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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Tanzania travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, tanzania - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Tanzania due to crime levels and the threat of terrorism.

Border with Mozambique in Mtwara Region - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 10 km of the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara Region, due to the presence of armed groups, the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

Portion of Mtwara Region south of the A19 highway - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the area between the A19 highway and the border with Mozambique in the Mtwara Region, due to the presence of armed groups, the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping. This advisory excludes the areas within 10 km from the border with Mozambique, where you should avoid all travel. This advisory also excludes Mtwara City where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Border with Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the area within 20 km of the border with Burundi and 20 km from the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), due to the presence of armed groups and traffickers, and the threat of kidnappings. This excludes the city of Kigoma and Gombe, Katavi and Mahale national parks.

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Border with Mozambique in the Mtwara region

Extremist groups are active in the northern districts of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Security incidents have occurred along the border, in the Mtwara Region. Tanzanian military and security forces conduct counterinsurgency operations in the area. Access to the area is controlled in several locations and movements in and out are monitored.

Southern Mtwara region

Armed groups have been active in the southern Mtwara region between highway 19 and 10 km from the border with Mozambique. There is a threat of terrorism and kidnappings in this region.

Border with Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)

Travel near refugee camps in northwestern Tanzania, particularly in the region of Kigoma and to the west of Kagera bordering Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is dangerous due to banditry.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur anywhere across the country and sometimes on short notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in public places and popular tourist areas in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha.

Exercise caution in and around:

• restaurants
• nightclubs and cinemas
• shopping centres

In Dar es Salaam, exercise increased caution in and around:

• transportation hubs
• markets, particularly Kariakoo Market
• Masaki/Oyster Bay Peninsula, particularly along Toure Drive

In Zanzibar, exercise increased caution in and around Stone Town.

To mitigate the threat from theft:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• seek local advice on the security situation prior to visiting beaches
• avoid deserted beaches

Bag snatching from passing vehicles is very common.

• When walking along the street, do not carry your bag with the strap across your body. You could be badly injured if a thief drives by and attempts to steal your bag

Violent crime

Tourists have been victims of assaults, including sexual assaults, in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha.

If you are the victim of an armed robbery, do not resist. Attackers could assault you for failing to comply or not complying quickly enough.

• Exercise a high degree of caution
• Avoid walking around at night

Crimes against children and people with albinism, including murder, have occurred. Be particularly cautious. 

Organized crime

Organized crime associated with international drug trafficking occurs in Tanzania, as it is situated along a transit route used to transport drugs from Asia to Africa. Though tourists are rarely affected, exercise caution in large cities.

Kidnappings

Kidnapping-for-ransom does not pose significant risk in Tanzania, though armed groups from bordering countries are known to employ this tactic.

Exercise caution along border areas, namely:

• areas bordering Lake Tanganyika, which marks the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo
• the southeastern border with Mozambique

Express kidnappings

Tourists have been taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw funds from their account after accepting a ride from a stranger, a local taxi, ride share companies or a recent acquaintance. These incidents have most often occurred near hotels and transportation hubs such as ferry, bus and train terminals in Dar es Salaam. To minimize the risk, do not accept unsolicited offers of assistance or rides from new acquaintances or strangers. Always book transportation from a reputable company or through your hotel.

Home invasions

Armed home robberies occur and foreigners’ homes have been targeted by criminals. Always lock your doors and windows and use reinforced barriers wherever possible. Do not rent temporary accommodations from new acquaintances. Be sure to go through a reputable agency if looking for long-term accommodations in Tanzania.

Road travel

While better in larger centres, road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country.

Road conditions

Road signs are often missing, and visibility is poor due to insufficient lighting. Poorly maintained cars, roaming wildlife, livestock, cyclists and pedestrians also increase the risk associated with driving. Outside major cities, four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended.

• Avoid driving unless you are familiar with local conditions
• Avoid travelling by road at night. Due to the potential for assault or robbery when stopped at a light at night, some drivers ignore traffic lights. This practice makes intersections dangerous at night
• In the event of an accident, drive to the nearest police station

Tourist facilities are adequate in major cities but limited in remote areas, with the exception of principal game lodges and beach resorts.

Monitor fuel levels to ensure that your fuel tank is never lower than half full.

Road safety

Drivers often drive at excessive speeds, and they can be aggressive or reckless. Accident causing fatalities are common.

Armed robberies, carjackings and attacks on moving vehicles have occurred in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, particularly on Toure Drive (Msasani Peninsula).

• Avoid travelling alone
• Keep windows rolled up and doors locked
• Avoid travelling after dark
• Remain on tourist routes and avoid remote areas
• If you find yourself on less-travelled roads and trails, avoid stopping because armed robberies and carjackings may occur
• When travelling between cities, you should do so in a convoy, whenever possible

Crowds tend to form around accidents and foreigners are extorted for money or assaulted (even when they are not at fault).

There is a threat of terrorism, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and border areas. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using your credit or debit card at ATMs, and:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers that have an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Foreigners have been victims of scams relating to volunteer work visas and safaris.

If you plan to engage in these activities, only deal with reputable companies and check their references

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons have been subject to physical and verbal harassment by locals and authorities.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tanzania.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Some officials solicit bribes as you go through customs at airports. In a common scheme, an official will ask the visitor to produce a certificate of proof of inoculation against yellow fever, even in cases where you don't need one.

If this happens to you, ask to speak to a senior official.

Police officers may approach you requesting money for alleged offences.

Before proceeding to a police station, insist they produce proper identification.

If you think you are dealing with a corrupt official, you may inform them you will contact the High Commission for advice. This tends to dissuade them from soliciting bribes. Report all such incidents to the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam.

National parks and nature reserves

Organized tours and independent travellers have been victims of armed robbery in parks and nature reserves.

Exercise caution in:

• the northern circuit in the vicinity of Serengeti National Park
• Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• regions surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro

Avoid camping or travelling alone and hire a reputable tour guide. Hotels can make recommendations for reputable tour companies.

While camps and lodges are generally guarded, potentially dangerous wild animals often venture within the boundaries of the camp.

• Follow the advice and warnings of local tour guides and camp employees
• Do not walk around at night
• Never leave children unattended

Mountaineering

If you are considering climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, carefully consider the inherent risks involved. People are seriously injured or killed on the mountain every year, and emergency assistance is severely limited. If you intend to climb:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly across the country.  Local authorities may impose rationing measures for electricity.   

Power outages could affect your ability to purchase basic necessities and impact essential services, such as: 

• public transportation
• medical services  
• water supply 
• telecommunications 

Not all buildings are equipped with generators.   

• Plan accordingly  
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand  
• Make sure you always have an emergency kit on hand

Public transportation

You should avoid travelling by bus (dala dala), as public buses are often overcrowded, poorly maintained and driven in a reckless manner. Public buses are frequently involved in accidents which have resulted in fatalities. There have been reports of sexual assault on buses.

Intercity buses are typically more safe and meet higher maintenance standards.

Do not travel on overnight buses.

Rail service is limited and maintenance standards are low. There have been reports of theft on crowded trains, particularly overnight trains.

A licensed taxi is a white car with a white (never yellow) licence plate, a coloured stripe running laterally on the side panels of the vehicle, a number located inside a circle on the passenger doors and visible insurance and registration numbers located on the windshield.

• Don't use motorcycle taxis (pika-pika or boda-boda) or three wheel taxis (bajaj), as drivers are often reckless and do not provide adequate safety equipment for passengers (such as helmets)
• Use only licensed taxis selected by a reputable hotel or restaurant, or one located at an official taxi stand
• Avoid taking a taxi that has been hailed for you by a recent acquaintance
• Always ask for identification before accepting transportation and check that the driver’s ID matches the name of the car registration and taxi licence

There are regular ferries travelling between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Tanzanian ports are often frequented by persuasive ticket scalpers.

Vessels travelling between the following ports are less reliable and often overcrowded:

• Zanzibar and Pemba
• Tanga and Pemba
• Mafia and mainland Tanzania

Ferry accidents occur due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.

• Only use reputable ferry companies
• Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Tanzanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required Work/volunteer visa: required

At main ports of entry, you can get a visa on arrival for a maximum of 3 months. When you arrive, ensure that immigration officials validate your visa by stamping your passport or writing any required information in it. Some visas are valid for a period shorter than three months. If you are a frequent visitor or business traveller, apply for a multiple-entry visa before the start of your trip.

Verify that you abide by the terms and expiry date indicated on your visa. You could receive a substantial fine if you overstay the period allowed by your visitor visa or residence permit.

Entry visas  - Ministry of Home Affairs, Tanzania

Other entry requirements

You must be able to show proof of return or onward ticket. You could be refused entry if you fail to show it upon request.

Working and volunteering in Tanzania

You cannot perform any type of work, including volunteer work, on a tourist visa. When planning to travel to Tanzania to do volunteer work, contact the High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania for information on specific requirements.

Work permits must be verified by Tanzanian immigration officials within 30 days of issuance. You can get this done at any Tanzanian Immigration office or online the Immigration Department’s online verification system. 

• Ministry of Home Affairs  - Tanzania
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is low potential for yellow fever exposure in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a   country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination may be recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated   Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre   well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)   is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)  is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a tsetse fly. Tsetse flies usually bite during the day and the bites are usually painful. If untreated, the disease is eventually fatal. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from bites especially in game parks and rural areas. Avoid wearing bright or dark-coloured clothing as these colours attract tsetse flies. There is no vaccine available for this disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are limited and medicines are often unavailable, even in Dar es Salaam.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.

Alcohol is not sold in some parts of Zanzibar. Avoid consuming alcohol in those areas.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Plastic bags

The use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags is illegal.

Convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines, imprisonment for up to 7 days, or both.

Identification

You must carry photo identification, such as a passport, and be ready to present it to authorities upon request. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or confiscated.

Photography

Photography of military installations is forbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of public structures and buildings, including:

• industrial sites

Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

Pornography

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Flora and fauna

Collecting and removing any flora or fauna from its natural habitat is illegal. This includes removing seashells from marine parks.

Tanzanian law strictly regulates the sale, possession or removal from the country of animal or animal parts, including jewellery and hunting trophies. Certain items are exempt; however, you need a special permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism before attempting to leave the country with these items.

Trophy dealing licences  – Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania

Ramadan 

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

Dress and Behaviour

In Zanzibar, Islamic practices and beliefs are particularly influential.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Women should cover their shoulders and refrain from wearing shorts.

Tanzanian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted face up to life imprisonment and possibly a fine.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Tanzania .

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Tanzania , they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tanzania.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tanzania by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tanzania to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You must carry an international driving permit alongside your Canadian driver’s licence.

Traffic drives on the left.

Police roadblocks are common.

• If you are stopped by police, always cooperate and give proof of documentation requested of you
• If you are asked to pay an on-the-spot fine for a traffic violation, ask to travel to the nearest police station to file a report and to contact the High Commission of Canada in Tanzania
• Always ask for an official receipt

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).

Credit cards are generally accepted at larger hotels, European carriers and other businesses that cater to international clientele, but are rarely accepted elsewhere. Outside of Dar es Salaam and at smaller establishments, cash in either Tanzanian shillings or U.S. dollars are the preferred method of payment, particularly for hotel bills, domestic airline tickets and entry to national parks.

ATMs are available in main cities, and some can be used to access Canadian bank accounts; however, they are subject to breakdowns. You should carry a small supply of cash in U.S. dollars for use in airports and at borders. 

Rainy season

On the mainland, the rainy season extends from March to May and then again from November to December. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, particularly in the summer months. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly
• Use a four-wheel drive vehicle during the rainy seasons

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Seismic activity

Tanzania is located in an active seismic zone.

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Comoros, Seychelles, Zambia

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Tanzania, in Dar es Salaam, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Travel Advisory

As of 3rd May 2021, you must enter Tanzania with a PCR negative test. You are also required to get tested before departure. You may be subject to a quick test or quarantine if you are coming from a high-risk country. Airlines may also have requirements therefore, we recommend you check with the airline and country of origin to ensure you are up to date with everything you may need before arriving and departing from Tanzania. As of the 11th of August, The MoH has revised RT-PCR COVID Test to 50 USD instead of 100 USD, and Rapid Test shall now be free for travelers using ground borders/entry points. For travelers using airports, Rapid Test shall be charged at 10 USD instead of the 25 USD charged before. See Travel Advisory for all the important details..

COVID-19 Safety in Tanzania

Your safety remains our priority during S!TE 2023. Fortunately, Tanzania is very spacious reducing the chances of encountering the virus. Nevertheless, we have also put in various procedures to minimize any risk.

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15 things you need to know before visiting Tanzania

Nov 12, 2023 • 6 min read

Dive into Tanzania's treasures with these helpful tips © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

With its Indian Ocean islands, abundance of animals, lush mountains and welcoming people, Tanzania is on almost everyone’s Africa bucket list. If you have the opportunity to travel here, take it and relish the chance to experience a way of life that is still closely intertwined with age-old rhythms and the cycles of nature.

After living in and traveling around Tanzania for more than 20 years, the top tips I have for visitors are: learn some Swahili, spend time with the wildlife and tuck in your mosquito net. Then, there are other things, like figuring out how to get the best seats on a bus and knowing which months to trek or go on safari. Keep reading for more on these and other tips to maximize your enjoyment and ensure smooth travels.

1. Don’t cut your trip too short

Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks – even just one or two – takes time. And then there’s beach- and island-hopping along the coast, hiking in the highlands, trekking on Kilimanjaro , visiting village markets and so much more. A week is barely enough for a quick introduction, but your visit will be more rewarding with at least two weeks and ideally three or more. 

2. Wildebeest have their own clocks

Seeing wildlife is a sure thing. But logistics can get trickier if you’re hoping to experience a specific event, such as the peak of the wildebeest migration. Camps along the migration route generally get booked up well in advance, and the wildebeest move to nature’s rhythms and their own internal clocks. To catch the excitement, start planning early. Check with the camps for recommendations, as their guides will be tracking the rains and the movement of the animals. If the wildebeest don’t cooperate, take things in Tanzanian stride: hakuna matata ("no problem") –  there’s so much other wildlife to see.

3. Tailor your travels

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but it’s worth considering the seasons. Check LP’s Tanzania guidebook for details, but in general: travel in the dry months from June to September for wildlife-watching, hiking and Kilimanjaro treks. Visit in the wet months (February to May) for birding, lower prices and fewer crowds. Also remember, while the rainiest months from March to May can get really rainy, there’s still plenty of sunshine.

4. Set aside money for tips

Safaris and treks can be costly, but the fees you pay shouldn’t be considered as full compensation for the drivers, guides, cooks, and porters who will be the ones helping to make your trip memorable. Tipping is a standard part of the experience, and a generous tip for a job well done will be greatly appreciated by those who depend on this income for their livelihood. Your safari or trekking company will be able to provide guidelines.

5. Carry a credit card for parks and ATMs, and cash for everywhere else

Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are required for paying national park fees and can be used in major tourist establishments. Elsewhere, you’ll need cash. Change is rarely available, so carrying some smaller denominations will come in handy.

6. Tanzanian time

It’s not just the wildebeest who have their own clocks. Tanzania does, too. When checking things like opening hours and transport schedules, confirm whether the listings are in Western time, or according to the Tanzanian clock. This is a 12-hour system that works in accordance with sunrise and sunset. It starts at 1 o’clock just after dawn (7am), moves towards 12 o’clock in the evening (6pm) and then repeats during the night.

7. A safari is about so much more than just spotting the "Big 5"

Take time, plenty of it, in wildlife and birding areas. To begin, plan for at least several nights in a single park to get a sense of the subtler rhythms of the bush and the wealth and diversity of the local wildlife. Sometimes you may have to ask your guide to turn off the motor and just sit, waiting to experience whatever may come by.  

8. Take time for greetings

Tanzanians have a wonderful sense of community, and greetings are an essential part of any conversation. Styles range from streetside-casual ( Mambo vipi? " How are things?") to more formal ( Habari za asubuhi, Habari za leo,  "Good morning, good day"). Whatever the form, they are never omitted and never rushed. Conversations with an older person should always start with the respectful Shikamoo (literally, "I clasp your feet"). If you forget, some older Tanzanians might even remind you by first saying marahaba (the standard reply). Handshakes also aren’t rushed – Tanzanians will often continue to hold hands throughout their conversation.

9. Learn some Swahili

You’ll probably do this anyway without even trying, as everywhere you go you’ll hear karibu ("welcome"), pole pole ("slowly") and asante ("thank you"). Beyond this, Swahili is such an inclusive, melodic language and attempts to learn it are greatly appreciated. Making the effort to master even just a few simple phrases will go a long way in facilitating cultural interactions and easing your travels.

10. The right hand

In Tanzania, the left hand is traditionally reserved for sanitary purposes. Always use your right hand for eating and for passing things. Receive gifts with both hands, or with the right hand, while touching your left hand to your right elbow.

11. Know the dining routine

Getting invited into a local home is a highlight. Before the meal, someone will come around with a basin, soap, pitcher of water and a towel for hand washing. Food is generally served in communal dishes, and will always include ugali (a thick meal made of maize or cassava flour) or another staple and sauce. Using your right hand, break off a bit of ugali, roll it into a ball, and scoop up some sauce. Don’t worry about getting sticky - the hand washing routine is repeated after the meal. Leaving a bite or two on your plate at the end lets your host know you’re not still hungry.

12. Dress respectfully, especially on the coast

Tanzania is a conservative society, especially along the Muslim Swahili coast. As a general guideline, everyone will be more comfortable with looser-fitting clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Similarly, try to avoid public displays of affection.

13. Be savvy at bus stations

Don’t accept open drinks, and keep your wits about you. Touts may approach you, but it helps to know in advance which bus company you’re taking (get advice on this from your hotel), and only purchase tickets at a clearly marked bus office or directly from the driver. 

14. Find the shady side of the bus

For long journeys, sitting away from the sun makes things more comfortable, as does getting the right seat; front seats on the shadier side are the best. "Luxury" buses are well worth the extra few dollars. Most have rows with just two seats on each side, plus a no-standing rule. On rural routes you may not have this option: many buses are configured with two seats on one side, three on the other and a jump seat in the middle, so the more comfortable places are by the front windows, away from all the jostling. Since everyone else will be angling for these seats, too, book in advance or arrive early at the station.

15. Tuck in your mosquito net

Malaria is present in much of Tanzania and most hotels have either mosquito nets or air-con (mosquitos don’t like cold). It’s well worth using the nets, especially in the rainy season and in coastal areas; take the time to fully tuck in the edges so you can have a buzz-free, bite-free night.

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Latest Nomad News

Official travel advice.

17 March 2020

Our advice to you all is to keep up to date with travel advisories from your country.

Here are some key links to send you in the right direction:

UK Foreign Office – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania

US Travel Advisory - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Tanzania.html

European Union Travel Advisory - https://ec.europa.eu/consularprotection/content/travel-advice_en

Australia Travel Advisory - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/search?search=Tanzania

If you need any further advice on where to look for information please give us a shout on [email protected] . We’re here to help.

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• The United Republic of Tanzania
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation

Traveling to Tanzania

Tanzania is easily accessible by air, rail, sea and road.

By Air The major International airports include: Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA); Zanzibar International Airport (ZIA); Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA); and Mwanza Airport.

Major world airlines like Emirates, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, Swiss Air, Egypt Air, Air Malawi, Air Mozambique, Air Uganda, South African Airways, and Qatar Airways fly in and out of Tanzania.

Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Zanair and Community Airlines as well as other domestic commercial operators fly to various destinations within and out of the country. 

By Rail Tanzania is well served by two rail networks - the Tanzania Railways  Limited (TRL) which runs passenger and goods services along the Central Line between Dar Es Salaam and terminal stations on both Lake Victoria (Mwanza) and Lake Tanganyika (Kigoma). The second rail network is the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). 

This railway runs Southwest from Dar Es Salaam for a distance of 1,800 km through the world's largest and famous Selous Game Reserve and the mineral rich Southern Highlands. It then cuts across the border with Zambia and continues to New Kapiri Mposhi where it is well connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia itself, Zimbabwe and South African Railway networks. 

By Road   The road network plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. Over 90% of passenger traffic and 80% of internal freight is carried by roads. The Government, with the support of its development partners, has embarked on an extensive maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading programme for all roads. 

By Sea/Lakes Tanzania has four major ports: Dar Es Salaam, Tanga, Mtwara and Zanzibar. These ports are well equipped and form a very important gateway link to the world and to the land-locked countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Malawi. Several private ferry boat operators serve the Dar Es Salaam - Zanzibar route using a range of crafts from sailing dhows to tourist-class twin-hull boats. 

Useful Information before Travelling to Tanzania

Visa Visitors are advised to have a valid visa before embarking on their journey to Tanzania. Visas can be acquired from any Tanzanian Embassy/High Commission, Consul General Office or Honorary Consul Offices.

Health Visitors are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Visitors may use insect repellent, wear long sleeved shirts and trousers in evenings and utilize mosquito nets. An International Certificate for vaccination against yellow fever is required to enter Zanzibar. 

Code of Conduct for tourists visiting Zanzibar Majority of Zanzibaris practice Islamic faith and this is reflected in their lifestyle and culture. Visitors to Zanzibar are advised to observe the following guidelines:  Swim suits, mini skirts and other revealing clothing should not be worn outside hotels, beaches, and resort premises; Drinking alcohol in public may offend the residents; Nudity on the beaches and everywhere else is prohibited by law; Kissing in public or other displays of affection are not customary in Zanzibar and may be construed to be offensive; Taking photographs of residents without asking for their consent can be considered offensive. The State House, Military and other security sensitive areas are out of bounds and no pictures are allowed to be taken. 

• Client Service Charter
• Services for Tanzanians
• Services for Foreigners
• Services for Diplomats
• Consular Services
• Conference Diplomacy
• Documents Authentification
• Country Profile
• Public Holidays
• Tanzania History
• Travelling to Tanzania

Trade and Investments

• Investing in Tanzania
• Trade in Tanzania

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Tanzania, including Zanzibar Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Tanzania. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Tanzania. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Tanzania.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Tanzania.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Tanzania take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Tanzania.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Tanzania poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Tanzania are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Tanzania who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Tanzania.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Tanzania, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Generally not recommended for travel to Tanzania.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African sleeping sickness (african trypanosomiasis).

• Tsetse fly bite 
• Avoid Bug Bites

African Trypanosomiasis

African Tick-Bite Fever

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Tanzania, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Tanzania. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Tanzania—such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and African sleeping sickness—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Tanzania include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular outdoor activities for travelers visiting Tanzania. The high altitude may lead to altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent and treat altitude sickness.

See Travel to High Altitudes .

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Tanzania. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Tanzania’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Tanzania. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Tanzania may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Tanzania, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Tanzania.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Tanzania, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Tanzania .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Tanzania, dial either 112 or 999. Write these numbers down to carry with you on your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Tanzania before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Tanzania from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Tanzania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Tanzania travel guide: Everything you need to know

It’s known as africa’s classic safari destination for a reason; here’s how to make the most of a trip, article bookmarked.

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With over one third of its land dedicated as national parks or reserves, starring the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration, it’s no wonder Tanzania is considered Africa’s classic safari destination for first-timers and connoisseurs alike. But East Africa ’s largest country is much more than that. You can summit snow-capped Kilimanjaro , the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, or follow Jane Goodall’s footsteps tracking chimps in the remote Gombe Stream National Park. Dive pristine reefs off Indian Ocean islands, discover diverse cultures and cuisines with Swahili, Indian and Arab influences or simply chill on postcard-perfect beaches with sand as soft as white pepper.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

Tanzania’s latest travel advisory states fully vaccinated travellers need to present their vaccination certificates on arrival. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need a PCR test within 72 hours before departure, or you can pay around $10 to get a rapid antigen test on arrival. You should also complete a Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival. On leaving Tanzania, check with your airline/country of arrival to see if they require a test. You’ll need to wear a mask if visiting a testing centre. Visas are required for British travellers, which can be obtained online or on arrival.

Best time to go

Safaris are best in the dry season, when the grasses are low and wildlife can easily be seen, so between June and October in Tanzania’s Northern and Southern safari circuits. This also coincides with the renowned river crossings of the Great Migration in Serengeti, making it the busiest and most expensive time to visit. As an alternative, visit the southern Serengeti in February when some 200,000 calves are born. Kilimanjaro is at its best – and busiest – from late June to September too, but December to March can also bring good conditions for climbing.

• How Tanzania stopped 90% of hunts in a national park

Top regions and cities

Serengeti national park.

The star of African safaris, Serengeti means ‘endless plains,’ an apt name for a national park spanning 14,763sqkm, famous for its Great Migration. You’ll witness up to two million wildebeest and zebra traversing the vast savannah on their never-ending quest for fresh fodder. As they stampede northwards, they cross rivers bubbling with eager, evil-looking crocs to reach Kenya’s Maasai Mara, then repeat the ordeal on their return. This frenzied phenomenon lures predators aplenty, along with crowds of tourists, so book your stay way in advance. Choose from a range of accommodation types – from eye-wateringly expensive but classy camps like Singita’s Faru Faru to the National Park’s basic huts and campsites. For some of the best big cat sightings in Africa, head east to the Soit le Motonyi area and the fabulous Namiri Plains camp.

• Alien igloos, lions and leopards: Escaping the safari crowds in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

Part of the Northern Circuit that includes Serengeti and the smaller parks of Lake Manyara and Tarangire, Ngorongoro is home to a staggering 30,000 animals. It’s the world’s largest intact caldera, measuring 260sq km and the Big Five clique (eles, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinos) roam the crater floor, encircled by dramatic escarpments plummeting 600 metres from the rim. Your nearest hotels and lodges lie on the rim: the quirky and ridiculously sumptuous &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and the far simpler Rhino Lodge, which supports the local Maasai, are both close to the gate, giving you early morning access ahead of the hordes of visitors.

Zanzibar Island

If you want to wallow on beautiful palm-fringed beaches, sail into the sunset on dhow cruises, or overindulge at full-moon parties, then head to the Indian Ocean paradise of Zanzibar. While you’re there, check out the superb diving around Mnemba Island and snorkel above the pristine coral reefs of Chumbe Island, kitesurf on Paje Beach or visit the friendly fishing villages of Matemwe and Jambiani.

Beyond the beaches, in Jozani Forest, you can spot endangered red colobus monkeys found only on Zanzibar, and tour aromatic spice plantations (it’s not called The Spice Islands for nothing). Discover the heart-rending slave-trade history in the labyrinthine streets of ancient Stone Town, once the capital of Oman. And at dusk, enjoy a cool beer in the bars around Kelele Square watching footie on the beach below, before savouring sizzling kebabs from Forodhani’s lively food market.

Kilimanjaro

Towering 5,895 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro’s summit is a magnet for keen hikers: you’ll never forget standing on Uhuru Point as dawn breaks over Africa. Annually, some 35,000 climbers weave their way around the seven routes, starting in rainforests and ending at glaciers capping the continent’s highest mountain. Don’t be fooled: it might look like a ginormous molehill and doesn’t need technical skills, but Kili can be a killer. Take time to acclimatise to the lack of oxygen and avoid the shortest, cheapest, lung-busting Marangu route (taking five days). Instead, take the scenic eight-day Lemosho/Shira trail or the more remote Northern Circuit lasting nine days: the longer your trek, the better your chances of summitting.

• Frozen fingers and falling asleep on your feet: What it’s like to climb Kilimanjaro

Best under-the-radar destinations

Ruaha national park.

If raw wilderness is your thing, head to Ruaha. Together with Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks, it forms the country’s little-visited Southern Circuit. Ruaha is home to 10 per cent of Africa’s lions, East Africa’s largest population of elephants and several packs of rare wild dogs. But you won’t see many visitors, aside from safari connoisseurs in the know. With just a handful of lodges, it feels as if you have Ruaha’s vast savannahs, rolling hills, golden sand rivers and groves of baobabs all to yourself. Try the new Usangu Expedition Camp in the remote south for hands-on conservation work with a touch of luxury.

Mafia Island

Mafia is how you imagine Zanzibar might have been before tourism hit. Quieter, smaller, but with fewer beaches, it oozes Swahili culture and is still relatively undeveloped, with a handful of lodges dotted around Chole Bay. Come here to dive within the Mafia Island Marine Park, which protects over 450 species of tropical fish, sharks and dolphins, and 50 types of coral. The island’s special guests are migrating whale sharks. You can swim with these gentle giants of the Indian Ocean from October to March – at up to 12 metres long, with some 350 rows of teeth, they eat only plankton and are perfectly safe.

Rubondo Island National Park

Uninhabited by humans, this extraordinary emerald island lying off the southern shores of Lake Victoria is an unlikely home to chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants and rare sitatunga antelopes. The chimps were reintroduced here in the 1960s, rescued from captivity, with elephants and giraffes relocated later. While there’s no guarantee you’ll see our primate cousins, you can help habituate them to people by going out and about with their trackers. Be prepared: chimps are restless creatures and you’ll need to be fit to keep up with them. Alternatively, try bird watching, fish for enormous Nile Perch (weighing up to 100kg), take drives and walks around the island or boat trips on the lake. There’s just one camp here, lying on the lakeshore, but with crocs and hippos bobbing in the water, don’t even think about going for a swim.

Best things to do

Take a walk on serengeti’s wild side.

Even in the height of migration season, you can avoid Serengeti’s crowds by walking and camping in its Wilderness Zones with Wayo Africa . It’s not too basic – you have proper beds, private outdoor bathrooms with compost loos and good, old-fashioned bucket showers, hearty meals cooked by your chef, and superb guides who know exactly what to do should you meet a lion on your stroll…

Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara Swahili Music and Cultural Festival

For four days in February, Zanzibar buzzes to the beats of Swahili music from all over Africa in Stone Town’s atmospheric Old Fort. Up to 400 performers cover everything from traditional Taraab and spiritual music to fusion, urban and hip hop, with fringe events, a parade and beach parties too. Some 20,000 people come for the vibe.

Gems of Arusha

Arusha, Tanzania’s third largest city, is its safari capital and the hub for most northern circuit operators. If you have a day to spare here, ignore the irritating safari-selling touts and take a tour of The Tanzanite Experience. The museum explains the history and process of mining this rare gem, unique to Tanzania, that glistens in shades of blue, violet, or burgundy. Buy the genuine article here: hawkers and shops sell “gemstones” but beware the scams.

Getting around

Scheduled flights with Precision Air, Coastal Aviation and Auric Air, among others, will take you to all the main safari and island destinations, with a good network around the country. Safaris booked through a tour operator will include a 4WD and driver/guide to take you around and between destinations. Express buses drive between Arusha, Moshi (the nearest town to Kilimanjaro) and Dar es Salaam. Local dala-dalas (minibuses) are everywhere but are usually jam-packed and sometimes precarious. Self-drive is also an option. Several ferries run between Dar and Zanzibar and other islands but be aware there have been some tragic accidents in the past, so travel with reputable companies – and never by dhow.

How to get there

Tanzania’s two main airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport, halfway between Arusha and Moshi, which is the best option for most travellers. Flights vary hugely on cost and duration, with no direct options to Tanzania from London. Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian Airlines offer the best value for money and are the quickest, via Nairobi and Addis Ababa respectively, with Turkish Airlines also a contender. Etihad and Qatar Airways are also good options for flights to Zanzibar, via Dubai and Doha respectively.

Money-saving tip

Don’t get fixed on seeing the Great Migration’s frenzied and often ferocious river crossings to and from the Maasai Mara – costs skyrocket in the Serengeti from June to October. Instead, go when the noisy wildebeest neighbours have left the beautiful northern area and you’ll have time and space to appreciate all the other animals at a fraction of the cost.

What’s the weather like?

Tanzania’s weather is generally pleasant and tropical, without huge variations in temperatures through the year. The short rains usually come in November and December, with the long rains in March to May, although locals say the rains are more erratic now due to global warming. Kilimanjaro is always cold on the summit – prepare for water bottles to freeze. The coast can get hot and sticky, reaching around 33 degrees, and the mercury doesn’t descend too much even at night.

What time zone is it in?

GMT + 3 hours

What currency do I need?

Tanzanian shillings.

What language is spoken?

KiSwahili and English are the official languages and English is widely spoken other than in the more remote areas.

Is it safe?

Tanzania is safe if you follow usual precautions: be careful if you’re walking at night, especially in cities and some beaches. On safari, always respect the animals and follow your guide’s instructions whether you’re in a vehicle or on foot. On Kili treks, drink plenty of fluids and let your guide know if you’re feeling unwell – descending is the safest way to recover from high altitude sickness.

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England discover Euro 2024 last-16 opponent as Georgia stun Portugal

Britons given fresh warning about holidaying in popular african destination as british nationals may be 'targets' for terrorism.

Britons have been given fresh guidance on holidaying in an East African country

By Anna Barry

Published: 24/06/2024

Holidaymakers have been warned that "terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Tanzania"

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Britons holidaying in an African tourist hotspot have been issued a brand new travel warning regarding their safety.

Tanzania is a popular tourist destination and is considered to be very safe. It is famous for its incredible wildlife reserves, majestic animals, and traditional cultures - not to mention the exquisite beaches of Zanzibar. Adventurers can also climb Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro.

However, holidaymakers have been given a new warning about terrorism in the East African country.

It's important for holidaymakers to consult UK Government advice before going abroad. Britons were recently given an important warning about travelling with children in Spain, as parents and guardians risk fines.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) gave an "updated assessment that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Tanzania".

Tanzania is home to some majestic animals

GETTY IMAGES

The FCDO told Britons: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times."

Holidaymakers should consult the UK Counter Terrorism Policing's information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

The FCDO also provides information on how Britons can reduce their risk from terrorism while abroad.

The FCDO continued: "Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Tanzania.

"Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as places of worship, transport hubs, embassies, hotels, restaurants, bars, major gatherings like sporting or religious events, and crowded places."

Britons in Tanzania were advised to "stay aware" of their surroundings. The FCDO added: "Keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities."

Holidaymakers were warned: "Extremists linked to the Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab based in Somalia pose a threat across the East Africa region, and are thought to be active in Tanzania.

"Attacks by IS-Mozambique, who are based in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique, are possible near Tanzania’s border with this area of Mozambique. There is also thought to be some support for Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL).

"The Tanzanian authorities have successfully made a number of arrests in connection to terrorism. However, many incidents in Tanzania are of unclear origin and may be conducted by criminal gangs.

"In 2020, the village of Kitaya in the Mtwara region was attacked, close to the border with Mozambique, the attack was claimed by Islamic extremists operating from northern Mozambique. Most attacks target the local security forces, although attacks against western interests are also possible."

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Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago, is known for its idyllic beaches

As part of its safety and security guidance, the FCDO also provides essential information on the political situation in Tanzania, crime, laws and cultural differences, outdoor activities and adventure tourism, transport risks, extreme weather and natural disasters.

Although Tanzania is a popular tourist destination, not all areas are considered safe.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tanzanian border with Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique. This is due to attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism.

Britons thinking of visiting Tanzania should consult the FCDO for information on warnings and insurance, regional risks, health and getting help in an emergency.

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