DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The United States has issued a fresh security alert for its citizens in Tanzania, warning of a continued heavy security presence and movement restrictions in parts of the country following days of post-election unrest.
In a statement on Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam said that although the night curfew in the commercial capital has been lifted, security forces remain deployed across the country.
“After days of civil unrest, the curfew was lifted in Dar es Salaam. Other areas of the country may still be subject to curfew,” the advisory said.
The embassy warned that foreign nationals may experience increased scrutiny from local security officers, including “temporary detentions” and checks at roadblocks.
It added that reports have emerged of security personnel searching electronic devices for politically sensitive material.
“Zanzibar is reported to be calm, and shops and ferries are operating normally,” the advisory noted, but it cautioned that movement restrictions and security checkpoints persist nationwide.
Update for U.S. Citizens AbroadEvent: After days of civil unrest, the curfew was lifted in Dar es Salaam. Other areas of the country may still be subject to curfew. Please check with local authorities. Heavy security presence persists nationwide. Movement restrictions and
Authorities have also reminded the public that sharing photos or videos that could cause panic is a criminal offence under Tanzanian law.
The alert further cited intermittent internet disruptions, with certain social media and messaging apps still blocked.
The embassy said online payments remain unreliable, though more shops and hotels are now accepting credit cards as internet connectivity improves.
Food, fuel, and cash shortages were also reported in some regions. The embassy urged Americans in Tanzania to avoid demonstrations, crowds, and unnecessary travel, advising them to monitor local news for updates and maintain a low profile.
Despite the tensions, international airports remain operational, but travellers were urged to confirm flights by phone before heading to the airport.
The renewed advisory follows a week of unrest triggered by disputed election results that gave President Samia Suluhu Hassan a sweeping 98 percent victory.
Police lifted the curfew in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, a day after President Samia was sworn in for a new term.
The protests had paralysed the country’s main cities, with internet access cut, shops shuttered, and transport services halted amid reports of deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
