Tanzania Travel Advice, Embassies & Tourist Offices

FCO travel advice for Tanzania

The travel advice summary below is provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. ‘We’ refers to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For their full travel advice, visit www.fco.gov.uk.

Last updated: 30 March 2012

There are no travel restrictions in place for Tanzania.

Other advice:

• There has been an increase in the number of incidents involving express kidnap, muggings and bag grabs, both on the mainland and Zanzibar. We advise both resident and visiting British nationals to remain vigilant at all times.

• On Saturday 10 September 2011 a local passenger/freight ferry, MV Spice Islander, sank on route to Pemba from Unguja (Zanzibar). Over 600 passengers were rescued but hundreds died, with reports suggesting the ferry was overloaded.

• On Wednesday 16 February 2011 an army ammunitions depot exploded in the Gongola Mboto district of Dar es Salaam, near to the international airport. There is still a risk of unexploded debris being found. We advise British nationals in the Dar es Salaam area to be vigilant and avoid any debris/objects that may have originated from the explosion. Report anything suspicious to your local police station. Please monitor local news and FCO travel advice for updated information.

• There is a underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping that does not take appropriate precautions, or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines. There have been an increasing number of piracy attacks in the waters immediately off Tanzania. Pirates are increasingly attacking smaller vessels with gunfire, including tourist and fishing vessels, and coming closer to shore. British nationals have been taken hostage. We caution against sailing out of sight of shore. The capacity of the Tanzanian Navy to respond to pirate attacks is very limited.

• You should exercise particular caution if you intend to travel to the area bordering Burundi.

• Long distance buses are frequently involved in accidents which can often result in fatalities. If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle or the ability of the driver, use alternative methods of transport.

• Around 75,000 British tourists visit Tanzania every year. Most visits are trouble-free.  You should keep your passport safe and secure at all times, and remember to carry a photocopy.

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.