The United States President Donald Trump has imposed a travel ban on Tanzanian nationals in latest travel restrictions, citing inefficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing by Tanzanian authorities regarding their citizens.
In a presidential proclamation signed on Tuesday 16 December, the Trump administration added Tanzania to the list of countries facing partial restrictions on U.S. entry, citing high visa overstay rates as a key concern.
''Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats,'' read part of the proclamation.
''The restrictions and limitations imposed by the proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose, garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security objectives.''
According to U.S. data, Tanzanians on B-1/B-2 visas have an overstay rate of 8.30 per cent, while those on F, M, and J visa categories, which include students, dependents, and exchange visitors, have an overstay rate of 13.97 per cent.
The B-1/B-2 visas cover short-term business trips, tourism, vacation, and medical treatment. Meanwhile, the F, M, and J visas are granted to international students, their dependents, and participants in cultural and educational exchange programs. Some of these categories include a mandatory two-year home residency requirement after completion.
Tanzania now joins a list of nations facing partial entry restrictions, including Angola, Benin, Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others.
The move follows widespread reports of human rights violations in Tanzania after the country’s October elections. The U.S. had previously threatened to review diplomatic relations with President Samia Suluhu’s administration, calling for accountability over the alleged atrocities.
Suluhu's administration has pushed back, accusing regional media outlets of misrepresenting the situation and portraying Tanzania unfairly on the global stage.
At the same time, Washington has enforced complete travel bans on nationals of South Sudan, Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, signalling a broader crackdown on immigration.
The proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry aligns with U.S. national interests.
Trump said the decision was made after consulting with cabinet officials and reviewing the original report under Executive Order 14161, Proclamation 10949, as well as country-specific information gathered since then.
