Tanzania

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks anywhere in Tanzania and may target places associated with foreigners, including:

• hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs
• embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests
• schools
• places of worship
• shopping malls, markets and outdoor events
• transport hubs and public transport
• large gatherings like sporting or religious events
• police stations

Attacks have continued intermittently along the Tanzania-Mozambique border. In October 2020, a violent attack occurred in Kitaya village, in Mtwara, close to the border with Mozambique. Terrorists have targeted the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique adjacent to the Tanzania border area. Avoid travelling to within 30km of the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara region, due to the threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnappings. 

To protect yourself from terrorism, you should:

• be alert to your surroundings
• pay close attention to your personal security
• consider the level of security at places you visit
• stay alert in crowded places and locations frequented by foreigners
• keep a low profile
• monitor local media

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Violent armed robbery, petty theft and threats of violence are common in Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam.

Travellers have been sexually assaulted. HIV/AIDS is widespread in Tanzania. If you're a victim of rape or violent crime, seek immediate medical attention.

Criminals in Dar es Salaam are becoming bolder and crime is more common. There are regular reports of crime along the Toure Drive on the Msasani Peninsula, especially bag snatching from moving vehicles.

Serious injury and death after resisting bag snatching is possible. Victims have been dragged behind vehicles. Don't resist or try to stop bag snatch attempts.

Take extra care in and around Arusha in northern Tanzania. Armed robberies, carjackings and home invasions have happened.

Don't accept food or drink from strangers — it may be spiked. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• take care on public transport, in shared taxis and at bus stations
• take care at places frequented by travellers, including national parks and beaches
• avoid walking and travelling after dark

Thieves target travellers in isolated and coastal areas. ​

'Express kidnapping' occurs. Kidnappers abduct people and force them to withdraw funds from ATMs before releasing them. This can happen after being befriended by strangers or while using unlicensed taxis. Only use registered taxis.

If you're stopped by police, ask to see their ID, especially before paying fines.

Border areas

There are bandits near refugee camps in Kigoma, towards Kagera and near the borders of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Do not travel within 30km of the border with Mozambique in the Mtwara region. Terrorists are likely to target foreigners and foreign interests. The insurgency poses an extreme threat in neighbouring Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, and attacks are highly likely to continue. Read the Mozambique travel advice for more information.

In August 2021, the South African Development Community (SADC) deployed military forces to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Terrorist organisations may increase operations in the Mtwara region as it may be outside the current reach of SADC operations. 

The US Embassy and the United Nations recommend that you use police escorts on parts of the Rusomo to Kahama Road near the border with Rwanda. There's a threat of armed attacks.

Pay attention to your personal security when visiting national parks, game parks and reserves.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

There’s a risk of kidnapping in the Mtwari region. Terrorists are likely to target foreigners and foreign interests. 

Express kidnappings occur, including in Dar es Salaam. Criminals may kidnap you from the street or a taxi and force you to withdraw money from ATMs. This can happen after being befriended by strangers or while using unlicensed taxis. Only use registered taxis.

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• vary your movements and don’t set patterns
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• don’t display money or valuables in public
• use ATMs inside banks, hotels and shopping centres and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 
• always use licensed taxi services or ride-sharing apps 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Kidnapping

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Be alert in public places. Avoid locations without an obvious security presence.

Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Monitor the media and other sources for safety information.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as diving.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Wildlife safety

Follow local wildlife laws. Keep a safe and legal distance when looking at animals. This includes marine animals and birds.

Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators.

Follow park rules and the advice of wardens.

Don't swim in lakes and rivers. You could be attacked by wildlife. There's also a risk of catching waterborne diseases.

Tanzania experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• flooding
• earthquakes
• tsunamis
• cyclones

If a natural disaster happens, follow the advice of local authorities.

Register for updates from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Flooding

The rainy seasons in Tanzania are from March to May and November to December. Unusual weather patterns may mean the rainy season is delayed or extended.

Floods may close roads.

Monsoons occur in coastal areas and on islands, between June and October. 

Earthquakes

Tanzania lies on a fault line, so earthquakes are possible and can cause signifcant damage.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay or visit.

Tsunamis

All oceanic regions can experience tsunamis. In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the risk is higher. There are many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches in this region.

Cyclones

Cyclones can happen along coastal areas. The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• ferries may stop running (to and from Zanzibar)
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel and bridges
• essential services, such as water and electricity

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tanzania. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

There are limited medical facilities and medications are often not available, even in major cities.

If you have an accident or become ill, you may need to be evacuated by air to Kenya or another country. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is found throughout the year, except in areas above 1800 metres. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria have been reported.

Other insect-borne diseases occur. These include:

• yellow fever
• dengue
• Zika virus
• filariasis
• human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)

The tsetse fly carries sleeping sickness. This is common to the northern safari area of Tanzania.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• insect-proof your accommodation
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Serious outbreaks happen. These include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• measles
• meningococcal disease
• Rift Valley virus
• rabies
• COVID-19

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads
• don't touch domestic animals
• don't swim in fresh water

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Altitude sickness

If you plan to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m) make sure you're physically fit and in good health. Be aware of altitude sickness.

If you rapidly climb to altitudes greater than 2500m, you can get altitude sickness. This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.

People who are more at risk of altitude sickness are those who:

• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the change in altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

If you're planning to visit high altitudes areas, check with your doctor before you go.

Make sure your insurance policy covers you.

While in Tanzania, you're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Pornography

It's illegal to possess or access pornographic material.

LGBTQIA+ laws

Same-sex activity is illegal. Authorities can jail you for up to 30 years. Authorities might subject you to an invasive examination.

In June 2017, the Tanzanian Government announced a crackdown on LGBTQIA+ rights advocates in Tanzania. 

In September 2017, authorities arrested 20 people in Zanzibar while they were receiving training about HIV/AIDS prevention.

The Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam has formed a surveillance team to identify suspected LGBTQIA+ people.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and advocates can be targets for harassment. There are regular cases of harassment and arrests by authorities and intimidation by members of the public. LGBTQIA+ travellers should take precautions. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include long jail terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph military zones, weapons or personnel.

Single-use plastic bags are banned, including in your luggage. You can face heavy fines and imprisonment for up to 7 days.

Serious crimes, such as treason and murder, carry the death penalty.

There's corporal punishment for some crimes. This includes rape or robbery with violence.

Be aware of how you use social media, and what you post online. You need to comply with cybercrime laws.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative in Tanzania, especially in Zanzibar. Take care to be respectful and not offend.

Avoid public displays of affection.

If you're a woman, don't wear shorts or sleeveless tops outside tourist resorts.

More information

• Advice for female travellers

Tanzania doesn't recognise dual nationality.

This limits the consular services we can give if you're a Tanzanian dual national and arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

You need a visa to enter Tanzania.  Apply online before travelling.

It's possible to get some single-entry visas on arrival in Tanzania at the main points of entry, if you meet all the requirements for entry. You may also be required to provide proof of your return journey.

From 1 October 2024, to travel to Zanzibar you must buy inbound travel insurance for up to 92 days from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. There are limits to what is covered by this insurance. Make sure you also maintain separate travel insurance.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Tanzania for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules and the online visa application form.

More information:

• Tanzanian Immigration
• Visit Zanzibar

Yellow fever vaccination

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to Tanzania if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever and see the World Health Organization's advice on countries with a risk of yellow fever.

Border measures

If you intend to travel to Tanzania, confirm entry requirements with Tanzanian authorities prior to making any travel arrangements. Refer to the latest requirements on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Validity 

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shiling (TZS).

Credit card fraud can occur in Tanzania. Always keep your credit card in sight during transactions.

Avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMs in banks, shops, hotels and shopping centres.

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous, especially at night.

Most roads and vehicles are in poor condition.

High speeds, poor driving and bad lighting are all road risks.

Accidents are common and deaths happen.

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Tanzania than in Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Other transport

The electric train service between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro is regular and reliable. Maintenance standards are low for trains on all other lines. Seek local advice for any long-distance train travel.

Use only well-maintained transport and taxis. This includes long-distance buses.

Ferries can be overloaded or unseaworthy. There have been 2 major incidents in recent years with many deaths.

Don't board any vessel that's overloaded or in bad condition.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Piracy

Piracy happens off the coast of Tanzania. 

Somali pirates attack shipping vessels up to 1000 nautical miles (1852km) from the coast of Somalia.

All ships, cruise liners and commercial vessels are targets for Somali pirates. Many attacks and kidnappings have happened off the Tanzanian coast.

Be alert and exercise extreme caution anywhere in coastal waters. Don't leave sight of the coastline.

More information:

• Piracy Reporting (International Maritime Bureau)

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

The European Union (EU) publishes a list of airlines that have operating bans or restrictions within the EU. See the EU list of banned airlines.

Australian travellers should make their own decisions on which airlines to travel with.

Check Tanzania's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or contact the local police. 

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian Consulate in Dar es Salaam provides limited consular help to Australians in Tanzania by appointment only. The consulate doesn't issue passports. 

Full consular help is available from the Australian High Commission in Kenya.

Australian Consulate, Dar es Salaam

Level 3, Address Building
Plot 1403/01, Bains Singh Avenue, Msasani Peninsula
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: +255 (0) 744 384 730
Email: AustralianConsulate.Daressalaam@gmail.com

Check the Australian High Commission in Kenya's website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian High Commission, Nairobi

Limuru Road, Rosslyn 
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 4277 100 
Fax: +254 20 4277 139 
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Kenya
X: @AusHCKenya

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia