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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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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, disruption, and a large-scale crackdown on political dissent following the national election on October 29 which also triggered an ongoing internet blackout. According to AFP, opposition leaders say hundreds of people may have been killed since then. The decision is likely to impact over 70,000 Americans who travel to Tanzania each year for tourism, business, or humanitarian work, including those traveling to popular destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar.
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What To Know
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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. Recent opposition protests, following the election, has led to widespread violence and an internet blackout, limiting the flow of information out of the country. According to reports, opposition parties claim "no less than 800" have been killed, although these numbers remain unverified.
- 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.
Travel health notices also remain in place, including a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alert for polio.
What People Are Saying
The Department of State said in its official update that: "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.”
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens already in Tanzania to “shelter-in-place. There are reports of country-wide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks. Travel by road poses significant risk. Internet access is intermittent, making all communication difficult. Many international flights have been canceled; confirm your flight via telephone prior to traveling to the airport.”
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he was "deeply concerned about reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations."
What Happens Next
Americans who are still planning to travel to Tanzania have been advised to develop emergency plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from U.S embassy, closely monitor local media for further updates, and keep a low profile.
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