US Eases Tanzania Travel Advisory to Level 2 as Tourism Earnings Hit $4.41bn

The United States has downgraded Tanzania’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, easing restrictions for American visitors. The US State Department announced the change on October 16, 2026. Level 3 advised Americans to "Reconsider Travel". Level 2 now urges travellers to "Exercise Increased Caution".

The decision comes as Tanzania’s tourism sector reports strong growth. The country earned $4.41 billion from tourism in 2025. International arrivals rose to about 2.29 million, up from 2.14 million in 2024.

Tourism earnings rise 13%

Tanzania’s official International Visitors’ Exit Survey showed tourism earnings jumped by 13%, from $3.90 billion in 2024 to $4.41 billion in 2025. Average tourist expenditure reached $289 per person per night. The United States, Italy and France were the leading sources of international visitors.

The US remains one of Tanzania’s most important tourism markets. The improved advisory offers a confidence boost to hotels, tour operators and transport businesses after months of political uncertainty following Tanzania’s disputed 2025 elections. Authorities have not yet established whether the revised advisory has directly influenced bookings or tourism revenue.

Mtwara warning remains

Washington still warns against travel to parts of southern Mtwara near Mozambique. The Level 3 warning covers areas including the A19 highway, where terrorism-related security concerns remain. US government employees must obtain special authorisation before travelling to the affected locations.

The advisory also highlights limited medical facilities, especially outside major urban centres such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Other concerns include crime, civil unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws and risks faced by gay and lesbian travellers.

Key attractions

Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar’s beaches. These destinations support thousands of businesses in hospitality, transportation, tour operations and related services. Easing the warning could encourage more American holidaymakers to consider Tanzania during major travel seasons.

The US Department of State had also partially suspended visa issuance to citizens of 14 African countries, citing national security concerns under Presidential Proclamation 10998. The proclamation took effect on January 1, 2026. Titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States", it covers 39 countries worldwide. It specifically partially restricts nationals of 14 African nations from nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas.