State Department lowers Tanzania travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2

The U.S. State Department has lowered its Tanzania travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, "Exercise Increased Caution." The advisory page shows an Oct 16, 2026 issue date .

What stays at Level 3

The Mtwara Region, including the Mozambique border and the A19 highway, remains Level 3, "Reconsider travel," because of terrorism. The page says armed groups fighting in northern Mozambique sometimes cross into Tanzania .

Other notes on the page

Health: medical services are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and the page strongly recommends evacuation coverage. Zanzibar requires local travel insurance on entry .

Crime and unrest: violent crime occurs, including robbery and express kidnapping, and demonstrations can bring checkpoints, roadblocks and internet or phone restrictions .

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison .

Why it matters

Most safari circuits and Zanzibar stays are outside Mtwara, so the lower level applies to the usual routes. Still, Level 2 is not a clearance: read the full page before you book, and buy medical evacuation coverage.

Advisory levels are as of Oct 17, 2026; confirm on the State Department's Tanzania travel advisory page. Things change, so check it again close to departure.

Sources

• https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/destination.tza.html