The U.S. Department of State has increased its travel advisory for Tanzania from a level 2 to a level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to increased risks of unrest, violent crime, terrorism, and the targeting of gay and lesbian individuals.
Why it Matters
This heightened warning comes after reports of violence and disruption following the national election on October 29. The U.S. Department of State is concerned that U.S. citizens could find themselves in potentially dangerous situations due to escalating protests, ongoing crime, terrorism, and gay and lesbian harassment.
What To Know
On October 31, 2025, the Department of State updated its Travel Advisory for Tanzania, raising the country’s risk from a Level 2, warning citizens to “Exercise Increased Caution” to a Level 3, which urges them to “Reconsider Travel” (Level 4 is a “Do Not Travel” warning).
The new advisory, which replaces the Level 2 advisory—which was issued last year, in September 2024—says there is an increased risk of unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian people:
- Unrest: The Department of State is concerned that demonstrations and protests, which often occur in response to political developments—such as the recent national election— can be unpredictable and escalate rapidly, sometimes leading to violence and government-imposed roadblocks or checkpoints.
- Crime: Although violent crime—such as assault, sexual assault, robbery, mugging, and carjacking—is common, U.S. officials worry that local police have limited resources and might not be able to respond to serious incidents quickly.
- Terrorism: The risk of terrorist attacks remains, especially in the Mtwara Region, where extremist groups are known to operate, and there is an increased potential threat to public venues, hotels, and tourist sites.
- Targeting of Gay and Lesbian Individuals: Members of the gay and lesbian community have previously been arrested, targeted, and harassed and might face increased risk of being targeted by the police.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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