DAR ES SALAAM; August 3, 2026 – Tanzania and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries agreeing to revisit Tanzania's requests regarding visa restrictions affecting Tanzanian citizens travelling to the United States.
The agreement was reached during high-level talks in Dar es Salaam involving Tanzania's Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and an 11-member United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Ronny Jackson, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the discussions focused on key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, defence and security, as well as regional peace and stability in East and Central Africa.
Expanding Trade and Investment
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, particularly in strategic sectors such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), critical minerals, aviation, defence and security.
Tanzania also emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people relations by requesting the removal of visa restrictions affecting Tanzanians travelling to the United States, alongside other measures that have been imposed in recent years.
Recognition of Tanzania's Regional Role
The US congressional delegation commended Tanzania for its continued contribution to regional peace and security, highlighting the country's efforts in combating terrorism and its participation in peace support operations across Africa.
The Ministry stated that both sides agreed to continue strengthening their strategic partnership, revisit all formal requests submitted by Tanzania regarding the visa restrictions, and hold follow-up meetings to advance discussions.
Officials described the meeting as an important first step towards resolving outstanding issues while laying the foundation for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
Background on US Visa Measures
The latest engagement comes after a series of immigration-related measures introduced by the United States over the past year.
In October 2025, Tanzania was included in a US visa bond pilot programme requiring eligible applicants for B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) visas to pay a refundable security bond ranging between US$5,000 and US$15,000 before travelling.
The measures were further expanded in December 2025, when the United States announced additional entry restrictions on Tanzania, citing concerns over visa overstay rates among Tanzanian nationals.
In response, the Tanzanian Government maintained that it would continue engaging diplomatically with Washington while encouraging citizens travelling to the United States to fully comply with US immigration laws and visa conditions.
Looking Ahead
This meeting marks the first formal indication that both Tanzania and the United States are willing to continue dialogue on the visa restrictions while simultaneously broadening cooperation across trade, investment, defence, security and other areas of mutual strategic interest.
As discussions progress, both governments are expected to pursue practical solutions that strengthen bilateral relations, facilitate legitimate travel, and unlock new economic and investment opportunities.
Source: Daily News
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