Home » TANZANIA TRAVEL NEWS » Tanzania Travel Alert: US and Canada Raise Travel Warnings as Election Unrest and Crime Risks Surge
Published on
January 9, 2026
In Tanzania, once celebrated globally for safaris, majestic landscapes and the Great Migration, international travel warnings have taken a notable turn, prompting governments and travel companies to revise safety guidance. On October 31, 2025, the United States Department of State elevated its official travel advisory for Tanzania from Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”), citing ongoing political unrest, increased crime and concerns about terrorism and human rights issues—a move that reflects rising safety concerns for international visitors and residents alike.
The U.S. travel advisory, which is based on conditions monitored by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam and global security assessments, now includes an “unrest” risk indicator, a sign that demonstrations and civil actions related to the October 29 general elections have the potential to be unpredictable and volatile. Reports of protests, curfews and roadblocks in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza following disputed election results have underscored these assessments.
Beyond demonstrations, the U.S. advisory also notes elevated risk from violent crime, including assault, robbery and carjacking, limited capacity of local police to respond to serious crimes, and warnings about targeting of gay and lesbian individuals—reflecting human rights concerns detailed in the updated government guidance.
Canada’s Advisory Aligns With Global Caution
Mirroring U.S. concern, the Government of Canada’s official travel advice for Tanzania likewise urges travelers to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in regions where armed groups and instability create significant risk. Canada’s guidance highlights concerns about movement restrictions, limited airport and ferry operations, interruptions to telecommunications and reduced access to essential services—factors that can complicate travel and emergency response.
Canada’s advisory further specifies heightened security risks near the border with Mozambique in the southern Mtwara Region, where armed group activity and terrorism threats warrant avoiding travel entirely within 10 km of the border and avoiding non‑essential travel in adjacent areas. These layered advisories illustrate how multiple national governments are recalibrating travel risk assessments in real time.
Tour Operators Respond to Evolving Conditions
In response to the shifting landscape, several international tour operators have taken proactive steps to safeguard travelers currently in Tanzania and to rebook or advise those with planned trips. Intrepid Travel, a major adventure tour company, issued alerts noting that while all clients and staff in country are safe, itineraries are being adjusted due to flight and ferry cancellations, road closures and other logistical challenges tied to the unrest. The operator confirmed ongoing monitoring of conditions to inform future departures.
Similarly, Audley Travel, which serves a large number of U.K. and U.S. clients, has commenced repatriation flights for travelers currently in Tanzania, assisting them to return home ahead of further potential disruptions. Audley officials also communicated with upcoming travelers to discuss their options, including trip modifications or deferrals, underscoring the travel industry’s focus on safety and transparency.
Audley further noted engagement with U.S.-based travelers specifically, informing clients about the updated travel warning and offering support for adjustments, signaling how tour companies are aligning their customer service with emerging government advisories.
Impact on Tourism and Travel Planning
Tanzania has been a coveted destination for wildlife enthusiasts, mountain climbers and cultural travelers from around the world, with attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and the beaches of Zanzibar drawing millions annually. However, the post‑election unrest and attendant security cautions have complicated travel planning for 2025 and early 2026, leading to more conservative travel decisions from government agencies and private travelers alike.
Several travel providers and safari lodges have reported cancellations or postponements, largely due to flight disruptions, curfews and government advisories. Some airlines have suspended routes temporarily while local authorities have imposed roadblocks and intermittent internet shutdowns, impeding both domestic transport and communication.
Staying Informed and Prepared
Both the U.S. and Canadian advisories emphasize that conditions in Tanzania could change rapidly, urging visitors to monitor local news, stay aware of demonstration activity and be prepared to adjust travel plans. The U.S. Department of State further recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updated alerts from the U.S. Embassy and to have contingency plans that do not rely solely on government evacuation support.
Travelers currently in Tanzania or planning a future visit are advised to carefully weigh these updated travel warnings, to remain flexible with travel arrangements and to prioritize their personal safety and situational awareness. Given the dynamic environment, consulting official government travel pages such as the U.S. Department of State advisory and Government of Canada Travel Advice remains essential for real‑time, authoritative information.
Conclusion: Tourism Considerations Amid Higher Advisory Levels
For many vacationers and safari enthusiasts, Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes are bucket‑list experiences. Yet, as the 2025 travel advisory updates show, political developments and public safety concerns can disrupt even the most compelling travel plans. With both the U.S. and Canada urging increased caution and reconsideration of travel to Tanzania, travelers must balance their passion for exploration with informed risk assessments and travel advisories. Whether adjusting current itineraries or postponing planned trips, the focus for many now is safety first in a destination once celebrated for its clear skies and wild horizon.
