Travel Advisories in Africa, Requirements, Safety, Warnings
For specific “Africa travel advisories,” consult your country’s foreign travel advice website, as advisories vary by country and are subject to frequent updates. Key concerns include terrorism, health risks like polio, chikungunya, and mpox outbreaks, as well as high rates of road accidents and petty crime in many areas. Thoroughly researching your specific destination, obtaining appropriate travel insurance, and staying informed through official channels are crucial steps before traveling to Africa.
For Africa-wide travel advice, you must check individual country advisories, as risks vary greatly. However, common themes for many countries include increased caution due to terrorism, crime, and political unrest. Health risks such as malaria, yellow fever, and the recent Mpox outbreak require specific precautions and potential vaccinations. Travelers should enroll in their government’s traveler enrollment program (like STEP for the U.S.), purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and research specific health and safety measures for their destinations.
Levels of Travel Advisories in Africa
- Level 4: Do Not Travel: Countries with a Level 4 advisory include Burkina Faso and Central African Republic due to extreme risks like terrorism, armed conflict, and kidnapping.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel: This level applies to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria, which face significant threats from crime, terrorism, and/or civil unrest.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: Many countries fall into this category, including South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana, which have specific risks like violent crime, terrorism, or civil unrest.
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: Some countries, like Algeria, have a Level 2 advisory, while others, like Zambia, have a lower risk level and advise normal precautions.
Common risks and concerns
- Crime: High levels of crime, including violent crime, are a major concern in many countries, particularly in urban areas of South Africa, Botswana, and Ghana. This includes carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks.
- Terrorism: The risk of terrorist attacks is a concern in countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and Tanzania. Some areas have an increased risk of terrorist activity, and some advisories recommend avoiding specific border regions, like the Kenya-Somalia border.
- Kidnapping: Kidnapping is a threat in several countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, and in specific border regions of Kenya.
- Civil unrest: Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently in some countries, potentially leading to violence.
- Other health risks: There are health risks such as Rift Valley Fever in Mauritania and Senegal and outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria.
Travel Advice By Destination
Our Travel Advice assists you in making educated decisions when planning an international journey and provides an impartial evaluation of the potential dangers you may encounter.
1. Uganda Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for Uganda, like the U.S. State Department’s “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, recommend reconsidering travel due to serious risks including violent crime, terrorism, and laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation. Other governments advise a high degree of caution due to terrorism threats, high crime rates, and potential civil unrest, particularly near the borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors should exercise caution, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
2. Rwanda Travel Advisory
Travel to Rwanda requires exercising increased caution, especially near border areas due to security risks from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory, advising against travel to the Rusizi and Rubavu districts within 10 km of the DRC border, and within the same distance of Volcanoes National Park. Common risks include petty theft, and drivers should be wary of poor lighting and avoid driving at night.
3. Kenya Travel Advisory
Travel to Kenya requires exercising increased caution due to risks of terrorism, crime, and civil unrest. Specific advisories include avoiding border regions with Somalia, parts of the coast like Lamu and Kilifi, and certain neighborhoods in Nairobi. Travelers should also be aware of health concerns like malaria and follow advice for safe transportation and general awareness in crowded areas.
4. Tanzania Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State has escalated the travel advisory for Tanzania to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, underlining major concerns regarding unrest, crime, and terrorism, which could hinder the security of tourists and residents alike.
According to an update issued on 7 November 2025, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to any part of Tanzania, except within 20 kilometres of the border with Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, where caution is still advised due to security concerns in the neighbouring region
5. Congo Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Congo highlight significant safety risks, with many countries advising against all travel to the DRC due to conflict, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Specific areas like the North and South Kivu provinces in the DRC are at Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”), and other regions have lower-level advisories. For the Republic of Congo, advisories focus on risks near the Central African Republic border and general crime.
6. Namibia Travel Advisory
Travel to Namibia involves exercising increased caution due to crime and health risks. Potential hazards include muggings and car break-ins in urban areas, and a high risk of malaria in the northern regions like the Caprivi Strip, Kavango, and Kunene river regions. It’s crucial to take precautions such as not displaying valuables, avoiding walking alone at night, and consulting a doctor about malaria prevention.
7. Zanzibar Travel Advisory
Mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation is now required for all visitors to Zanzibar, effective October 1, 2024. Be aware of potential health checks for mpox, and take precautions against crime by avoiding large crowds and demonstrations, especially in Stone Town. It is also recommended to take health precautions like avoiding mosquito bites, drinking bottled water, and using reputable transport, according to GOV.UK and the CDC.
8. Burundi Travel Advisory
Travel to Burundi is subject to significant risks due to high crime rates, political instability, and health concerns like a cholera outbreak. Travelers should be aware of the high risk of crime, including armed robbery, and take precautions like avoiding travel after dark and staying in secure hotels. Political tensions and the risk of armed group attacks in border areas are also serious concerns. Health risks include cholera and the Zika virus, requiring strict precautions.
9. Seychelles Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for Seychelles include completing a digital travel authorization before arrival, taking precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue Fever and Zika, staying aware of your surroundings to prevent petty crime, and being cautious during sea travel. It’s also advised to have comprehensive travel insurance and to know emergency numbers.
10. South Africa Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for South Africa highlight risks of violent crime like armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings, particularly in major cities. Other concerns include frequent protests that can become violent, the need for caution at ATMs and when driving at night, and avoiding public displays of wealth. It is essential to stay informed about local news, take sensible precautions, avoid isolated areas, and not display valuables.
11. Zambia Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for Zambia focus on health risks such as malaria, Zika, and rabies, and safety concerns like crime and the border with the DRC. Key recommendations include getting vaccinated for yellow fever and rabies, taking antimalarial medication, and avoiding mosquito bites. Travelers should also be aware of local laws and cultural norms, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, and use caution in rural border areas.
12. Botswana Travel Advisory
Travel advisories for Botswana focus on health risks like malaria and water-borne diseases, petty crime in larger towns, and the need for preparation for remote areas. Visitors should consult a travel clinic for necessary vaccinations and malaria preventatives, avoid swimming in fresh water, and take precautions against mosquito bites. Be aware of petty crime and secure valuables, and carry a first-aid kit and bottled water, especially when venturing into remote areas.
13. Namibia Travel Advisory
Namibia has a Level 2 travel advisory, recommending that travelers “Exercise Increased Caution” due to potentially violent crimes like carjacking and home invasions, though tourist areas are generally safe. Health concerns include a high risk of malaria in specific northern regions, so antimalarial medication may be required, and visitors should also be cautious about swimming in fresh water to avoid schistosomiasis.
Africa Travel Advisories Recommendations
- Check official advisories: Always check the latest travel advisories from your country’s government before traveling.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be alert to your surroundings, especially in urban areas and crowded places.
- Take precautions: Take basic security precautions such as not displaying wealth, avoiding travel at night, and using reputable transportation.
- Stay informed: Monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.
