Tanzania engages US over possible travel ban

“The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has already begun consultations with our counterparts in the United States to identify areas needing attention to prevent Tanzania from being among countries whose citizens may be restricted from entering the US,” he said.

Although the exact nature of the issues raised by the U.S. has not been disclosed, similar travel restrictions in the past have involved concerns around documentation, overstays, or lack of cooperation in repatriation matters.

According to the State Department, in 2023, a total of 332 immigrant visas were issued to Tanzanian nationals, accounting for approximately 0.6 percent of all immigrant visas granted to African countries during that period.

In the same period the United States issued a total of 8,170 non-immigrant visas to Tanzanian nationals, making up about 1.37 percent of such visas issued to African countries during the period in review.

Among East African Community (EAC) member states, Kenya received the highest number of US immigrant visas, with 2,411 issued in 2023. Rwanda followed with 879, Uganda with 460, and Burundi trailing with just 16 visas granted during the same period.

Data also shows that Kenya received 28,305 non-immigrant visas, accounting for 4.74 percent of Africa’s total, while Uganda secured 9,623 visas, making up 1.61percent.

According to internal diplomatic cables seen by international media, including Reuters and The Washington Post, the US State Department has identified 36 countries that risk being placed under full or partial travel bans within 60 days if they do not meet revised immigration and security benchmarks.

Tanzania and Uganda are among the African nations on the list, alongside Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, and others.

The internal cable, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines a dozen key issues that have triggered the warning. These include concerns over governments' ability to produce reliable identity documents, the security of passports, poor cooperation in repatriating nationals ordered to leave the US, and instances of visa overstays or nationals suspected of engaging in terrorism or anti-American activity.

While not all concerns apply to every listed country, the cable warns that failure to take corrective action could result in suspension of entry for their citizens.

“We are constantly reevaluating policies to ensure the safety of Americans,” said a senior US State Department official, declining to comment on individual nations.

The development comes in the wake of a proclamation signed by President Trump earlier this month banning entry of citizens from 12 countries, citing national security threats and the need to protect US borders.

That directive, part of Trump’s expanded immigration policy in his second term, also included efforts to limit student visas and ramp up deportations.

The US has previously imposed similar bans. In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld a ban on travelers from several Muslim-majority countries introduced during Trump’s first term.

Mr Msigwa assured Tanzanians that the government is treating the matter with urgency and will provide regular updates as talks with U.S. counterparts progress. “We are committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of Tanzanian citizens abroad while ensuring cooperation on matters of global security,” he said.

Tanzania’s inclusion on the US watchlist has sparked concern among civil society groups and travel sector stakeholders who fear it could affect tourism, education, and business ties between the two nations.

The Government has urged calm as it works diplomatically to address the situation.