This is the Travel Advice Tanzania. More than 75,000 British nationals visit Tanzania each year. Note that Tanzania has experienced an increase in crime as well as piracy being a problem. Road travel long distance as well as the use of ferries are not advisable. Ferry disasters have occurred in 2014. If you are in need to assistance then contact the British High Commission in Tanzania
Travel Advice Tanzania
Tanzania is a beautiful country located in East Africa, known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Here are some travel tips to make the most out of your trip to Tanzania. See the travel advice Zanzibar below.
Crime
There has been an increase in violent and armed violent crime is increasing in Tanzania. There has also been an increase in mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and armed robbery. Walk far away from the road with your bag facing away from the road. In Dar es Salaam, British tourists had been kidnapped, robbed and forced with the threat of violence to withdraw cash from ATMs. On the 25 July 2014, a group of British citizens were the victims of an armed robbery while traveling by bus in the Tabora region and on 10 November 2014 two British nationals were involved in a violent robbery on a stretch of beach between Bahari hotel and Kunduchi hotel. Zanzibar has also seen an increase in violent crime.
- 1. Don’t accept lifts from strangers or use unlicensed taxis.
- 2. Avoid walking alone, particularly in isolated areas and on beaches.
- 3. Use only a reputable travel company
Ensure that your accommodation is safe and ensure that your security insists that visitors show an ID card. In August 2012 a Swiss national was murdered in his home on the Peninsula area of Dar es Salaam. Likewise in June 2012, a Dutch national was murdered while camping in the northern Serengeti. In August 2013, two British women were the victims of an acid attack in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Local laws and customs
There are a large number of Muslims in Tanzania so always dress in a modest fashion around holy places. Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors, but you should be sensitive to local culture. Loud or aggressive behavior as well as public drunkenness, foul language and disrespect will cause offense and problems you dont need. Note the following:
- 1. Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania (including the island of Zanzibar).
- 2. Carry identification (a copy of your passport) at all times.
- 3. All drugs are illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar).
Note that all British nationals and passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania.
Health
Malaria and dengue fever are common to Tanzania so visit your GP in the United Kingdom before you visit Tanzania. Medical facilities and hospitals are limited, especially outside of the capital city of Dar es Salaam. There are more than 1.2 million HIV persons in Tanzania and the HIV rate is 5.6% of the population or 30 times higher than that of the United Kingdom.
Money
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of the country. If you are going on holiday note that most banks in major cities have ATMs, but they are not always reliable and sometimes break down or run out of money.
See also the Travel Advice Samoa as well as the Travel Advice Saudi Arabia and Travel Advice Swaziland.
