Genvisec advises that  business and leisure travel should continue to Tanzania. Certain categories of traveller will require enhanced security.

 

Crime

 

Although most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, violent and armed crime is increasing. Mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country. 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. In 2014, a group of foreign citizens were the victims of an armed robbery while travelling by bus in the Tabora region and 2 British nationals were involved in a violent robbery on a stretch of beach between Bahari hotel and Kunduchi hotel to the north of Dar es Salaam. There have also been reports of armed robberies at hotels on the island of Zanzibar. In March 2015, 3 British nationals were victims of a violent robbery in their home in Zanzibar.

 

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 you’re attacked, don’t 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. Don’t accept lifts from strangers or use unlicensed taxis. Ask your local hotel to book a taxi and always ask to see the driver’s 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 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 don’t let them in and raise the alarm. In an isolated incident in August 2012 a Swiss national was killed when suspected robbers entered his property on the Peninsula area of Dar es Salaam. A British national was also assaulted in the incident. In June 2012, a Dutch national and a Tanzanian camp manager were killed when a group of Western tourists were robbed at gunpoint while camping in northern Serengeti.

 

In 2013, two British women were the victims of an acid attack in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This appears to be the first acid attack in Zanzibar targeting foreigners. The Tanzanian authorities have publicly condemned the attack and committed to find the perpetrators. The motive remains unclear. You should be vigilant at all times, especially after dark.

 

In 2013, 2 explosions took place on the island of Unguja (Zanzibar) near Mercury’s restaurant by the port and at the Anglican Cathedral in Stonetown.

 

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.

 

There is a risk from unexploded ammunition and ordnance following explosions at depots in the Gongola Mboto and Mbagala districts of Dar es Salaam. Be vigilant and avoid picking up any metal or suspicious objects. Report anything suspicious to your local police station.

 

National Parks

 

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.

 

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

 

Take particular care in the area bordering Burundi. There have been armed robberies in this area, including vehicle hijackings. There are few facilities for visitors. Genvisec advises you do not visit the border area.

 

River & Sea travel

 

In the last few years there have been 2 major ferry disasters in which hundreds of people have died. In July 2012 a ferry travelling from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town in Zanzibar capsized. In September 2011, a ferry travelling between Pemba and Unguja (Zanzibar) sank. On 5 January 2014, a number of passengers were blown overboard in bad weather on a ferry travelling from Pemba to Unguja (Zanzibar). This resulted in a number of deaths.

 

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

 

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Shipping which has not complied with industry best practice on self-defence measures, including on routing, is most at risk. There have been a number of piracy attacks in the waters immediately off Tanzania. Pirates are increasingly attacking smaller vessels, including tourist and fishing vessels, and coming closer to shore. Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable to attack due to their low speed and low freeboard.

 

The capacity of the Tanzanian Navy to respond to pirate attacks is very limited. If you are intending to sail through high risk areas, consider alternatives like transporting the vessel by yacht carrier.

 

Road travel

 

If you plan to drive during a visit to Tanzania, you will need an International Driving Permit.

 

Take care when driving. Road conditions are generally poor and 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 fatalities and injuries to tourists. If you have concerns about the safety of the vehicle, or the ability of the driver, use alternative transport.

 

Driving conditions in Tanzanian’s 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.

 

If you are stopped by the police, ask to see identification before making any payments for traffic violations.

 

Train travel

 

There have been several accidents on Tanzanian railways. We advise you don't use the trains for safety and security reasons.

 

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 app, Twitter and local media for up-to-date information.

 

Violent disturbances occurred in the district of Mtwara in May 2013. A number of explosions occurred during a political rally in Arusha on 15 June 2013.

 

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 don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented 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. The Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab based in Somalia poses a threat across the East Africa region.

 

A bomb attack near a mosque in Stone Town, Zanzibar, killed 1 person and injured several others in June 2014.

 

There were a number of small scale attacks in Arusha in 2014, targeting bars and restaurants.

 

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.

 

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 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.

 

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 6.0) happened in 2007 in the region of the Kenya border.

 

Visas

 

All foreign passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. You should get one from the Tanzanian High Commission 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 won’t be able to get a multiple entry visa on arrival For further information about visas visit the Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs website.

 

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

 

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.

 

The Tanzanian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents, with a minimum of six months’ validity, are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Tanzan goingYellow fever vaccination

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.