U.S. Raises Tanzania Travel Advisory to Level
3 – Reconsider Travel
The U.S. Department of State has elevated its Travel
Advisory for Tanzania from Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) to Level
3 (Reconsider Travel), citing growing risks related to unrest, crime,
terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. This update
replaces the previous advisory issued on September 5, 2024.
Key
Changes
·
New Risk Indicator: Unrest added to the advisory.
·
Higher Advisory Level: From
Level 2 → Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).
Main
Concerns
Unrest:
·
Demonstrations occur in response to political or
economic issues and may arise on holidays or during major events.
·
Such protests are often unpredictable and
widespread.
·
The government typically increases security
presence with checkpoints and roadblocks, and may restrict large gatherings.
Crime:
·
Violent crime, including assault, sexual assault,
robbery, mugging, and carjacking, is common.
·
Police capacity to respond effectively to
serious crime is limited.
Terrorism:
·
There is a risk of terrorist activity,
particularly in the Mtwara Region.
·
Travelers are advised to consult the U.S.
Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism for detailed
information.
Targeting
of Gay and Lesbian Individuals:
·
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face arrests,
harassment, and targeting by authorities.
·
Those suspected of same-sex sexual conduct may be
subjected to invasive physical examinations.
Travel
Recommendations
·
Have an independent emergency evacuation plan
not reliant on U.S. government assistance.
·
Monitor local media and be
prepared to alter travel plans quickly.
·
Maintain a low profile and stay vigilant,
especially in tourist areas.
·
Avoid public displays of affection,
particularly same-sex displays.
·
Carry copies of travel documents; keep
originals in a secure place.
·
Enroll in the
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to
receive embassy alerts.
·
Review relevant U.S. State Department resources on terrorism,
crime abroad, and emergency preparedness.
·
Check the CDC’s travel health page for
updated health advisories for Tanzania.
Summary: The U.S.
government urges travelers to reconsider travel to
Tanzania amid heightened risks of unrest, violent crime, terrorism, and
discriminatory targeting of gay and lesbian individuals.
The Department of State updated
its Travel Advisory for Tanzania on October 31, 2025 to reflect that the Travel
Advisory Level for Tanzania increased from Level 2 to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel.
This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on September 5, 2024.
The full text of the updated Travel
Advisory is as follows:
The advisory level increased from
Level 2 to 3. The “unrest” risk indicator was added. Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime,
terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have
increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Advisory summary
Unrest Demonstrations often take place in response
to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays or during large
events.
·
Demonstrations can be unpredictable and widespread.
·
The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This
includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.
·
The Tanzanian government limits or does not authorize large gatherings.
Crime
Violent crime is common. It includes
assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking. Local police have limited
resources to respond effectively to serious crime.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence,
including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department
of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
The risk of terrorist violence
is most common in the Mtwara Region.
Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals
Members of the gay and lesbian community have
been arrested, targeted, and harassed. People
who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted
by police. People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive
physical exams.
If you decide to travel to Tanzania:
·
Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government
help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
·
Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
·
Keep a low profile.
·
Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents
in a safe location.
·
Stay aware of your surroundings.
·
Do not leave your food or drink unattended.
·
Stay alert in tourist spots.
·
Avoid public displays of affection particularly between same-sex couples.
·
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts
from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate
contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
·
Review the Country Security Report for Tanzania.
·
Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas,
Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
·
Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s
Checklist.
·
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related
to your travel.