Links to Canadian, UK and Australian government warnings are listed below. These are often a little more detailed and include more countries than the US warnings, so I'd advise all travelers to read them as well.
Elections often cause violence to erupt, both prior to election day (during rallies) and after the results come out. See IFES's election guide for upcoming elections in African countries.
Find out what to do if a Travel Advisory is issued after you have paid for your trip, or are already at your destination in Africa.
Current US Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa
Travel warnings are current despite some being issued months ago. While I update as often as possible, please check directly with the State Dept for the latest news.- Libya issued September, 2011. The United States warns U.S. citizens against travel to Libya and recommends that U.S. citizens in Libya depart immediately. The United States advised the Government of Libya that it has suspended all embassy operations effective February 25, 2011, given ongoing violence and a deteriorating security situation.
- Kenya issued April, 2012. Political unrest has all but vanished, but the US State Department still retains a travel warning for visitors to Kenya in the light of the high incidence of violent crime and possible threat from terrorists. For the most up to date information see the US Embassy web site based in Nairobi. Travelers should avoid the Kenya/Somali border as well as portions of the Lamu district.
- Chad issued March, 2012. Americans are advised to avoid all travel to the East of the country, avoid travel after dusk and always travel in groups.
- Burundi issued April, 2012. Americans are advised to take extreme care if traveling to Burundi because of the risk of sudden outbreaks of armed violence, acts of banditry, and cross-border incursion by rebel groups.
- Eritrea issued April, 2012. All foreign nationals need special permits to travel outside the capital Asmara. The US urges visitors not to go to Eritrea. Avoid the border areas between Eritrea and Ethiopia as well as the border with Djibouti.
- Somalia issued August, 2011. The travel warnings extends to all US citizens traveling to Somaliland as well as Somalia. Inter-clan and inter-factional fighting can flare up with little warning, and kidnapping, murder, and other threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur unpredictably in many regions.
- Central African Republic(CAR) issued in Jan, 2012. Americans are urged not to travel anywhere outside of the capital Bangui. The situation is volatile throughout the country.
- Cote D'Ivoire issued April 2012. While the unstable political situation following the contested November 28, 2010 presidential elections has improved, there is still chance for spontaneous unrest. Crimes, such as muggings, robbery, burglary, and carjacking, pose risks for foreign visitors in Abidjan and around the country.
- Nigeria issued February, 2012. This travel warning is mainly for the Niger Delta region of the country although the US considers the high level of crime throughout Nigeria reason enough to warn its citizens against travel there.
- Algeria issued May, 2012. Terrorist attacks have increased again in Algeria and the US Government urges tourists to use reputable hotels and tour companies if they still choose to go.
- Sudan issued Jan, 2012. Many areas of Sudan are still extremely dangerous and all US citizens are strongly advised to defer any travel to the country, even the capital, Khartoum.
- Republic of South Sudan issued Jan, 2012. Africa's newest nation and the US State Dept. urges its citizens to avoid all travel to the states in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo issued January, 2012. Random violence and lots of soldiers that still need to be de-mobilized, makes the Congo an unsafe country to visit. Recent violence in Eastern Congo makes this area entirely off-limits to all travelers. The crime rate in Kinshasa is extremely high.
- Mali issued April, 2012. Continued activity by the local Al-Qaeda linked group in the country means it's not a good idea to travel around Mali right now, particularly in the north of the country.
- Mauritania issued October, 2011. Fears of terrorist attacks (by local Al Qaeda linked group) aimed at foreigners in several parts of the country.
- Guinea issued November 2011. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Guinea as the political situation there remains unpredictable.
- Niger issued April, 2012. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Niger and recommends against all travel to the north of the country.
Travel Warning Lists from other Governments
- Travel Warnings for UK Citizens
- Travel Warnings for Canadian Citizens
- Travel Warnings for Australian Citizens
Travel Alerts
Travel Alerts are issued for more short-term unrest in specific countries. Current travel alerts issued by the US State Dept. can be found here. Travel alerts had been issued for:Egypt -- March, 2012 travel alert for all visitors to Egypt. Egypt will hold the first round of presidential elections May 23-24, 2012, and if needed, a second round June 16-17, 2012. The new president is scheduled to take office no later than June 30, 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are likely to occur in the period leading up to and following the elections and during the drafting of a new constitution. The security situation in Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts, including Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm.
Tunisia -- (expires April, 2012). Unrest has diminished and public order has returned in many areas, including the developed tourist zones; however, spontaneous and unpredictable events, such as work stoppages and demonstrations, can occur.
