The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that Nigerians and citizens of 32 other African countries must obtain entry clearance before travelling to or transiting through the country under updated immigration guidance issued by the UK Home Office.
The updated guidance requires travellers to confirm that they meet the UK’s immigration and visa requirements before booking their journeys to avoid travel disruptions or being denied boarding by airlines.
According to the Home Office, nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are required to obtain a visa before entering the UK 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 stated that stateless persons and travellers using travel documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards must also obtain entry clearance before travelling.
It said the updated guidance forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and ensure compliance with the UK’s immigration laws.
The UK remains a major destination for African travellers seeking education, business, tourism and family visits.
The countries listed under the visa requirement include 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.
The Home Office advised intending travellers to ensure they possess the required travel documents and visas before making travel arrangements to avoid delays or disruptions.
