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US Raises Tanzania Travel Advisory to Level 3: What Travelers Need to Know

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. sory-to-level-3-what-travelers-need-to-know.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 8:29 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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US Raises Tanzania Travel Advisory to Level 3: What Travelers Need to Know

The U.S. Department of State has lifted its travel advisory for Tanzania from Level 2 to Level 3, urging Americans and other visitors to “reconsider” non‑essential travel to the East African country. The change, announced in a brief statement and covered in detail by Travel + Leisure, follows a surge in violent crime, civil unrest, and terrorism‑related incidents across the nation. While the decision does not forbid travel outright, it signals that the risks are higher than in the past and that travelers should take extra precautions.

What Level 3 Means

Travel advisories are divided into four tiers:

At Level 3, the State Department notes that “adverse conditions exist, and they may affect the safety and well‑being of travelers.” This includes the possibility of violence, kidnapping, and terrorism, as well as political instability that could result in civil disorder. The advisory is national in scope; it does not differentiate between high‑risk and lower‑risk areas within Tanzania, although the U.S. government does publish a separate list of “high‑risk areas” that travelers should avoid if possible.

Why Tanzania Was Moved Up

The U.S. statement cited a “steady rise in violent incidents” such as armed robbery, carjacking, and assault. In particular:

1. Increased Crime in Urban Centers – Dar es Salaam and other major cities have seen a rise in street crime, with attackers targeting tourists in tourist zones and on public transportation.
2. Kidnappings for Ransom – Several reports of kidnappings of foreign nationals, especially in tourist hotspots and rural areas, have prompted the advisory. Authorities in Tanzania have reported a spike in such incidents in the past six months.
3. Political Demonstrations and Civil Unrest – Protests in the capital and other urban centers have turned violent in several instances, sometimes spilling over into public transport hubs and markets.
4. Terrorism Threat – Although no direct attacks have yet been recorded, regional instability in neighboring countries has increased the risk of cross‑border militant activity. U.S. officials are monitoring intelligence reports from the African Union and Interpol.
5. Health and Infrastructure Concerns – The advisory also notes continued health risks (malaria, meningitis, COVID‑19) and occasional infrastructure failures that could hamper emergency response.

The U.S. government maintains that these factors could result in “severe harm” to travelers, especially if they are unprepared or in high‑risk situations.

Practical Advice for Travelers

The article highlights the most important safety measures recommended by the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania and travel safety organizations:

• Register with the U.S. Embassy – The “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP) is free and allows the embassy to contact you in an emergency.
• Avoid Crowded Places and Night Travel – Stay away from large gatherings, protest sites, and unfamiliar areas after dark. Use reputable transportation such as registered taxis or hotel shuttles.
• Stay Informed – Check local news and the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory page daily. Also consult the Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism website for updates on tourist sites and safety alerts.
• Use Secure Accommodation – Choose hotels or lodges that have robust security protocols. Verify that your room has a deadbolt and a lockbox for valuables.
• Protect Personal Belongings – Keep passports, money, and electronics in a safe or a money belt. Never leave them unattended, even in your hotel room.
• Avoid Traveling Alone – When possible, travel in groups or hire a local guide who knows the area. Tour operators with a strong safety record should be preferred.
• Carry Emergency Numbers – Keep the local emergency contact (112) and the U.S. Embassy phone number (+255 20 231 2319) handy.
• Maintain Health Precautions – Use malaria prophylaxis as prescribed, keep vaccinations up to date, and carry hand sanitizer and a first‑aid kit.

The article stresses that “the best defense against crime is vigilance and preparation.” Travelers who can’t meet these requirements or who prefer not to face heightened risk should seriously reconsider their trip.

Other Resources and Links

Travel + Leisure links to the official U.S. State Department advisory page (https://travel.state.gov/) and to the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania’s safety page (https://tz.usembassy.gov/). Those pages provide the full text of the advisory, contact information for the embassy, and a list of high‑risk areas to avoid.

The article also points readers to the Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism (https://www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz/) for up‑to‑date guidance on tourist sites, and to the African Union’s security reports for regional context. The Travel + Leisure piece recommends that travelers check these links before booking flights or accommodations.

Bottom Line

Travel + Leisure’s coverage makes it clear that Tanzania’s new Level 3 advisory is not a complete ban but a serious warning. The U.S. government is monitoring the situation closely and will adjust the advisory if conditions change. While many tourists continue to visit Tanzania for its wildlife, culture, and beaches, those who choose to travel should weigh the risks, adhere strictly to safety protocols, and stay vigilant. If you are planning a trip, it is wise to keep your travel documents, itinerary, and emergency contacts updated, enroll in STEP, and remain in constant communication with your embassy. By doing so, you’ll reduce your exposure to the heightened risks that prompted the U.S. to lift the advisory.