The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advisories for five African nations, flagging severe security risks including armed conflict, criminality, and instability. The countries covered are the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Nigeria, and Sudan.
South Sudan and Sudan Under Full Travel Bans
South Sudan received the most severe classification, with the FCDO advising against all travel due to risks of armed violence and criminality. The advisory urges British nationals already in the country to maintain a personal emergency plan, keep travel documents current, stock essential supplies, and not rely on the UK government for evacuation assistance. Sudan is also under a full travel ban because of ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other regions. The only exceptions are the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid, where only essential travel is permitted. The FCDO noted that multiple ceasefires have been declared but repeatedly broken, advising travelers to monitor updates closely.
Central African Republic and DRC Restrictions
In the Central African Republic, the FCDO advises against all travel to the entire country, with the partial exception of the capital, Bangui. However, even Bangui, including its international airport, falls under an “all but essential travel” warning. The DRC carries more detailed restrictions. The FCDO advises against all travel within 50 kilometers of the DRC-CAR border, as well as to the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami, Haut-Uélé, and Ituri. The Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province is also under a full travel ban. In the capital, Kinshasa, specific districts including N’djili and Kimbanseke are flagged, along with sections of the N1 road in Kinshasa Province. The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to Bangoka International Airport in Kisangani, citing multiple drone attacks near the facility.
Nigeria’s Multi-State Advisory
Nigeria’s advisory spans several geopolitical zones. In the north-east, the FCDO advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Gombe states, while Bauchi State falls under an “all but essential travel” warning. In the north-west, Katsina and Zamfara states are under total travel bans, with Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Sokoto states under essential-travel-only restrictions. Across north-central Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, Kwara, and Benue states. In the south, the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states are under a full travel ban, while Abia, Anambra, Imo, and the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states carry essential-travel-only advisories.
Broader Context and US Warning
The UK advisories come amid heightened global security concerns. Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States issued a worldwide travel warning for its citizens on July 20, 2026, urging increased caution due to tensions in the Middle East. The U.S. Department of State warned that the risk of sudden escalation remains high and advised Americans in or traveling through the Middle East to remain vigilant and prepare for possible disruptions.
