The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its visa requirement for citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries, confirming that affected travellers must obtain entry clearance before travelling to or transiting through the country.
The confirmation follows an update to the UK Home Office’s immigration guidance, which outlines the nationalities required to obtain a visa for visits of up to six months. Under the updated guidance, nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are still required to secure a visa before entering the UK unless they qualify for specific exemption categories.
According to the Home Office, the requirement also applies to some travellers making connecting journeys through the UK, meaning passengers transiting through British airports may also need a visa depending on their travel circumstances.
The guidance further states that stateless persons and individuals travelling with documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards must obtain entry clearance before departure.
The latest update underscores the importance of confirming visa eligibility before booking flights, as passengers who fail to meet the UK’s entry requirements could face delays, travel disruptions, or be denied boarding by airlines.
The Home Office said the revised guidance forms part of the country’s ongoing border management measures aimed at strengthening immigration controls and ensuring compliance with existing immigration laws.
The United Kingdom remains a major destination for many African travellers seeking higher education, business opportunities, tourism, and family visits, making it one of the continent’s most popular international destinations.
The 33 African countries whose citizens remain subject to the UK’s visa requirement are Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, 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.
