Canada is urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mozambique, Egypt and Morocco as security threats, border restrictions and changing entry procedures complicate African tourism.
The official advisories do not represent blanket tourism bans. Major destinations remain accessible, while the strongest warnings apply to specific provinces, desert regions and border zones.
Travellers must examine the advice for their complete itinerary. Conditions can vary significantly between popular tourism centres and remote high-risk areas within the same country.
Mozambique also requires eligible visa-exempt visitors to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization at least 48 hours before departure. This requirement adds an important preparation step for Canadian tourists planning coastal, wildlife or business travel.
Mozambique combines entry changes with security risks
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mozambique because of crime, demonstrations, terrorism, kidnapping and the possibility of violence spreading into additional areas.
The country remains an important Indian Ocean destination. Maputo, Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago support beach holidays, diving, marine tourism and resort stays.
However, northern Mozambique presents much higher risks. Canada advises avoiding all travel to Cabo Delgado Province, except Pemba, because of terrorist activity and continuing security operations.
The Erati and Memba districts of Nampula Province are also subject to the highest warning. Meanwhile, travellers should avoid non-essential journeys to Pemba and the Marrupa and Mecula districts of Niassa Province.
Security conditions can change rapidly. Attacks, roadblocks and limited emergency assistance can make remote travel particularly dangerous.
These restrictions do not apply equally to every coastal destination. Nevertheless, tourists should review routes carefully, especially when journeys involve northern provinces or long-distance road travel.
Visa exemption still requires advance action
Eligible Canadian tourists and business visitors can enter Mozambique without a conventional visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, visa exemption does not mean document-free travel.
Visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization at least 48 hours before departure. They must also present a passport valid for six months beyond their expected departure date, containing at least two blank pages.
Authorities can request proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket, except when the traveller arrives by land. A fee is also payable, and visitors should retain the receipt issued upon arrival.
Visa-free travel is limited to 90 days within one year. Different requirements apply to work, study, residency and private visits.
Tourists experiencing technical difficulties with the electronic system should retain evidence of the problem and contact the appropriate Mozambican diplomatic authority before travelling.
Egypt’s tourism centres remain operational
Canada advises a high degree of caution across Egypt because of regional tensions, an unpredictable security environment and terrorism threats.
The warning does not close Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the country’s major Red Sea tourism centres. Archaeological attractions, Nile cruises and resort operations continue, subject to local conditions and security controls.
However, Canada advises against all travel to northern Sinai because of terrorist activity and ongoing military operations. This warning includes North Sinai Governorate and designated areas east of the Suez Canal.
Travellers should also avoid the Western Desert west of the Giza–Luxor–Aswan–Abu Simbel road and locations within 50 kilometres of the Libyan border. Limited exceptions carry a lower but still elevated warning.
The northern part of South Sinai is subject to an avoid-non-essential-travel advisory, with specified roads and towns excluded from that higher restriction.
Visitors should avoid demonstrations, remain alert in crowded places and follow instructions from Egyptian authorities, hotels and licensed guides.
Morocco warning focuses on remote regions
Canada also advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco because of the threat of terrorism.
Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez and established Atlantic tourism areas are not covered by the country’s strongest regional warnings. However, visitors must remain alert around attractions, markets, hotels and transportation hubs.
Canada advises avoiding all travel within 30 kilometres west of the Western Sahara’s militarised Berm. Travellers must also avoid territory between the Berm and neighbouring countries on its eastern and southern sides.
Non-essential travel to the wider Western Sahara region should be avoided because of terrorism risks and unexploded landmines. Canadian consular assistance can be extremely limited there.
The area within 20 kilometres of Morocco’s border with Algeria carries an avoid-all-travel warning. The land border is closed, and tourists should not attempt to cross it by road, water or nearby maritime routes.
Petty theft, scams and payment-card fraud also occur in medinas, markets, parks and beaches. Visitors should secure passports, avoid displaying valuables and use well-located cash machines.
Tourism opportunity meets greater responsibility
Mozambique, Egypt and Morocco remain distinct tourism markets with active visitor economies. The Canadian advisories do not state that airlines, hotels or attractions have stopped operating nationwide.
Instead, they show why country-level warning labels must be read alongside regional restrictions. A journey to an established resort can carry a very different risk from an expedition into a border zone.
Travellers should confirm entry rules, avoid restricted regions, use reputable operators and carry insurance covering their destination and planned activities. They should also register travel details, maintain emergency contacts and monitor official updates throughout the trip.
Africa’s tourism opportunities remain substantial, but responsible planning is becoming increasingly important. Accurate route selection, proper documentation and respect for regional warnings can help visitors protect themselves without treating entire countries as closed destinations.
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