Travel Warning: Canada Lists Nigeria Among High-Risk Destinations

The Canadian government has issued one of its most extensive travel risk advisories in recent years, cautioning its citizens against travelling to 17 African countries due to escalating insecurity, political instability, and extremist violence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Global Affairs Canada, the advisories—released between November 13 and 15, 2025—were part of a wider global reassessment that covered 34 countries.

Canadian officials explained that the updated warnings were prompted by deteriorating armed conflicts, fragile political transitions, and increasingly unpredictable security conditions across several parts of Africa.

Eight African countries were placed in the “Avoid All Travel” category as a result of active insurgencies, militant operations, and breakdowns in political order. These countries include:

1. South Sudan

2. Burkina Faso

3. Central African Republic

4. Libya

5. Mali

6. Niger

7. Somalia

8. Sudan

Another nine nations were listed under “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” accompanied by region-specific cautions tied to unrest, communal clashes, or volatile political environments:

9. Madagascar

10. Ethiopia

11. Burundi

12. Chad

13. Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)

14. Eritrea

15. Mauritania

16. Nigeria

17. Tanzania

Canada attributed the updated risk levels to several factors, including the expansion of extremist groups in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, military coups and unsettled transitions, communal conflicts and mass protests, cross-border criminal activity, and weakened state institutions.

Countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remain heavily affected by violent extremist organisations that retain significant territorial control.

Nigeria and Ethiopia were flagged for persistent political tensions, recurring demonstrations, and frequent outbreaks of communal or sectarian violence.

For countries under the “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” category, Canadians were advised to reassess the necessity of their trips and remain alert to rapidly changing local conditions.

For destinations listed under “Avoid All Travel,” the government warned that travellers could encounter severe security threats, limited consular assistance, and significant challenges in obtaining safe evacuation during emergencies.