Norway has introduced new travel advisories for Benin and Togo and also reduced the travel advisories for Burundi and Tunisia.

In a statement issued yesterday, Norway’s Foreign Ministry said that last year violent extremism, political unrest, and crime had increased in the neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria, which also negatively affected the security situation in Benin and Togo, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

As for Benin, Norway advised against any travel or staying in national parks such as Pendjari and Parc du W in the northern parts of the country, as well as in the border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger.

The same has been advised not to travel or stay in the border areas with Nigeria in the districts of Alibori and Borgou in the northeast only if absolutely necessary.

Regarding Togo, the Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid travel or stay in the border areas with Burkina Faso.

Speaking about the situation in Burundi and Tunisia, the Ministry emphasised that now the situation in these two countries has improved, and the security situation is better, and accordingly, Norway has decided to lower the travel advisories.

So far, the Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Burundi, while the new travel advice for Burundi includes not travelling to Burundi that is not strictly necessary.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to the areas in the south, which lie along a line south of Tozeur, Douz, Ksar Ghilane, Tatouine, and Zarzis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advises against all travel to the border areas with Algeria south of the city of Jendouba, and especially the mountainous areas near the city of Al Aioun and the province of Kasserine,” Ministry explains, addressing the new travel advisories for Tunisia.

At the end of September, the foreign ministry also advised its citizens against any travel to Iran that is not strictly necessary due to the nationwide demonstrations, the reactions of the authorities, and the deterioration of the latter’s security situation.

Given the deteriorating security situation in Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan, Norway issued travel advisories for some parts of Armenia too.

Moreover, as the ministry explains, official travel advisories are based on the security situation in a country or area at a given time. It also emphasizes that this is a recommendation, not a ban or restriction. In addition, the need for travel advisories is regularly assessed.

AE News