Transparency data

Intercountry adoption: list of restricted countries

A list of countries where special restrictions are in place.

Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Documents

Adoptions: restricted list

Details

This document details:

  • countries where special restrictions on intercountry adoption are in place
  • dates when the restrictions for each country came into force
  • reasons why the restrictions are in place for each country

You can also read guidance on making an exception request to adopt a child from a restricted country.

Updates to this page

Published 10 March 2014
Last updated 3 April 2023 + show all updates
  1. 'Adoptions: restricted list' has been updated to address an additional concern regarding adoptions from Nigeria.

  2. Updated restricted list document to include information about Nigeria. Added link to guidance on making an exception request.

  3. Updated 'Adoptions: restricted list'.

  4. First published.

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