Tanzania

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police
• Dial 115 for ambulance
• Dial 114 for firefighters
• Dial 111 for crime prevention
• Dial +255 800 780 100 for toll-free domestic violence hotline 
• Dial +255 787 668 306 for Women and Children Desk of the local police department

Note: response time of emergency responders may be poor.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Reports of violence from terrorism are focused in the Mtwara region due to increased activity by extremists along Tanzania’s southern border with Mozambique.

• For more information, review our Terrorism page.

Crime

Crime in Tanzania is a regular occurrence. Tanzanian authorities have limited capacity to prevent and investigate such acts.

• Home invasions, sometimes violent, have been reported in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
• Pickpockets and bag snatchers target foreigners in tourist areas.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams are common in Tanzania. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Mobile money fraud
• Fake investment schemes
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Tanzania: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

• Victims of sexual assault may have difficulty accessing sufficient social or medical support.
• Local police have limited resources and investigations are often not completed. Prosecutions are very rare.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may have difficulty accessing sufficient social or medical support.
• Local police have limited resources.
• Please review our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• You must obtain explicit authorization from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) before bringing or flying a drone.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safari and climbing operations must be registered with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
• There are many unregistered and unregulated guides and tour companies operating in the country, which may not enforce strict safety inspections for equipment and facilities.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. In established National Parks, rules are shown at entrance gates.
• Physical warning signs in hazardous wilderness areas are rare.
• In urban centers, natural hazards and steep terrain are rarely marked with physical warning or safety barriers.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in a timely manner, in case of emergencies.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. Consider purchasing insurance that explicitly covers remote wilderness rescue and helicopter transport.

Tour company booking safety tips

Trusted, established tour companies used trained, certified guides. Budget or independent operators may use uncertified, seasonal staff. The U.S. embassy recommends that you choose reputable companies.

Before booking a tour operator, verify they meet the following criteria:

• Is the company a legally licensed member of the Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators?
• Check verifiable reviews.
• Ask direct questions. Do not rely on website claims.
• When hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, ask the operator directly: 
  • Are your head guides currently certified as first responders?
  • Do you carry a pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen on every climb?
  • What is your medical evacuation protocol? 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

While you are traveling in Tanzania, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be different from the United States. If you violate Tanzania’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tanzania are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Photographing military installations is forbidden. People have been detained or had their cameras confiscated for taking photos of hospitals, schools, bridges, industrial sites and airports. Sites where photography is prohibited are not always marked.
• It is illegal to import or export an animal or animal part without export certification from the Tanzanian government.
• It is illegal to gather, collect, or remove flora or fauna, including seashells, coral, ebony or mpingo wood without a government permit.
• Purchasing or collecting wildlife, or wildlife products – even as simple souvenirs from the beach – can lead to severe fines or detention at the airport when you try to leave.
• Certain acts of U.S. citizens overseas are prosecutable as crimes in the United States even if they are not illegal under the local law. Review our website on crimes against minors abroad.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees may miss out on emergency and routine medical care.
• Local authorities do not consistently report detentions to the U.S. embassy in a timely manner.
• Conducting routine prison visits in rural locations, hours away from the U.S. embassy, may be difficult.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Human Rights Report

While visiting Tanzania, you should dress modestly outside of the hotel or resort. Entering public areas in a bathing suit or in clothes that would be considered immodest according to the local community may attract negative public attention.

During the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours, U.S. citizens should be mindful and respectful of local culture and religious views.

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual relations are a criminal offense in Tanzania.

• Convicted offenders may be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Authorities use the penal code to intimidate and arrest individuals based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.
• The Tanzanian government only accepts passports with male or female sex markers. This applies to travel to, within, or through Tanzania.
• Gay and lesbian travelers may be denied entry to Tanzania by immigration authorities (including on Zanzibar). If admitted, they may be targeted, harassed, or charged with unrelated offenses.
• Public displays of affection between people of the same sex may be met with harassment or violence.
• Non-governmental organizations that support gays and lesbians and their staff may be targeted, harassed, or have staff members detained by local authorities.
• For more detailed information about respect for the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Tanzania, you may review the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
• Please review our Gay and Lesbian Travel Information page.

 Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Tanzania prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities. The law is not enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited. Public buses (dala-dalas), ferries, sidewalks and older public buildings are not physically accessible to wheelchair users or those with severe mobility constraints.
• Cultural stigmas and misconceptions regarding disability persist, particularly in rural communities. Tanzanians are generally hospitable and will offer physical help if a traveler is struggling.
• Specialized institutional accommodations are rare.
• Historic tourist spots like Stone Town in Zanzibar have uneven cobblestones and narrow alleyways, which are difficult to navigate on a wheelchair.
• High-end hotels and luxury safari lodges usually accommodate disability requests, but standard hotels generally do not.
• Sidewalks are nearly non-existent and there are frequent power outages.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tanzania Traveler Information
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 115 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not present or are unreliable in most areas of the country.
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Review the list of medical facilities in Tanzania from the U.S. embassy website. 

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Tanzania. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Tanzania.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Dar es Salaam and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. Some rural facilities may require patients to provide their own basic medical supplies before undergoing surgery.
•  Hospitals and doctors often require payment prior to service or admission.
• Before agreeing to any medical care, travelers should gather full details on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures.  
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) to ensure the medication is legal in Tanzania. Online verification tools are available. For a list of approved drugs check the TMDA Registered Medicinal Products Portal. For a list of banned drugs check the TMDA Unregistered Products List.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Tanzania has strict anti-narcotic laws. Strong opioid painkillers (like tramadol or codeine), and psychiatric drugs are restricted or illegal without permits. Please review Tanzanian rules on medication by emailing the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) at [email protected] or by using the TMDA Registered Medicinal Products Portal and the TMDA Unregistered Products List.
• Tanzania does not allow the importation of medical cannabis, even with prescription. Do not carry medical cannabis and derivatives.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• Traditional and alternative medicine is regulated on paper, but enforcement remains a challenge. Many traditional healers operate unregistered or remain unaware of formal licensing procedures. Travelers therefore face risks using traditional or alternative medicine.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Tanzania to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• There is no legal framework for surrogacy in Tanzania. For additional information, visit the Government of Tanzania’s Ministry of Health website.
• Surrogacy in Tanzania is not legally supported or regulated. This means foreign parents who use surrogacy might not be protected, and courts may not uphold surrogacy agreements. Without a legal framework, it is highly risky for prospective parents to engage in surrogacy arrangements.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Tanzania via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney as well as an experienced U.S. immigration attorney if you intend on bringing the child back to the United States. Prepare for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

The Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania is at high altitude. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves serious altitude-related health risks, including High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Your choice of tour operator can be a life-or-death decision. Unregistered operators often cut corners on safety equipment and staff training. Review the tourism safety section for more information.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude locations like Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Tanzania
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Roads are poorly maintained and often bumpy, potholed, and unpaved. Good roads may erode quickly due to weather conditions.

• Heavy traffic jams, either due to rush hour or because of accidents, are common.
• During the rainy season from late March to mid-June and mid-November to mid-December, many roads in Tanzania are passable only with 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Traffic moves on the left side of the road.
• Beware of vehicles traveling at excessive speed, and unpredictable local driving habits.
• Many vehicles are poorly maintained and lack basic safety equipment.
• Vehicles may cross the median strip and drive against the flow of traffic.

Traffic laws 

Tanzania law requires all drivers to be in possession of a valid driver’s license.

• If you are staying in Tanzania for fewer than 6 months, you may use a valid U.S. driver’s license, or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• If you intend to stay in Tanzania for more than 6 months, you are required to obtain a Tanzanian driver’s license.
• All vehicles are required to carry third-party liability insurance and to post the decal in the front window.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Use taxis or hire a driver from a trusted source.

Public and commercial transportation

• Avoid using public buses known as “dala-dalas”, 3-wheeled taxis known as “bajajis”, and motorcycle taxis called “boda-bodas”. These modes of transportation are often poorly maintained and ignore traffic rules.
• When traveling to Zanzibar by ferry, use the high-speed ferry and purchase your tickets from inside the ferry terminal or online in advance. Tickets should include your name, date of travel, and class of travel.
• Visit the website of Tanzania’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Tanzania for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.

FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Tanzania should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Tanzania experiences a tropical climate divided primarily by rainfall patterns rather than the traditional four-season calendar.

Hot season

Occurs between January to March.

• There is high humidity along the coast.

Heavy rain and floods

Occurs from late March to May. There are heavy, often daily downpours.

• Severe flooding may result in impassable roads. There can be temporary closures of safari lodges.

Dry season and brush fires

Occurs from June to October causing long dry spells.

• There’s a higher risk of brush fires in bushland and cooler night temperatures.

Short rains

Occur from November to December.

• Lighter, intermittent afternoon showers
• Increased humidity
• Weather does not generally disrupt travel.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates