Home » Latest Travel News » Somalia Joins Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and 22 Other Countries as Canada Issues New Travel Advisory Due to Rising Security Risks Amid Visa Backlogs, Escalating Demonstrations and More: All You Need to Know
Published on
January 14, 2026
In 2025, Somalia joined Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and 22 other countries as Canada issued a new travel advisory due to rising security risks. This includes ongoing visa backlogs, escalating demonstrations, and increasing instability. The Canadian government has highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict across these regions, urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel. With limited consular support and a deteriorating security situation, these countries have become high-risk destinations for Canadians, prompting the government to issue stern warnings. As tensions rise, the advisories emphasize the need for travelers to reconsider their plans and take necessary precautions in light of the rapidly evolving situation.
Somalia: Navigating the Danger Zones
Canada has issued a stern warning for travelers heading to Somalia, advising against all travel due to ongoing instability and widespread violence. The advisory highlights persistent armed conflict, the presence of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, and the constant threat of terrorist attacks across the country. The security situation remains volatile, particularly in regions outside the capital, Mogadishu, where armed clashes and kidnappings are frequent. The ability of Canadian consular officials to offer assistance is extremely limited, which further complicates the safety of Canadian citizens in Somalia.
Additionally, infrastructure is underdeveloped, and essential services like healthcare and transportation are either insufficient or unreliable. Travelers are urged to reconsider any plans to visit Somalia and to avoid any non-essential travel. With limited flight options and heightened risk, Canadians are strongly advised to avoid the country altogether until conditions improve. Those currently in Somalia should depart as soon as it is safe to do so, as the deteriorating conditions could severely affect exit options, especially as the situation continues to evolve.
Sudan: A Nation in Crisis
Canada’s travel advisory for Sudan is equally severe, urging citizens to avoid all travel due to the ongoing security crisis. The country has been embroiled in civil unrest and conflict, particularly following the overthrow of its longtime dictator in 2019. Tensions between military factions have escalated into armed clashes, and protests against the government have further destabilized the region.
Canada’s advisory highlights the significant risks of violent crime, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention. In addition, basic services such as access to clean water, food, and healthcare are severely lacking, making it a challenging and dangerous destination for travelers. Consular assistance is also extremely limited, which means Canadians in Sudan may find it difficult to receive help in an emergency. Given the unpredictable and unsafe environment, those planning to visit Sudan should reconsider their travel plans and explore safer destinations. For Canadians currently in Sudan, it is highly advised to leave the country by commercial means if possible.
Ethiopia: An Unsettling Travel Risk
Ethiopia, once a popular travel destination for those looking to explore its rich history and culture, is now on Canada’s “Avoid All Travel” list due to increasing security concerns. The country is experiencing political instability and conflict, particularly in the northern Tigray region, where fighting has led to widespread displacement, humanitarian crises, and increasing violence.
Canada’s advisory emphasizes that while the capital, Addis Ababa, remains relatively stable, the situation in other areas is precarious. Armed conflict, ethnic violence, and the ongoing threat of terrorism have made it difficult to guarantee the safety of travelers. Additionally, the risk of arbitrary detention and limited consular support only adds to the challenges of traveling there. Travelers are urged to avoid non-essential travel and reconsider any trips to Ethiopia. With the situation continuing to unfold, those currently in the country are advised to make arrangements to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.
Democratic Republic of Congo: A Country Plagued by Uncertainty
Canada’s advisory for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a stark warning, urging Canadians to avoid all travel due to the ongoing instability and security risks in the country. The DRC has faced long-standing issues with armed conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, where rebel groups and militias regularly clash with government forces. These regions are also known for violent crime, including kidnappings and armed robberies, which further endanger the lives of foreign nationals.
Additionally, the DRC has poor infrastructure, and many areas are difficult to access, especially outside of major cities like Kinshasa. This lack of infrastructure, combined with the region’s poor health and security services, makes it extremely challenging for Canadians to receive support should something go wrong. Given these risks, travelers are strongly discouraged from visiting the DRC, and those already in the country should consider leaving by commercial means when it is safe to do so. The unpredictable environment could lead to sudden changes in security, making the situation even more dangerous for visitors.
Mali: Unsettled, Unsafe, and Unpredictable
Canada has issued a severe warning against traveling to Mali, one of West Africa’s most troubled nations. The country remains embroiled in ongoing armed conflict, with Islamist militant groups controlling significant portions of the northern and central regions. These groups frequently target both military and civilian populations, posing a significant risk to anyone in the country. The presence of landmines, the high risk of kidnapping, and frequent terrorist attacks further contribute to the dangers of traveling there.
In addition to these security risks, the situation in Mali is compounded by political instability and civil unrest. The government has been unable to effectively control many areas of the country, leaving citizens and visitors vulnerable to violence. Canadian consular support is extremely limited, and the country’s infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, further hindering the safety of foreign nationals. With the security situation unlikely to improve in the near future, Canadians are strongly urged to avoid all travel to Mali and to leave the country if they are already there.
Burkina Faso: High Risk in an Unstable Region
Burkina Faso, located in the heart of West Africa, has been experiencing escalating violence and instability, earning it a spot on Canada’s “Avoid All Travel” list. The country is currently grappling with a growing insurgency, as Islamist militant groups have taken control of large areas in the north and east, where they engage in frequent attacks on both civilian and military targets. The widespread violence, combined with a lack of security and government control in many regions, has made Burkina Faso one of the most dangerous destinations in Africa for travelers.
Canada’s travel advisory underscores the risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed attacks. As security deteriorates, access to basic services such as healthcare, transportation, and food supplies has become increasingly limited. While some parts of the capital, Ouagadougou, remain relatively stable, the overall situation is unpredictable, and Canadians are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel. Those currently in Burkina Faso should leave as soon as it is safe to do so, as the country’s instability makes it difficult to predict what could happen next.
Canada’s Updated Travel Advisory: Countries with Severe Warnings
Canada has updated its international travel advisory, marking several countries with the highest-level warning due to ongoing conflicts, civil unrest, and safety risks for travelers. These advisories highlight areas with political instability, violent crime, and limited consular support. Below is a summary of the most affected countries, along with the reasons for the severe travel advisories.
Iran: Ongoing demonstrations, regional tensions, high risk of arbitrary detention, unpredictable enforcement of laws, limited consular support.Venezuela: Heightened security risks, political instability, violent crime, arbitrary detention, and deteriorating basic services like food and water.Central African Republic: Persistent insecurity, frequent military operations, and armed group violence. Stability in the capital is temporary, conditions can change quickly.South Sudan: Security instability, armed conflict, inter-ethnic violence, widespread crime. Travelers urged to leave by commercial means if safe.Yemen: Armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and regional tensions. Canadians advised to leave if safe due to deteriorating security conditions.Afghanistan: Extreme danger from terrorism, armed conflict, and the risk of violence. Limited consular support and difficulty in exit options.Belarus: Political instability, civil unrest, and risk of arbitrary detention. Travel should be avoided due to unpredictable security risks.Iraq: Armed conflict, terrorism, and violent crime. Restricted consular support, and regions outside Baghdad can be particularly dangerous.Libya: Armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, and violent crime. Travel is strongly discouraged due to severe security risks.Myanmar: Political instability, ongoing conflict, civil unrest, and widespread violent crime. Consular support is limited, and travel is unsafe.Niger: Risk of terrorism and violent crime, particularly in the border regions. Travel is strongly advised against due to high security risks.North Korea: Totalitarian regime, unpredictable enforcement of laws, and extreme restrictions on travel. Canadian consular support is extremely limited.Russia: Armed conflict, international sanctions, and political instability. Travelers face the risk of arbitrary detention and limited consular support.Syria: Ongoing armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, and widespread violence. Consular support is almost non-existent, and security is poor.Ukraine: Ongoing conflict, including armed aggression and territorial disputes. Security risks are high, especially in conflict zones in the east.Haiti: Widespread violence, civil unrest, and deteriorating security conditions. Travel is highly discouraged due to political instability and crime.Nepal: Moderate security risks due to political unrest, natural disasters, and infrastructure challenges. Non-essential travel should be avoided.Eritrea: Limited infrastructure and ongoing political repression. Risk of arbitrary detention and civil unrest in certain areas.Lebanon: Political instability, risk of terrorism, and occasional armed clashes. Exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to volatile areas.Mauritania: Risk of terrorism and violent crime. Travelers should exercise caution in the desert regions and avoid remote areas.Nigeria: Risk of terrorism, armed attacks, and violent crime, particularly in the northeast and border regions. Exercise high caution.Papua New Guinea: High risk of violent crime, particularly in urban areas. Limited infrastructure and health services make travel difficult.
In 2025, Somalia joined Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and 22 other countries as Canada issued a new travel advisory due to rising security risks, visa backlogs, escalating demonstrations, and ongoing instability.
Conclusion
Somalia’s inclusion alongside Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, and 22 other countries in Canada’s new travel advisory underscores the escalating security risks faced by travelers in these regions. Rising visa backlogs, escalating demonstrations, and ongoing instability have made these countries increasingly dangerous for Canadians. The travel advisories highlight the severe challenges posed by terrorism, civil unrest, and limited consular support, urging citizens to reconsider any non-essential travel to these high-risk destinations. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for travelers to remain informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
