The United Kingdom has announced that citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries must obtain entry clearance before travelling to or transiting through the UK.
The development was disclosed in updated immigration guidance issued by the UK Home Office.
According to the revised guidance, travellers are required to confirm that they meet the UK’s visa and entry requirements before booking flights. The Home Office warned that passengers without the necessary documents could experience delays, travel disruptions, or be denied boarding by airlines.
The UK also stated that nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are still required to obtain a visa before entering the country for visits of up to six months, except where specific exemptions apply. The requirement also extends to some travellers transiting through British airports.
The Home Office further explained that stateless persons and travellers using documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards must also obtain entry clearance before travelling.
Officials said the updated guidance is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and ensure compliance with the country’s immigration laws.
The African countries affected by 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.
