The Canadian government has issued one of its most extensive travel advisories in recent years, urging citizens to avoid travel to 17 African nations due to escalating insecurity, political instability, and extremist violence.
Released between November 13 and 15, 2025, the advisories form part of a global reassessment covering 34 countries, according to Global Affairs Canada. Authorities cited worsening armed conflicts, fragile political transitions, and unpredictable security conditions across several African regions.
Eight countries were placed in the “Avoid All Travel” category due to active insurgencies, militant attacks, and breakdowns of political order:
- South Sudan
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Somalia
- Sudan
Nine countries were classified under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” because of ongoing unrest, communal violence, or volatile political climates:
- Madagascar
- Ethiopia
- Burundi
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
- Eritrea
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
The government cited multiple factors prompting the advisories, including:
- Expanding extremist networks in the Sahel and Horn of Africa
- Military coups and unstable political 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 face threats from violent extremist groups with significant territorial control. Nigeria and Ethiopia were flagged for widespread political tension, recurring protests, and communal or sectarian violence.
For countries in the “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” category, Canadians are urged to carefully assess the purpose of their trips and closely monitor local developments.
For those in the “Avoid All Travel” category, authorities warned of extreme risks, limited access to consular support, and difficulties securing safe evacuation in the event of a crisis.