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Foreign travel advice

Tanzania
Summary
Still current at: 28 May 2017
Updated: 26 May 2017
Latest update: Summary several police officers were recently ambushed and killed in an attack in the
Pwani coastal region, about 100km south of Dar es Salaam; theres a heightened security
presence in the area; you should exercise caution and monitor local media

Several police officers were ambushed and killed in an attack in the Pwani coastal region, about 100km south
of Dar es Salaam on 13 April 2017. Following this incident, and reports of the murders of several local officials,
theres a heightened security presence in the area. On 29 March 2017, the Regional Commissioner of Pwani
issued a decree covering the Rufiji area requiring drivers of motorcycles, popularly known as Boda Bodas, to
stop carrying passengers at 6pm. You should take extra care when travelling in Rufiji and surrounding areas,
including at police checkpoints and monitor local media for the latest information.

Around 75,000 British nationals visit Tanzania every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

A re-run of elections took place in Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba) on 20 March 2016. Theres a continuing risk
of heightened tension and unrest in Zanzibar.

You should take care, be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations. Make
sure you have a means of communication with you at all times and monitor local media for updates.

Although most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, violent and armed crime is increasing. Take sensible
precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. See Crime (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania
/safety-and-security)

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tanzania. See Terrorism (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
/tanzania/terrorism)

There is a threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See River and sea travel (https://www.gov.uk
/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/safety-and-security)

In the last few years there have been 3 ferry disasters in which hundreds of people have died. If you believe a
ferry is overloaded or not seaworthy, dont get on. See River and sea travel (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
advice/tanzania/safety-and-security)

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Long distance buses are often involved in accidents which can be fatal. See Road travel (https://www.gov.uk
/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/safety-and-security)

If youre abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy,
consulate or high commission (https://www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies).

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-insurance) before you
travel.

Safety and security

Crime

Although most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, violent and armed crime is increasing. The British High
Commission continues to receive several reports each month of British nationals who are the victims of
mugging and bag snatching (especially by passing cars or motorbikes) and armed robbery and burglary have
increased throughout the country. In December 2016, a European family were robbed at gun point and their
campsite guard killed at south Beach, 20km southeast of Dar es Salaam. In Dar es Salaam, British tourists
have been kidnapped, robbed and forced with the threat of violence to withdraw cash from ATMs and arrange
cash transfers up to 5,000 through Western Union after being befriended by strangers or using unlicensed
taxis.

Walk as far away from the road as possible. If you need to walk alongside the road, walk towards the traffic.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables including expensive jewellery or watches. Leave your
passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy for ID. If youre attacked, dont resist. If you carry a bag, it is
safer to hold it loosely by the handle or hanging off your shoulder rather than by securing the strap across your
chest. Dont accept lifts from strangers or use unlicensed taxis. Ask your local hotel to book a taxi and always
ask to see the drivers ID. Avoid walking alone, particularly in isolated areas and on beaches.

Take particular care in places frequented by tourists. In Dar es Salaam, tourists have been targeted in the city
centre, at Ubungo bus station, the peninsula area and Coco beach. In Zanzibar incidents have taken place in
Stone Town and at hotels and on popular tourist beaches.

Make sure residential property is secure and lock all doors and windows, especially at night. Your security
guard should insist on official identification before allowing anyone to enter your property or compound. If in
doubt dont let them in and raise the alarm.

In 2013, two British women were the victims of an acid attack in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This appeared to be the
first acid attack in Zanzibar targeting foreigners.

You should remain vigilant at all times.

Local travel

Information about travel in remote areas can be patchy. Invest in an up-to-date travel guide and only use
reliable tour companies.

National Parks

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Careful planning is important to get the best out of your safari. If you choose to camp, only use official sites.
Make sure you are properly equipped and seek local advice when travelling to isolated areas. Some parks are
extremely remote, and emergency access and evacuation can be difficult.

There are risks associated with viewing wildlife, particularly on foot or at close range. Always follow park
regulations and wardens advice, and make sure you have the correct documentation or permit before entering
a national park.

Tourism Tax

On 1 July 2016, the Tanzanian government introduced VAT at 18% for all tourism-related services in Tanzania.
The change means that services previously not taxed such as tour guiding, park fees, and transport are now
subject to VAT. Prior to 1 July VAT applied to some services that tourists pay for such as accommodation and
meals.

Trekking

If you are trekking or climbing, only use a reputable travel company, stick to established routes and always
walk in groups. Make sure you are well prepared and equipped to cope with the terrain and low temperatures.
The extreme altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro can cause altitude sickness.

Burundi border/Kigoma region

Take particular care in the area bordering Burundi/Kigoma region. There have been armed robberies in this
area, including vehicle hijackings. You should only drive in daylight hours. There are few facilities for visitors.

River & Sea travel

In the last few years there have been 3 ferry disasters in which hundreds of people have died. These were
ferries travelling between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar and between the islands of Zanzibar.

Use a reputable ferry company and if you believe a ferry to be overloaded or unseaworthy, dont get on.
Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures on board and make a note of where the life jackets and
emergency exits are located.

You should also beware of aggressive ticket touts at Tanzanian ports.

Recent piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden highlight that the threat of piracy related
activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on
local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat
assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own
passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area (http://www.mschoa.org/on-shore/home) or face the
risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and
armed robbery at sea (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sea-river-and-piracy-safety) page.

Road travel

Road conditions are generally poor and driving standards are erratic. There are a large number of accidents,
often involving inter-city buses. There have been a number of serious bus crashes that have resulted in

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fatalities and injuries to tourists. If you have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, or the ability of the driver,
use alternative transport.

If you plan to drive yourself during a visit to Tanzania, youll need your UK licence and an International Driving
Permit. To drive in Zanzibar youll need your UK licence and a local Zanzibar driving permit (which you can get
through your hire car company). Carry several copies of your driving licence, permits and insurance
documents.

Self-driving in Tanzania can be challenging and the quality of car hire companies is variable. Consider using
taxis instead. There are no roadside rescue or breakdown services. Road maps are hard to come by and not
always up to date. Service stations are infrequent and may not have supplies of fuel.

Driving conditions in Tanzanians national parks can be unpredictable as the roads around the parks, mainly
dirt tracks, are generally poor and can become hazardous or impassable after heavy rain. A 4x4 vehicle is
often required.

Keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, as vehicles are sometimes targeted by thieves. Be
particularly careful at night when there is a higher incidence of crime and drunk driving. Avoid driving out of
town at night. If you become aware of an unusual incident, or if somebody out of uniform tries to flag you down,
it is often safer not to stop.

There are frequent police road blocks. If youre stopped by the police, ask to see identification before making
any payments for traffic violations. If youre involved in a road accident, co-operate with the local police.

Train travel

There have been several accidents on Tanzanian railways. Seek local advice for any long-distance train travel.

Political situation

Demonstrations and political rallies happen regularly across Tanzania (including on the islands of Unguja
(Zanzibar) and Pemba). Some have turned violent and resulted in fatalities. Police may use tear gas for crowd
control. Keep up to date with local and international events and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately and monitor our Travel Advice,
(https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania) Twitter (https://twitter.com/ukintanzania) and local media for
up-to-date information.

Terrorism
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tanzania. Although Tanzania hasnt suffered a major terrorist
incident since the bombing of the United States embassy in 1998, there have been a number of smaller scale
incidents. Most attacks target the local security forces, although attacks against western interests cant be
ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Be vigilant at all times, especially in
crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants and bars, and during major gatherings
like sporting or religious events. Previous terrorist attacks in the region have targeted places where football
matches are being viewed.

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Extremists linked to the Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab based in Somalia pose a threat across the east
Africa region, and are thought to be active in Tanzania. There is also thought to be some support for Daesh
(formerly referred to as ISIL). However, many incidents in Tanzania are of unclear origin and may be conducted
by criminal gangs.

Although there have been no significant terrorist attacks in Tanzania in recent years, the authorities in Tanzania
successfully made a number of arrests in connection to terrorism throughout 2016.

Previous attacks include:

in May 2016, 3 people were killed when a group armed with machetes and axes attacked a mosque in
Mwanza district, north-west Tanzania
in May 2016, 8 people were killed when an armed group raided houses in Kibatini village, 55km from Tanga
in north-east Tanzania
in August 2016, 4 police officers were killed in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam in an attack on bank, and in
July 2015 an attack on a police station in Dar es Salaam killed 6 people including 4 police officers; the
motivation behind these and several similar attacks is unclear

Theres a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups
or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-
while-abroad), how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

Health
Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations
or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel
Health Network and Centre on the TravelHealthPro website (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country-information/) and
by NHS (Scotland) on the fitfortravel website (http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx). Useful information
and advice about healthcare abroad is also available on the NHS Choices website (http://www.nhs.uk
/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/Pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx).

Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam. Make sure you have adequate travel health
insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance
and repatriation.

There has been a significant increase in the number of cases of cholera in Zanzibar. You should follow the
health advice issued by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet
/56/cholera).

Malaria and dengue fever are common to Tanzania. There have also been recent cases of sleeping sickness
occurring after bites from tsetse flies in the north, including the Serengeti. Other diseases, such as cholera and
rift valley fever, occur mostly in rural areas where access to sanitation is limited.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around
1,200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Tanzania were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated
at around 5.6 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around

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0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should
contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for
treatment.

Local laws and customs

Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors, but you should be sensitive to local culture.
Loud or aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people,
will cause offence.

There is a high proportion of Muslims in Tanzania, especially along the coast and on Zanzibar and Pemba.
Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that
they dont offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

In 2017, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 27 May and finish on 25 June. See Travelling
during Ramadan (https://www.gov.uk/travelling-during-ramadan)

You should dress modestly. Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts,
and particularly in Stone Town and other places where the local population may be offended. There have been
cases where women travelling alone and in small groups have been verbally harassed.

Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar).

Carry identification (a copy of your passport) at all times.

All drugs are illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar) and those found in possession will be fined. There are
severe penalties, including prison sentences, for drug trafficking.

There are criminal laws on the protection of wildlife and fauna in Tanzania. Avoid bringing wildlife products
such as jewellery into Tanzania as you risk delay, questioning or detention when trying to leave the country.
These products, whether bought or received as a gift in Tanzania, are illegal. Foreigners have been arrested
recently for trying to take products, including horns and seashells, out of the country without a certified export
permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. If youre caught you may be detained or fined.

Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK governments
understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a
full British Citizen passport.

The authorities in the country or territory youre travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules
for entry. If youre unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, youll
need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-
embassies-in-the-uk) of the country or territory youre travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport

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and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

All British passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. You should get one from the
Tanzanian High Commission (http://tanzaniahighcomm.co.uk/?page_id=25) before you travel

It is possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at main ports of entry to Tanzania, but
this is subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. You wont be able to get a multiple entry visa on
arrival For further information about visas visit the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs website.
(http://www.immigration.go.tz/index1.php)

If you are planning to work or volunteer, you will need a valid work permit. Your employer or volunteer
organisation should arrange this before you travel.

From December 2015, Carrying on Temporary Assignment (CTA) passes are no longer valid. If youre working
on a short term assignment you must apply to the Ministry of Labour and Employment for a short term work
permit. The application should be submitted prior to entering the country.

If you overstay the validity of your visa or permit you can be arrested, detained and fined before being
deported.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your visa application.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents, with a minimum of six months validity, are accepted for entry, airside transit
and exit from Tanzania.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centres
TravelHealthPro website (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/tanzania-including-
zanzibar#Vaccine_recommendations).

Natural disasters
Tanzania lies on an active fault line stretching from the north of the country to the south and tremors occur from
time to time. The last significant earthquake (magnitude 5.7) happened on 10 September 2016 in the Kagera
region, north west Tanzania. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do
before, during and after an earthquake. (http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes)

Money
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, but $US are also widely accepted. Dollar notes
printed before 2003 are usually not accepted. You can exchange money at many authorised dealers, banks

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and bureaux de change. Get a receipt after each transaction.

Most banks in major cities have ATMs, but they are not always reliable and sometimes break down or run out
of money. To minimise the risk of card cloning, only use ATMs located within the bank. Travellers cheques are
not widely accepted.

Travel advice help and support

If youre abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest
British embassy, consulate or high commission (https://www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies). If
you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on 020 7008 1500 (24 hours).

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist) to help you plan for your trip
abroad and stay safe while youre there.

Travel safety

The FCO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main
concern, but we cant provide tailored advice for individual trips. If youre concerned about whether or not its
safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory youre travelling to, together
with information from other sources youve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel.
Only you can decide whether its safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, well
state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel.
Read more about how the FCO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice (https://www.gov.uk
/guidance/how-the-foreign-commonwealth-office-puts-together-travel-advice).

Our crisis overseas page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-overseas) suggests additional things

you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that youve booked, you should contact your travel company. The
question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make
their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to
help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cant offer a
refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website
(https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/cancelling-a-holiday/). For help
resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority (https://www.caa.co.uk
/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/). For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider

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and if youre not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service
(http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

Registering your travel details with us

Were no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist (https://www.gov.uk
/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist) and crisis overseas page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-
overseas) suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCO travel advice

If youre looking for a previous version of the FCO travel advice, visit the National Archives website
(http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/*/http:/www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice). If you cant find the page youre
looking for there, send us a request.

Further help

If youre a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isnt covered in our foreign
travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry. Were not able to provide tailored advice for
specific trips.

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