Tanzanian nationals will now face partial restrictions when seeking entry into the United States after President Donald Trump approved new measures targeting countries flagged over immigration control gaps and visa compliance issues.
The decision was announced through a presidential proclamation signed on Tuesday, December 16, placing Tanzania among states whose citizens are subject to tighter U.S. entry rules.
The Trump administration said the move was based on concerns over weak screening systems, limited data sharing, and rising cases of visa overstays.
“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,” the proclamation stated.
“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.”
U.S. government figures show that Tanzanian citizens issued B-1 and B-2 visas recorded an overstay rate of 8.30 per cent. For holders of F, M, and J visas, which cover students, exchange visitors, and their dependents, the overstay rate was higher at 13.97 per cent.
B-1 and B-2 visas are commonly issued for short business visits, tourism, holidays, and medical care. The F, M, and J categories apply to foreign students and participants in learning or cultural exchange programs, some of which require beneficiaries to return to their home country for two years after completion.
With the new addition, Tanzania joins several African countries facing partial U.S. entry limits, including Angola, Benin, Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The move comes amid international attention on Tanzania following reports of human rights abuses linked to the October elections. Washington had earlier warned that it could reconsider diplomatic engagement with President Samia Suluhu’s administration if accountability concerns were not addressed.
Tanzania’s government has dismissed the claims, arguing that regional media reports have distorted facts and unfairly damaged the country’s global image.
Meanwhile, the United States has placed full travel bans on citizens from South Sudan, Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, pointing to a wider shift toward stricter immigration enforcement.
The proclamation outlines exemptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is considered to serve U.S. national interests.
Trump said the restrictions followed consultations with senior officials and a review of findings under Executive Order 14161, Proclamation 10949, together with updated country-specific assessments conducted after the initial report.
