By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its visa requirements for citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries, stating that affected travellers must obtain entry clearance before travelling to or transiting through the UK.
The updated guidance, issued by the UK Home Office, forms part of its routine review of immigration and border control policies. It clarifies that nationals of the listed countries must secure a valid visa for visits of up to six months unless they qualify under specific exemption categories.
The requirement also applies to some passengers making connecting flights through British airports.
According to the Home Office, travellers using travel documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards, including certain stateless persons, must also obtain entry clearance before departure. Officials advised prospective visitors to verify their visa eligibility before booking flights to avoid travel disruptions or denial of boarding.
The affected African countries include Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Algeria, Angola, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, Libya, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi, Eswatini, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Eritrea, and The Gambia.
The UK government said the updated guidance is aimed at strengthening border security and ensuring compliance with existing immigration laws while maintaining orderly migration procedures.
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