The United States government has issued a new travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of healthcare services.” The advisory, part of a wider U.S. security review affecting travel to Africa, places Nigeria at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, indicating serious risk.

In the official statement by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, it was emphasized that “all locations carry significant security risks.” The advisory explicitly advises U.S. citizens to avoid 18 Nigerian states categorized as having the most severe risks. These include:

The advisory details the nature of violent crime in Nigeria, stating, “Violent crime is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.” It notes that kidnappings often target U.S. citizens and dual nationals perceived as wealthy, and occur especially on interstate roads.

Terrorism remains a significant threat: “Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria,” with attacks potentially targeting crowded locations such as shopping centers, markets, hotels, places of worship, schools, and government buildings. Terrorist groups collaborate with local gangs, increasing the unpredictability and reach of their violence.

Armed gangs and civil unrest are highlighted mainly in Southern Nigeria’s Niger Delta and Southeast regions, with common criminal activities including kidnapping and assaults on security forces. The advisory also warns of violence flaring between farmer and herder communities in rural areas.

Regarding healthcare, the U.S. government cautions that “U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of healthcare to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States.”

Nigerian medical facilities generally lack the equipment and medicines typical in U.S. or European hospitals, with many medicines (including for diabetes and asthma) often unavailable.

Hospitals often require immediate cash payment, do not accept U.S. health insurance, and emergency services are unreliable or nonexistent. The advisory strongly recommends that travelers bring sufficient medication, be up to date on vaccinations—including yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, and others—and obtain traveler’s insurance with medical evacuation coverage.

The advisory places Nigeria alongside 11 other African countries flagged for serious risks, including Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Chad, all under U.S. travel warnings ranging from “reconsider travel” to “do not travel”.

The travel advisory categories used are: