Department of State has issued a new travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Tanzania, citing mounting concerns over unrest, crime, terrorism, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In the Level 3 advisory — the second-highest warning issued by the department — officials warn that “violent crime is common,” including assaults, robberies, and carjackings, and that police in Tanzania have “limited resources to respond effectively” to serious incidents.
The advisory was issued on Saturday morning which is the fourth day of ongoing protests in Tanzania.
The advisory also highlights ongoing political and social unrest, noting that demonstrations can occur without warning and that the Tanzanian government frequently responds with heightened security measures, including roadblocks and restrictions on public gatherings.
“There is an increased presence of security forces during protests, which may lead to road closures and travel disruptions,” the notice states.
“Demonstrations may be unpredictable and occasionally turn violent.”
In addition to concerns over civil unrest and crime, the U.S. government warns of potential terrorist activity, particularly in the southern Mtwara Region near the border with Mozambique. The area has seen sporadic attacks linked to extremist groups operating in the region.
The advisory further raises alarms about the treatment of gay and lesbian individuals in Tanzania, reporting that members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced arrests, harassment, and invasive treatment by authorities.
“People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical exams,” the advisory notes.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Tanzania’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and crackdowns.
“This advisory underscores the urgent need for international attention to ongoing human rights abuses,” said one rights advocate based in Nairobi.
Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and review personal security plans. Those who choose to visit Tanzania are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate emergency communication.
Hundreds of people have been killed in Tanzania during three days of protests following Wednesday’s general election, the country’s main opposition party has said.
The death toll varies, and a nationwide internet shutdown is making it difficult to verify the numbers.
While a spokesperson from the opposition Chadema party told AFP news agency that “around 700” people had been killed in clashes with security forces, a diplomatic source in Tanzania told the BBC there was credible evidence that at least 500 people had died.
The government has sought to play down the scale of the violence – and authorities have extended a curfew in a bid to quell the unrest.
The demonstrations have seen mostly young protesters take to the streets in cities across Tanzania to denounce the election as unfair.
They accuse the government of undermining democracy by suppressing the main opposition leaders – one is in jail and another was excluded on technical grounds – thus bolstering President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s chances of winning with her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Protests continued on Friday, as demonstrators in the port city of Dar es Salaam defied warnings from the army chief to end the unrest.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit has described the violence as a “few isolated pockets of incidents here and there” and said “security forces acted very swiftly and decisively to address the situation”.
“We are [also] continuing to receive reports of vandalised properties,” the minister told BBC Focus on Africa, adding that the internet blackout was necessary to stop such vandalism and save lives.
Official results are expected on Saturday, but President Samia is expected to win under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed the country since independence in 1961.
She came to power in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president following the death in office of former President John Magufuli.
Samia was initially praised for easing political repression, but the political space has since narrowed, with her government accused of targeting critics through arrests and a wave of abductions.
There were two main opposition contenders – Tundu Lissu, who is being held on treason charges, which he denies, and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party – but he was excluded on legal technicalities.
Sixteen fringe parties, none of whom have historically had significant public support, were allowed to run.
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