Tanzania

Civil unrest, including violent demonstrations occurred throughout Tanzania, including in Dar es Salaam, in response to elections held in October 2025. The violence led to a large number of fatalities and injuries. 

Authorities have strengthen security measures since the election. Security forces continue to have a presence on the streets. 

The possibility of further demonstrations and firm responses from security forces remains. 

Movement restrictions and military checkpoints may be implemented without notice. Intermittent disruptions to internet access, including social media and messaging applications, may occur.

Police have the authority to search electronic devices, including phones. This may involve examining images and videos that could be considered sensitive by local authorities. Possession of such content could lead to detention.

Foreign nationals may be subject to increased attention from local security forces, and there have been reports of extensive interrogation and temporary detentions. Carry valid identification at all times and comply with local regulations.

To stay safe:

• avoid large gatherings, political rallies, protests and demonstrations
• keep your family and friends informed about your wellbeing
• monitor local media for the latest updates
• follow advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Attacks may target locations popular with foreigners and tourists, including:

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

Attacks have continued intermittently along the Tanzania-Mozambique border. Terrorists have targeted the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique adjacent to the Tanzania border area. Avoid travelling to within 30km of the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara region, due to the threat of militant attacks, terrorism and kidnappings. 

To protect yourself from terrorism, you should:

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

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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

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

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

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

To stay safe:

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

Thieves target travellers in isolated and coastal areas. ​

If you're stopped by police, ask to see their ID, especially before paying fines. Official fines are issued with a formal receipt and a government control number.

Border areas

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

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

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

Kidnapping

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

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

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

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

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

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

More information:

Kidnapping

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

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

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

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

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

Wildlife safety

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

Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators.

Follow park rules and the advice of wardens.

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

Tanzania experiences extreme weather and natural disasters, such as:

• flooding
• earthquakes
• tsunamis
• cyclones

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

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Flooding

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

Floods may close roads.

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

Earthquakes

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

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

Tsunamis

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

Cyclones

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

If there's a cyclone or severe storm:

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

Severe weather may also affect:

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

To travel to Zanzibar, you need to buy inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

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

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

There’s no agreement between Australia and Tanzania for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Mpox

There is an outbreak of mpox in a number of countries in Africa, including Tanzania.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any mpox symptoms.

You'll need to pass through mpox screening, including body temperature checks, at all points of entry into Tanzania.

More information:

• Mpox

Insect-borne diseases

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

Other insect-borne diseases occur. These include:

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

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

To protect yourself from disease:

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

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

HIV/AIDS

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

Other health risks

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

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• measles
• meningococcal disease
• Rift Valley virus
• rabies
• polio

To protect yourself from illness:

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

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

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Altitude sickness

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

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

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

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

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

Make sure your insurance policy covers you for activities which risk altitude sickness, such as mountain-climbing.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

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

Airports in Tanzania have technology and security for detecting illegal items, including drugs. This can be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Pornography

It's illegal to possess or access pornographic material.

LGBTQIA+ laws

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

Security forces sometimes carry out arbitrary arrests and searches based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Interventions include:

• detentions
• interrogations
• alleged physical abuse

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

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

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

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

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

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

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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

Avoid public displays of affection.

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

More information

• Being respectful overseas
• Advice for female travellers

Tanzania doesn't recognise dual nationality.

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

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visas

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

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

To travel to Zanzibar you must buy inbound travel insurance for up to 92 days from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). There are limits to what is covered by this insurance. Make sure you also have separate comprehensive travel insurance.

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

More information:

• Tanzanian Immigration
• Visit Zanzibar

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Tanzania if arriving from a yellow fever risk country. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Border measures

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

You'll need to pass through Mpox screening, including body temperature checks, at all points of entry into Tanzania.

Validity 

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shiling (TZS).

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

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

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

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

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

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

More information:

• Air travel

Road travel

Driving can be hazardous, especially at night.

Most roads and vehicles are in poor condition.

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

Accidents are common and deaths happen.

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Other transport

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

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

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

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

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Piracy

Piracy happens off the coast of Tanzania. 

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

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

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

More information:

• Piracy Reporting (International Maritime Bureau)

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or contact the local police. 

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

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

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

Australian Consulate, Dar es Salaam

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

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

Australian High Commission, Nairobi

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

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

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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

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