Canada flags Nigeria And 16 Other 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 in Africa.

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.

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 countries.

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.

Avoid all travel:

1. South Sudan
2. Burkina Faso
3. Central African Republic
4. Libya
5. Mali
6. Niger
7. Somalia
8. Sudan

Avoid Non-Essential Travel (with regional advisories):
9. Madagascar
10. Ethiopia
11. Burundi
12. Chad
13. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
14. Eritrea
15. Mauritania
16. Nigeria
17. Tanzania