US raises journey warning for widespread safari vacation spot

The U.S. Department of State has elevated its journey advisory for Tanzania from a stage 2 to a stage 3, urging Americans to rethink journey attributable to elevated dangers of unrest, violent crime, terrorism, and the concentrating on of homosexual and lesbian people. 

Why it Matters

This heightened warning comes after reviews of violence, disruption, and a large-scale crackdown on political dissent following the nationwide election on October 29 which additionally triggered an ongoing web blackout. According to AFP, opposition leaders say a whole bunch of individuals could have been killed since then. The choice is prone to affect over 70,000 Americans who journey to Tanzania annually for tourism, enterprise, or humanitarian work, together with these touring to widespread locations reminiscent of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar.

What To Know

On October 31, 2025, the Department of State up to date its Travel Advisory for Tanzania, elevating the nation’s danger 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 final yr, in September 2024, says there’s an elevated danger of unrest, crime, terrorism, and concentrating on of homosexual and lesbian folks:

• Unrest: The Department of State is worried that demonstrations and protests, which frequently happen in response to political developments—such because the current nationwide election—may be unpredictable and escalate quickly, typically resulting in violence and government-imposed roadblocks or checkpoints. Recent opposition protests, following the election, has led to widespread violence and an web blackout, limiting the move of data in a foreign country. According to reviews, opposition events declare “no less than 800” have been killed, though these numbers stay unverified.
  
• Crime: Although violent crime—reminiscent of assault, sexual assault, theft, mugging, and carjacking—is frequent, U.S. officers fear that native police have restricted sources and may not be capable to reply to critical incidents rapidly.
  
• Terrorism: The danger of terrorist assaults stays, particularly within the Mtwara Region, the place extremist teams are identified to function, and there’s an elevated potential menace to public venues, lodges, and vacationer websites.
  
• Targeting of Gay and Lesbian Individuals: Members of the homosexual and lesbian neighborhood have beforehand been arrested, focused, and harassed and may face elevated danger of being focused by the police.

Travel well being notices additionally stay in place, together with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alert for polio.

What People Are Saying

The Department of State stated in its official replace 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 involved about reviews of deaths and accidents throughout demonstrations.”

What Happens Next

Americans who’re nonetheless planning to journey to Tanzania have been suggested to develop emergency plans that don’t depend on U.S. authorities help, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from U.S embassy, intently monitor native media for additional updates, and hold a low profile.