Political upheaval, war, disease, violence and natural disasters, situations in Africa can change quickly. It is difficult to know from one day to the next whether a place is safe. This is the latest, if sometimes over-cautious, information from BBC2 Ceefax.

In most African countries it is advisable not to venture out after dark or into isolated areas. Security is a problem so use common sense with belongings to prevent muggings. Contact the Foreign Office or turn to BBC2 Ceefax for information before you head off.

Algeria: Islamic guerillas are continuing their campaign against civilians and Western visitors. 100 foreign visitors have been killed since September 1993. Further attacks on Westerners are predicted.

Angola: Travel is unadvisable unless on business. Exercise extreme caution in Luanda, particularly at night.

Benin: Muggings in the commercial capital of Cotonou.

Botswana: Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in Gabone, the capital city. Vehicle travel outside large towns may be dangerous.

Burkina Faso: In the extreme north some overspill from Tuareg conflicts affecting Mali & Niger. Criminals are active. Be careful after dark.

Burundi: Due to a coup on July 25, 1996 visitors are strongly advised not to go.

Cameroon: Increase in violent crimes such as car hijacks and muggings particularly in Younde and Douala. If travelling between the Maroua and Chadian border seek advise from local police and be prepared for a military escort.

Central Africa Republic: Avoid the Chad and Sudan borders, reports of bandits on the roads.

Chad: Incidents involving members of the armed forces.

Congo: Don’t travel out of town after dark.

Cote D’Ivoire: Abidjan, muggings high on the bridges, avoid crossing on foot.

Egypt: Extremists in violent campaign against government policies. Tourists are targets.

Eritrea: Street crime on the increase particularly in Asmara.

Ethiopia: Visit recognised tourist areas and avoid all border areas except between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Do not photograph any military establishments.

Equatorial Guinea: Calm since presidential election in February, 1996. Caution should be taken after dark and demonstrations should be avoided.

Gabon: Although the political situation is calm at the moment there is the risk of violence in the run up to elections later this year.

Ghana: OK, take usual precautions.

Guinea: Political situation remains calm but there is high level of street crime.

Guinea, Bissau: Cholera Epidemic.

Kenya: Generally safe, potential muggings in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Lesotho: OK, take usual precautions.

Liberia: Continuing conflict makes travel unadvisable.

Libya: Best avoided, harsh penalties for criticising the country, its leader or religion.

Mauritania: OK.

Malawi: OK, usual precautions, muggings in some areas.

Mali: OK except north of Mopti where bandits are a risk.

Mozambique: Armed robbery and car hijacking in Maputo and increasing, only drive between 0800 and 1500 hours and if possible in the company of two or more vehicles, do not walk alone. Meningitis epidemic in Cabo and Delgado province.

Niger: Meningitis epidemic in West Africa. After military coup in June, 1996, all borders opened and curfews lifted.

Nigeria: Uncertain and tense political situation, violent street crime and robbery in Lagos. Harassment by police and soldiers common throughout country.

Rwanda: Not recommended, security fragile with police and judicial system not fully restored.

Senegal: Casamance region of the south is calm but could change.

Sierra Leone: Freetown and Peninsula remain calm since the presidential elections, but travel is still unwise.

Somalia: Unstable security situation, visitors advised not to go.

South Africa: Level of violent crimes rising especially in Johannesburg, avoid demonstrations.

Sudan: Southern Sudan and Nuba mountains remain unstable due to civil war.

Swaziland: OK, take usual precautions.

Tanzania: Political situation stable, avoid political rallies and meetings on Zanzibar as tension exists. Avoid the Burundian border.

Togo: Street crime in capital Lome, avoid after dark.

Uganda: Rebel action in Northern Uganda.

Western Sahara: territory under dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

Zaire: Continuing violence in the Kivu, overlanders should avoid proceeding southeast of Kisongani including Kisongani/Bukava Road, bandits common.

Zambia: Reasonably stable. Bombing in Ndola & Lusaka which is predicted to continue until October elections.

Zimbabwe: Muggings prevelent in city centres particularly outside of main hotels and banks, usual precautions.