The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its travel advisory for Nigeria, urging its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, because of persistent security threats.
The updated advisory, published by the Government of Canada on July 14, 2026, cites terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings, armed attacks and inter-communal clashes as major concerns across Nigeria.
However, the advisory excludes the cities of Lagos and Calabar, where Canadians are instead advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to elevated crime levels.
Canada also maintained its “avoid all travel” warning for several parts of Nigeria, including the northwestern states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara; the north-central states of Plateau, Niger, Kwara and Kogi; the northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba and Yobe; and most Niger Delta states, excluding Port Harcourt, which remains under a non-essential travel advisory.
Border areas within 10 kilometres of Cameroon, Niger and northern Benin were also listed among the highest-risk locations.
According to the advisory, kidnappings, armed robberies and terrorist attacks remain significant threats. Canadian authorities warned that both foreign nationals and Nigerians have been targeted by criminal groups, particularly in northern Nigeria, the Niger Delta and parts of Abuja.
The advisory noted an increase in violent crime in the Federal Capital Territory, including the outskirts of Abuja, where anti-crime operations are regularly conducted.
Travellers were also cautioned against using public transportation because of overcrowding, poor maintenance and the risk of theft and armed attacks. Taxi and ride-hailing services were described as potentially unsafe, with reports of passengers being robbed by drivers.
The Canadian government further warned of frequent demonstrations, fuel shortages, power outages, cybercrime, romance scams and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Women travelling alone may face harassment, while 2SLGBTQI+ travellers were reminded that same-sex relationships are criminalised under Nigerian law, with severe penalties in some northern states operating under Sharia law.
As part of the latest update, Canada added information on Nigeria’s mandatory online Health Declaration Form. Travellers must complete the form before departure and present the generated QR code to Port Health officials on arrival.
The advisory also reminds travellers that tourist, business, employment and student visas are required before entering Nigeria and that landing and exit forms must be completed online.
The Canadian government advised its citizens to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and unnecessary travel after dark, maintain heightened situational awareness and follow the instructions of local authorities.
