The U.S. State Department has elevated its travel advisory for Tanzania to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing increased risks tied to unrest, crime, terrorism, and the targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. The advisory was updated on October 31, following the nation’s recent presidential, parliamentary, and council elections.
“Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals,” the advisory states, noting that some regions carry higher risk than others.
Officials warn that demonstrations in Tanzania can be unpredictable and that the government has deployed additional security forces around protest areas. The advisory also highlights human rights concerns, saying that members of the LGBTQ community have been “arrested, targeted, and harassed,” and may face invasive physical exams if detained under suspicion of same-sex activity.
Violent crime—including robberies, assaults, and sexual assaults—is described as “common,” and the Mtwara Region is noted as an area of particular concern for potential terrorist activity.
Despite the risks, Tanzania remains a popular destination. More than two million visitors traveled there in 2024, according to the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park continue to attract tourists from around the world. The Ngorongoro Crater, recognized by UNESCO as the world’s largest unbroken caldera, is home to an estimated 25,000 large animals, including over a million wildebeest and tens of thousands of zebras.
The State Department urges Americans traveling to Tanzania to maintain a low profile, stay vigilant, avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, and refrain from public displays of affection—especially same-sex couples. U.S. officials also recommend that travelers have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
The State Department’s travel advisory system includes four levels:
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
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Level 3: Reconsider Travel
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Level 4: Do Not Travel