The Canadian government has issued one of its most extensive travel advisories in recent years, warning citizens to avoid travel to 17 African countries due to escalating insecurity, political instability, and extremist violence.
The advisories, released between November 13 and 15, 2025, formed part of a broader reassessment covering 34 countries globally, according to Global Affairs Canada.
Canadian authorities said the revised advisories were informed by worsening armed conflicts, fragile political transitions, and unpredictable security conditions across several regions in Africa.
Eight African nations were placed in the “Avoid All Travel” category due to active insurgencies, militant attacks, and breakdown of political order. They are:
1. South Sudan
2. Burkina Faso
3. Central African Republic
4. Libya
5. Mali
6. Niger
7. Somalia
8. Sudan
Nine others were listed under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” with additional regional warnings due to ongoing unrest, communal violence, or volatile political climates:
9. Madagascar
10. Ethiopia
11. Burundi
12. Chad
13. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
14. Eritrea
15. Mauritania
16. Nigeria
17. Tanzania
Canada cited multiple triggers, including: Expanding extremist networks in the Sahel and Horn of Africa; Military coups and unstable transitions; Communal clashes and mass protests; Cross-border criminal activity; Weak governance and fragile state control.
Countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso continue to grapple with violent extremist groups holding significant territorial influence.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Ethiopia were flagged for widespread political tension, recurring protests, and frequent episodes of communal or sectarian violence.
For countries listed under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” Canadians were advised to carefully evaluate the purpose of their trips and monitor local developments closely.
For the “Avoid All Travel” category, the government warned that citizens may face extreme risks, limited access to consular support, and difficulty securing safe evacuation in the event of crisis.
