The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries must obtain a visa before travelling to or transiting through the country.
The updated guidance, issued by the UK Home Office as part of its routine review of immigration rules, lists the nationalities required to secure entry clearance for visits of up to six months.
Under the current rules, nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are still required to obtain a visa before entering the UK, except where specific exemptions apply.
The requirement also covers travellers passing through the UK on connecting flights, meaning some passengers transiting through British airports may also need a visa depending on their travel arrangements.
The Home Office advised travellers to confirm their visa requirements before booking flights, warning that those who fail to meet the entry conditions could face delays, travel disruptions or be denied boarding by airlines.
According to UK authorities, the updated guidance is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, improve immigration controls and ensure compliance with existing laws.
The UK remains a major destination for African travellers seeking education, business opportunities, tourism and family visits.
The 33 African countries whose citizens require a UK visa 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.