DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The United States has issued a heightened travel advisory for Tanzania, cautioning foreigners against traveling to the country amid fears of imminent anti-government protests and a possible escalation of unrest.
The advisory, released Friday by President Donald Trump’s administration, warned that demonstrations planned for December 9 could erupt earlier, potentially beginning this weekend.
According to the notice, the US government has received credible reports of expected nationwide protests, prompting concerns over curfews, movement restrictions, internet disruptions, and the possible suspension of transport services, including ferries to Zanzibar.
The advisory also flagged the risk of cancelled international flights as authorities prepare for security crackdowns.
“We are aware of calls for nationwide anti-government demonstrations and protest activity in Tanzania. U.S. citizens should be prepared for potential disruptions, including the possibility of unrest and nationwide curfews,” the US government said, urging travellers and residents to remain alert.
The warning comes at a tense moment for Tanzania, which has faced rising political strain since last month’s post-election clashes that left multiple civilians injured and drew condemnation from international rights groups.
Observers say the latest advisory reflects a growing concern that renewed confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters could spread rapidly across several regions.
American citizens living in Tanzania have been advised to prepare for significant disruptions, including roadblocks, restrictions on domestic travel, and unreliable online systems in the event of an internet blackout.
The Embassy urged travellers to confirm their flight schedules by telephone before heading to airports or seaports, warning that digital platforms may not function during periods of unrest.
Foreign residents were also asked to avoid large gatherings, maintain heightened situational awareness, and stock essential supplies such as water, food, fuel, medication, and cash should they need to shelter in place.
“The Embassy is open for limited emergency American citizen services only on December 8th and 10th. As of December 8th, U.S. government employees are restricted from travelling domestically in Tanzania,” the notice added.
Tanzania’s police, however, maintain that the planned nationwide demonstrations are unlawful, signalling the likelihood of confrontations if protest organisers proceed. Authorities have not publicly responded to the latest US advisory but have in recent days increased patrols in major towns, insisting they will prevent any gatherings not authorised under national security regulations.
Political analysts say the coming days will test the government’s capacity to manage dissent without triggering further violence, especially amid growing international scrutiny.
With both the opposition and civil society groups calling for political reforms, concerns are mounting that any heavy-handed crackdown could ignite broader instability.
As tension builds ahead of the December 9 protest call, foreign governments and international organisations are expected to closely monitor developments, particularly as travellers weigh safety risks and possible disruptions to regional mobility. For now, the US has urged its nationals to take the warnings seriously, noting that the situation remains volatile and could deteriorate with little notice.
