Canada conducted one of its most extensive reassessments of security risks in Africa between November 13 and 15, 2025, covering 17 countries across the continent. During this three-day review, Global Affairs Canada reaffirmed high-risk advisories for 34 countries worldwide, citing escalating instability, fragile governance, and rising cross-border security threats. This move aligns with a broader global trend among Western nations to tighten mobility, security, and immigration policies in response to evolving geopolitical risks. It also mirrors the hard-line approach of the United States under President Donald Trump, whose administration emphasized stricter border controls and enhanced monitoring of high-risk travel routes.

According to Canadian authorities, the expanded advisories respond to a combination of armed conflict, extremist violence, unstable political transitions, and rapidly changing local conditions that pose significant dangers to travelers. Several nations, including Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, continue to face active insurgencies and fragmented territorial control. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Nigeria are experiencing volatile political climates, widespread mass protests, and frequent outbreaks of communal violence.

The advisories categorize countries into two distinct levels of risk. The first, 'Avoid non-essential travel,' urges travelers to carefully evaluate the necessity of their trip, whether for business, family, or personal reasons. Those already in such regions are advised to assess the importance of their stay and consider leaving if conditions deteriorate. The second, 'Avoid all travel,' strongly discourages any travel due to extreme risks to personal safety. Residents and foreign nationals in these highly dangerous areas are encouraged to make safe departure arrangements whenever feasible.

Specifically, the African countries on Canada's 'Avoid All Travel' advisory list include South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Sudan. For the 'Avoid Non-Essential Travel' category, often accompanied by regional advisories, the list comprises Madagascar, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Eritrea, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Tanzania.