Full list: Canada flags 17 African countries as high-risk in new travel advisory

Canada’s latest high-risk travel advisories, issued between November 13 and 15, 2025, represent one of its most extensive reassessments of security risks in Africa, covering 17 countries on the continent.

Over the three-day period, Global Affairs Canada issued or reaffirmed high-risk advisories for 34 countries worldwide, citing escalating instability, fragile governance, and rising cross-border security threats.

The update aligns with a broader international trend of tightened mobility, security, and immigration policies, particularly among Western nations.

The move mirrors the increasingly hard-line posture of the United States under President Donald Trump, whose administration has emphasized stricter border controls and enhanced scrutiny of high-risk travel routes.

Canada says the expanded advisories reflect a mix of armed conflict, extremist violence, unstable political transitions, and rapidly changing conditions that make travel dangerous in some areas.

Countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso continue to face active insurgencies and fragmented territorial control. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Nigeria grapple with volatile political dynamics, mass protests, and localized communal violence.

The advisories classify countries under two categories:

Avoid non-essential travel – Travelers should carefully weigh the necessity of travel for business, family, or personal reasons. Those already in the country should assess whether their presence is essential and consider leaving when safe.

Avoid all travel – Travel is strongly discouraged due to extreme risks to personal safety and security. Residents are advised to make safe departure arrangements if feasible.

African Countries on Canada’s Latest Travel Advisory

Avoid All Travel:

South Sudan

Burkina Faso

Central African Republic

Libya

Mali

Niger

Somalia

Sudan

Avoid Non-Essential Travel (with regional advisories):

9. Madagascar