Canada flags Nigeria, 16 African Nations in new high-risk travel advisory

The Canadian government has released a major update to its global travel advisories, cautioning its citizens against visiting 17 African countries due to rising insecurity, political tension and escalating extremist activities.

According to information obtained by Naija News, the revised warnings issued between November 13 and 15, 2025 were part of a wider review covering 34 countries, as confirmed by Global Affairs Canada.

Officials said the changes reflect growing armed conflicts, unstable political transitions and increasingly unpredictable security situations across various African regions.

Countries Under “Avoid All Travel”

Canada placed eight nations on its highest-risk list, citing active insurgencies, militant violence and collapsing political structures. These countries include:

1. South Sudan

2. Burkina Faso

3. Central African Republic

4. Libya

5. Mali

6. Niger

7. Somalia

8. Sudan

Countries Under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel”

Nine additional countries were flagged due to persistent unrest, communal clashes or volatile political environments:

9. Madagascar

10. Ethiopia

11. Burundi

12. Chad

13. Democratic Republic of Congo

14. Eritrea

15. Mauritania

16. Nigeria

17. Tanzania

Canada highlighted several key factors prompting the stricter advisories: expanding extremist activities across the Sahel and Horn of Africa, recurring coups, deepening communal violence, widespread protests and weakened state institutions.

Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso remain heavily affected by extremist groups with significant territorial control. Nigeria and Ethiopia were also noted for sustained political tension and frequent outbreaks of communal or sectarian violence.

For countries listed as “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” Canadians were urged to reconsider the purpose of their trips and stay updated on local conditions.

For those under “Avoid All Travel,” the government warned that travellers could face severe danger, minimal consular assistance and challenges evacuating during emergencies.