Tanzania Urges U.S. to Lift Visa Restrictions and Sanctions

The Tanzanian government has formally asked the United States to remove visa restrictions on Tanzanian citizens and lift other economic and travel measures imposed on the country, saying the move would strengthen diplomatic relations and deepen people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The request was presented during high-level talks between Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Defence and National Service, Dr. Rhimo Nyansaho, and an 11-member bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives.

The American delegation, which visited Tanzania on July 27, 2026, was led by Congressman Ronny Jackson, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. The meeting was held at the former headquarters of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) in Upanga, Dar es Salaam.

According to the Tanzanian government, the discussions focused not only on the request to remove visa restrictions and other sanctions but also on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, security and regional peace efforts across East and Central Africa.

The appeal comes just months after relations between Washington and Dodoma faced renewed strain. Earlier this year, the United States imposed sanctions on senior Tanzanian police official Faustine Mafwele over allegations linked to the torture of political activist Mdude Nyagali, while Washington also tightened visa measures against certain Tanzanian officials over concerns related to human rights and democratic governance.

During the meeting, the U.S. congressional delegation praised Tanzania’s contribution to regional peace and security, particularly its role in counterterrorism efforts and participation in African peacekeeping missions.

The MPs also acknowledged Tanzania’s strategic importance in East Africa and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

According to officials, both governments agreed to continue expanding their strategic partnership while reviewing the requests submitted by Tanzania regarding the visa restrictions and other measures affecting bilateral relations.

The two sides also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the future to assess progress and continue discussions on issues raised during the Dar es Salaam talks.

The latest engagement reflects efforts by both countries to stabilize relations at a time when Tanzania is seeking to strengthen partnerships with major global powers while maintaining its policy of non-alignment in international affairs. Earlier this year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reiterated that Tanzania would continue working with the United States, Europe, China, Russia and other partners based on national interests rather than geopolitical blocs.