Travel Advisory - Tanzania

Friday, 02 December 2011 Tanzania

FCO travel advisory update

Updated 1/12/2011

- Demonstrations and political rallies, which sometimes turn violent, occasionally occur in Tanzania without warning, including on the islands of Unguja (Zanzibar) and Pemba. You should exercise caution and avoid large demonstrations and political rallies. Be alert to any developments which might trigger public protests or unrest and if you become aware of any nearby troubles avoid the area and monitor this travel advice and the local media for information.

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

- On Saturday 10 September 2011 a local ferry, MV Spice Islander, sank on route to Pemba from Unguja (Zanzibar). 205 people were confirmed as fatalities from the incident and over 600 rescued; many more are still reported missing. See the Sea Travel section.

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

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

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

- You should exercise particular caution if you intend to travel to the area bordering Burundi. See the Local Travel (Burundi border areas) section of this Travel Advice.

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

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

- You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General - Insurance.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/tanzania