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.
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.- Kenya issued July, 2009. 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.
- Chad issued June, 2009. Americans are advised to avoid all travel to the East of the country, avoid travel after dusk and always travel in groups.
- Burundi issued July, 2009. 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 August, 2009. All foreign nationals need special permits to travel outside the capital Asmara. Avoid the border areas between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
- Somalia issued November, 2008. 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 August, 2009. Americans are urged not to travel anywhere outside of the capital Bangui. The situation is volatile throughout the country.
- Cote D'Ivoire issued December, 2008. The US government warns of a potentially volatile political situation as well as a high incidence of violent car-jackings, muggings and robberies.
- Nigeria issued July, 2009. 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 March, 2009. 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 April, 2009. while Sudan's civil war is officially over, regions like Darfur and the east of Sudan are still extremely dangerous. Restrictions on travel outside the capital Khartoum are in place for many foreigners.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo issued September, 2009. 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 August, 2009. 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. Westerners have been kidnapped and the month of Ramadan can sometimes heighten this type of activity.
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. At the time of writing, travel alerts had been issued for:Mauritania -- issued September 1, 2009 (expires November 30, 2009). Fears of terrorist attacks (by local Al Qaeda linked group) aimed at foreigners during the month of Ramadan.
Gabon -- issued August, 2009 (expires Sept 15, but likely to be extended). Unrest during election time especially in the capital Libreville.
Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania -- August, 2009 (expires December, 2009). Unrest likely due to registration of voters for an upcoming election in 2010.
