Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Tanzania is a popular safari and beach destination. Tourist areas are generally calm, but watch for petty theft in cities and check current government travel advice.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; tourist regions relatively stable
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft in cities
- Emergency number
- 112 or 911
- Popular destinations such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are well visited. Stay alert in Dar es Salaam and busy tourist spots, and review your government's latest travel advisory before departure.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Most tourist areas are calm. Take extra care after dark in cities and on poorly lit streets, including some parts of Zanzibar. Check current government advice for border regions.
- At night
- Avoid poorly lit streets in cities and Zanzibar
- Border regions
- Check current government travel advice before travelling
- Central tourist and safari areas are generally safe by day. Be cautious walking at night in Dar es Salaam and in Zanzibar's less-lit lanes, and follow your government's advice on remote border areas.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Main hazards are the tropical rainy seasons with flooding, high-altitude conditions on Kilimanjaro, and strong equatorial sun. Serious seismic events are uncommon.
- Rainy seasons
- Long rains Mar-May, short rains Nov-Dec; flooding possible
- Altitude
- Altitude sickness risk on Kilimanjaro treks
- Sun and heat
- Strong equatorial sun; stay hydrated
- Heavy rains can cause flooding and disrupt roads. On Kilimanjaro, ascend gradually to reduce altitude sickness. Protect against strong sun and heat on safari and at the coast.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Malaria is present nationwide and a yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country. Avoid tap water and see a travel clinic before you go.
- Yellow fever
- Certificate required if arriving from a risk country
- Malaria
- Present nationwide; take prophylaxis and prevent bites
- Water
- Drink bottled or treated water; avoid tap water
- Consult a travel health clinic well in advance about malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations. Prevent mosquito bites, drink safe water, and carry personal medication. Zanzibar and mainland both have malaria risk.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft occur in Dar es Salaam and tourist spots. Watch for scams around transport, tours and currency exchange.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Bus stations, markets, beaches and tourist sites
- Advice
- Keep valuables out of sight; use trusted operators
- Thieves target distracted travellers, sometimes from vehicles or motorbikes. Keep bags secure, avoid displaying valuables, and book tours and taxis through reputable operators.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Tanzania is generally stable. Demonstrations can occur, especially around elections; avoid gatherings and follow local news and official advice.
- Government
- Presidential republic; generally stable
- Demonstrations
- Possible around elections; can turn disruptive
- Political tensions can rise around election periods. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media, and follow your government's travel advice.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Respect local customs; Zanzibar is largely Muslim and conservative. Drug offences carry severe penalties, and there are restrictions on photography and plastic bags.
- Dress and customs
- Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and rural areas
- Drugs
- Severe penalties; strictly enforced
- Rules
- Single-use plastic bags banned; do not photograph officials or sites when told not to
- Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags on entry. Avoid photographing military, police or government sites. Dress modestly outside beach resorts, particularly in Zanzibar. Penalties for drug offences are severe.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 or 911 for emergencies covering police, ambulance and fire. Response times can vary, especially in remote areas.
- All emergencies
- 112 or 911
- Tourist areas
- Ask your hotel or lodge for local contacts
- Note
- Response may be slower in remote regions
- 112 and 911 connect to police, ambulance and fire services. In safari and remote areas, keep your operator, lodge and embassy contacts handy as emergency response can be limited.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical and emergency evacuation cover; private care and air evacuation can be very costly.
- Medical cover
- Essential; private treatment is expensive
- Evacuation
- Include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Cover safari, trekking (Kilimanjaro) and diving if relevant
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, air ambulance and repatriation, as serious cases may require evacuation. Add cover for high-altitude trekking, safaris and water activities as needed.