Lagos and Abuja. Medical evacuation is often necessary for serious issues.
Entry and exit
Visa required. Travel is strongly discouraged by most governments.
Laws
Corruption is widespread at all levels. Laws are inconsistently enforced. Foreigners have been kidnapped and held for ransom. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties.
Other notes
Nigeria has significant cultural and economic importance in Africa, but the security situation makes it effectively off-limits for normal tourism. The country suffers from deep regional, ethnic, and religious divisions that fuel ongoing conflict.
Emergency numbers: Police 112, Ambulance 112, Fire 112.
Regional risk notes for Nigeria
- Lagos State — High risk: Economic capital and main entry point. High crime, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and scams. Tourist areas exist but require strong precautions.
- Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) — High risk: Capital city. Generally safer than Lagos but still has crime, kidnapping risk, and occasional security incidents.
- Borno State — Extreme risk: Epicenter of Boko Haram insurgency. Extremely dangerous. Avoid entirely.
- Yobe & Adamawa States — Extreme risk: Northeast. Active insurgency and high kidnapping risk. Avoid.
- Zamfara, Katsina & Kaduna States — Extreme risk: Northwest. Severe banditry, mass kidnappings, and armed violence. Very high risk.
- Niger Delta States (Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa) — High risk: Militancy, oil theft, kidnapping, and violent crime. High risk outside heavily secured areas.
- Kano State — High risk: Major northern city. Relatively more stable than the far northeast but still carries risks.
- Oyo & Osun States — Moderate risk: Southwest. Generally calmer with some tourist interest (Ibadan, Osogbo). Lower risk than other regions.
- Cross River State — Moderate risk: Includes Calabar. One of the more tourist-friendly areas in the south with relatively lower crime.
- Plateau State — High risk: Includes Jos. Has seen ethnic and religious violence in the past. Mixed security situation.
- Enugu & Anambra States — High risk: Southeast. Some separatist agitation and crime, but generally more stable than the north or Niger Delta.
- Edo State — High risk: Includes Benin City. Human trafficking hub with associated crime. High risk.
Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]