The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, on behalf of the Government, wishes to inform the public that the US Government has announced that it has placed Tanzania in the group of 15 countries to which the Government has controlled the visa procedure (partial restrictions) for entry into the country.
The decision was announced by the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, on December 16, 2025, and also includes 14 other African countries, namely Angola, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
According to the official announcement of the US Government, the control is based on the Overstay Report, which showed the presence of a number of Tanzanian citizens who went to the United States and exceeded the period of stay contrary to the terms of the visas granted to them.
The report showed that Tanzania has an overstay rate of:
• 8.30% for B-1/B-2 visas (business and tourism); and
• 13.97% for F, M and J visas (student, vocational training and exchange programs).
According to the US Government, these rates were considered to exceed the acceptable level under their immigration policies, thus resulting in Tanzania being included in the group of countries subject to such controls.
The US Government has stated that this control is not complete and that Tanzanians who meet the immigration criteria and conditions will continue to be allowed to enter the United States, according to the procedures and assessments that will be used.
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania will continue diplomatic negotiations with the US Government aimed at reaching an agreement on this issue in the interests of all citizens.
The Government urges all Tanzanians traveling to the United States to fully comply with the conditions of their visas to avoid any impact on them personally and on the Nation as a whole.
The Government will continue to provide information as these discussions and measures progress.
Provided by: Government Communications Unit United Republic of Tanzania
