Tanzania (including Zanzibar)
Country Specific Information
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August 18, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Tanzania is a developing East African nation noted for both its history of stability and its astounding natural beauty. A robust tourist industry provides all levels of tourist amenities, although higher-end facilities are concentrated mainly in the cities and selected game parks. The United Republic of Tanzania was formed in 1964 with the union of the mainland country of Tanganyika and the Zanzibar archipelago, which comprises the islands of Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is the much larger and more populous of the two islands and is commonly referred to as Zanzibar, as is the main city, Stonetown. Zanzibar enjoys an autonomous status in many areas of governance and has a separate legal system. The legislative capital of Tanzania is Dodoma. The U.S. Embassy is located in Tanzania's largest city, Dar es Salaam, along with most government offices, all embassies, and the country's commercial center. Read the Department of State's Background Notes on Tanzania for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Tanzania, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here's the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Embassy Dar Es Salaam
686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani
Dar Es Salaam
Telephone: 255- (0)22- 229-4122
Facsimile: 255- (0) 22- 266-8247
Email: drsacs@state.gov
Emergency after hours: U.S. citizen emergencies should call 255- (0)22- 229-4000 and wait for the operator to answer.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS:

Medical Alert: Due to a current outbreak of yellow fever, the ministry of health in Tanzania and Zanzibar is taking precautionary measures and has requested that everyone show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at all ports of entry. Please remember to carry your yellow fever vaccination cards when entering Tanzania from another country and also when traveling to Zanzibar and all ports of debarkation in Tanzania.

A passport and visa are required for travel to Tanzania. U.S. citizens with valid passports may obtain a visa either before arriving to Tanzania or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials. The U.S. Embassy highly recommends that U.S. citizens obtain their visas before arriving in Tanzania to avoid long delays at entry points. The current fee for a visa is $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa. Visa fees could rise again as they reciprocate U.S. application fees. Some border posts and embassies may have technical difficulty in producing the 12-month visa, and may make hand-written annotations on the computer-printed visa. U.S. passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date the visa is obtained, whether it is acquired beforehand or at a port of entry. Foreigners may be required to show their passports when entering or exiting Zanzibar.

The web site of the Embassy of Tanzania in Washington, DC states yellow fever vaccinations are required for persons from, or who have visited, yellow fever endemic countries.

Tanzanian law is very strict on visa categories. A recurring problem encountered by U.S. citizens is that volunteer activity – even if the traveler is paying for the volunteer opportunity – is prohibited on a tourist visa. U.S. citizens traveling to Tanzania for short- or long-term volunteer projects should review their status with the sponsoring organization before entering the country.

Travelers are reminded to safeguard their U.S. passports while in Tanzania. Passport loss can lead to departure delays and disruption of travel. Tanzanian authorities require that travelers not in possession of the visa and entry stamps obtained upon entry visit immigration authorities prior to departure to regularize their status. Persons attempting to depart without proper documentation may be subject to fines or delays in departure.

Visit the Embassy of Tanzania website for the most current visa information.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Tanzania.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist incidents in the recent past highlight the continuing threat posed by terrorism in East Africa and the capacity of terrorist groups to carry out such attacks. On August 7, 1998, terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, Kenya. On November 28, 2002, terrorists bombed a hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, approximately 50 miles north of the Kenya-Tanzania border, and unsuccessfully attempted to shoot down an Israeli charter plane departing Mombasa Airport. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets including usual gathering places of tourists and Westerners. At all times, travelers should maintain a high level of security vigilance. They should avoid political rallies and related public gatherings. In the past, peaceful demonstrations have turned violent with little or no warning as riot police clashed with demonstrators.

The population in Zanzibar is majority Muslim and holds traditional values. Some Zanzibar newspapers have warned that women deemed to dress immodestly may be subject to harassment. U.S. citizens are advised to dress modestly, behave in a conservative manner, and exercise caution in public. As in Dar es Salaam, U.S. citizens in Zanzibar should avoid political rallies and related public gatherings. There have been a number of incidents of criminal and violent activity in the region. Travelers to this area should exercise caution. U.S. officials, in keeping with UN security procedures, request police escorts on parts of the Rusomo to Kahama road near the Rwandan border because of an increase in armed bandit attacks.

Inter-city transportation routes between major cities such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam are serviced by a variety of carriers with differing levels of safety and comfort. U.S. citizens traveling by bus are urged to select carriers who use modern equipment and avoid riding in vehicles in obvious disrepair. U.S. citizens on long-haul bus routes have been victims of "druggings" whereby drug-laced food and drink are used to sedate unsuspecting passengers so their belongings can be easily stolen. Travelers are cautioned not to accept food or beverages from fellow passengers.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to use taxis or hired drivers from a reputable source for in-town transportation. U.S. citizens have been victims of robberies when using unlicensed taxis in Dar Es Salaam. In these incidents, once victims have entered the car, they are held against their will for up to several hours and taken to several ATM machines throughout the city to liquidate their accounts. In these instances, U.S. citizens have been forced to surrender their belongings under the threat of violence. A current scam exists where a U.S. citizen is approached by a Tanzanian gentleman (usually dressed in western style clothing-- baseball cap, jeans, t-shirt, sneakers) who appears to speak very good English. He sees the U.S. citizen waiting for transportation and offers to have his friend who is a taxi cab driver take the traveler to their destination. Once in the vehicle, the U.S. citizen is threatened by the Tanzanian gentleman and driver to hand over money from their bank accounts as well as personal belongings. These nefarious characters are prevalent at bus stations and crowded areas (particularly the Ubongo bus station) where people are waiting for transport. 

Travelers should avoid using the ubiquitous microbuses (dala-dalas), which are frequently overcrowded, poorly maintained, a common site of petty theft, and whose operation is generally unsafe.

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CRIME: Crime is a serious problem in Tanzania; visitors should be alert and cautious. Street crime in Dar es Salaam is common and includes mugging, vehicle theft, "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles, armed robbery, and burglary. Thieves and pickpockets on buses and trains steal from inattentive passengers.

Crime involving firearms is becoming more common. A series of robberies involving increasing levels of violence has occurred along the coast and on Zanzibar. Robbers have held up tour buses and dive boats at gunpoint. In the spring of 2008, there were a string of armed robberies in hotels along the east coast of Ungunja (the main island) in Zanzibar.

Pedestrians on beaches and footpaths, both in isolated areas and in popular tourist venues, are often targeted for robbery or assault, especially on Zanzibar and in Dar es Salaam and its environs. Visitors should limit the amount of cash they carry and leave valuables, such as passports, jewelry, and airline tickets, in a hotel safe or other secure place. Cameras are highly coveted by thieves, and should be guarded. Because of the potential for fraud, credit cards should only be used in reputable tourist hotels. 

Sexual assaults involving tourists are an increasing concern. Travelers should contract only with legitimate tour guides, preferably arranged by a known travel agency or hotel. Travelers are advised to be wary of "spontaneous" offers of sightseeing, and avoid being alone with "friendly" strangers who propose special, customized sightseeing trips.

A continuing concern is Tourè Drive on Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam. Tourè Drive is the beach front road from the Sea Cliff Hotel into town which provides an inviting view of the ocean. There are regular reports of daytime muggings, pick-pocketing, and theft from cars, and the road continues to be an area of concern any time of day on foot or by car. U.S. government personnel are expressly advised to avoid walking or running along Tourè Drive. In Arusha, the high number of foreign tourists attracts pickpockets and bag snatchers. 

Occasionally, these crimes escalate into violence. While frightening, the number of these attacks is small and the majority of U.S. citizen tourists enjoy Tanzania in peace. Travelers are always urged to practice common sense security and remain vigilant of their surroundings. If a situation does not seem right, travelers should follow their instincts and leave the scene.

Travelers are strongly encouraged not to walk around at dusk or later, and to avoid the section of Arusha on the far side of the Themi River at all times on foot. Long-time residents say that crime in Arusha peaks around the December-January holiday season. Travelers should be even more vigilant during these months.

U.S. citizens residing in Arusha report a steady increase in crimes targeting the homes of expatriates living in the region. These armed home invasions usually involve some violence and have resulted in some victims being seriously injured. U.S. citizens residing in the area should ensure that their homes have a safe haven – a secure area with reinforced barriers to retreat to and remain safe if intruders enter the home. Residents in Arusha strongly recommend retaining a professional security company with 24-hour guards and roving patrols.

Carjacking has occurred in rural and urban areas. Visitors are advised to drive with doors locked and windows rolled up, not to stop between populated areas, and to travel in convoys if possible.

There have been several recent cases of U.S. business people who have fallen victim to scams involving the sale of copper and other resources at cut-rate prices. Potential buyers are urged to be very cautious of good deals offered by agents based in Tanzania. Precautions such as using escrow accounts arranged by attorneys outside Tanzania should be considered.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friend.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the "911" emergency line in Tanzania is: 111.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Tanzania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Tanzania, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going. 

Persons violating Tanzania's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tanzania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

If you are arrested in Tanzania, authorities of Tanzania are required to notify the U.S. embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may be unaware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy of your arrest.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Every year, thousands of U.S. citizens have a truly awe-inspiring experience in Tanzania enjoying its natural wonders. However, such activities do have inherent risks. A handful of tourists are mauled or killed by wild animals. Climbers are injured or killed in rockslides or succumb to altitude sickness or hypothermia. Safaris and mountain expeditions require sustained physical exertion and can aggravate existing chronic health problems. U.S. citizens have died while on safari in accidents or from natural causes related to the exertion of the trip or environmental factors. Most tour operators offer structured, safe excursions into parks, the mountains, and other wildlife areas Travelers must play a responsible role in maintaining their safety, and are reminded to maintain a safe distance from animals and to remain in vehicles or protected enclosures when venturing into game parks. Persons with chronic health problems should weigh the risks before joining an extended trip in the African wilderness. Climbers should familiarize themselves with the signs of altitude sickness and heed the advice of the professionals organizing the ascents.

You should carry a copy of your U.S. passport with you at all times so you'll have readily available proof of identity and U.S. citizenship if questioned by local officials. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges travelers and U.S. citizens resident in Tanzania to maintain legal immigration status while in Tanzania to avoid difficulties with local immigration authorities. 

Credit cards may be used at some major hotels but are not widely accepted in Tanzania. In the larger urban areas, ATM's are usually available at major banks. However, travelers should exercise caution when using ATM, debit, and credit cards in Tanzania. There have been numerous recent reports from U.S. citizens of fraud, particularly against U.S. dollar denominated accounts. Travelers should arrive with sufficient cash or traveler's checks for their trip if they will be spending time outside large cities. Those using traveler's checks should be advised that reputable financial institutions require that the holder of traveler's checks present the original receipt for the checks and proof of identity, such as a passport, before the institutions will complete a transaction.

Photography of military installations is forbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, bridges, industrial sites, and airports. Installations that are prohibited from being photographed are not always marked.

In response to several inquiries from same gender couples considering travel to Tanzania, the Embassy provides the following advice:

Tanzania is largely a traditional society. Public displays of affection between persons of the opposite gender garner serious disapproval, and such displays between persons of the same gender could risk violence. Public discussions of sexuality of any type are not well-received and there is no openly gay community. Same gender sexual relations are illegal in Tanzania although there are no reports that anyone has been arrested or prosecuted for such activities recently.

Accessibility: While in Tanzania, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but there is no implementing law to prevent discrimination under this provision. Persons with physical disabilities are effectively restricted in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services by physical barriers and inadequate financial resources. Although the government mandates access to public buildings, transportation, and government services for persons with disabilities, few buildings are accessible. Many buildings were constructed before such requirements came into force, and no funds are available for retrofitting existing structures, although newer public buildings are being built in compliance with the law. The law mandates that two percent of total employment be offered to persons with disabilities. Nonetheless, this stipulation has not been enforced.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities are limited and medicines sometimes unavailable, even in Dar es Salaam. Hospitals on Zanzibar can treat minor ailments, but for any major medical problems, including dental work, travelers should consider obtaining medical treatment in Nairobi or South Africa where more advanced medical care is available.

Cholera is prevalent in many areas of Tanzania, and several strains of malaria are endemic. Malaria suppressants are advised, and travelers are strongly advised to carry them. Visitors should consult their physicians before traveling to learn about prophylaxis and the possible side effects of various available medications.

Other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and the anti-malarial medications taken. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC travel health web site.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Tanzania. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel Notice on TB.

Tap water in Tanzania is unsafe to drink. Travelers are strongly urged to use bottled water for drinking and food preparation.

The HIV infection rate in the population is around seven percent and is even more prevalent among prostitutes and their clients. Travelers should be aware of these risks and avoid them.

East African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping sickness) is carried by the tsetse fly, which is endemic to the northern safari circuit of Tanzania. The disease itself is very rare but present. Travelers are advised to use normal precautions to avoid insect bites. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential if there is an infection. If symptoms appear, even months later, health care practitioners should be told of the visit to East Africa and the possibility of exposure. See the CDCs link on infectious disease for more information.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can't assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It's very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I'm out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors' and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn't go with you when you travel, it's a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Road and traffic conditions in Tanzania differ markedly from those found in the United States, and present hazards that require drivers to exercise continual alertness and caution.

Traffic in Tanzania moves on the left. Drivers and pedestrians alike must maintain vigilance, looking both ways before turning or crossing a road.

Drivers are advised against nighttime travel. Roadways are often not marked and many lack both streetlights and shoulders. Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals are often encountered on unlit roads after dark, as are slow-moving trucks and cars traveling without lights. Carjacking and other related crimes are more common during the nighttime hours. Traveling in rural areas after dark is strongly discouraged.

Although a number of inter-city highways are periodically repaved and maintained, maintenance schedules are erratic and even good roads may deteriorate precipitously in periods of inclement weather. During the rainy season (late March to mid-June), many roads, both urban and rural, are passable only with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

In urban areas, it is common to find main arterial roads paved and maintained, while secondary streets are severely rutted and passable only with high-clearance vehicles. Traffic lights are often out of order, and care should be exercised at any traffic intersection, whether controlled or not, as many drivers disregard signals. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles pose serious traffic hazards.

Tanzanian law requires all motor vehicle operators to be in possession of a valid driver's license. Persons staying in Tanzania for six months or less may use a valid U.S. driver's license after validation by local traffic authorities, or an international driver's license. Persons intending to remain in Tanzania for more than six months are required to obtain a Tanzanian driver's license. All vehicles are required to carry third-party liability insurance.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Tanzania, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Tanzania's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children's Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Tanzania dated December 29, 2010, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Threats to Safety and Security.

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