Tanzania Travel Advisory 2026
Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any country, it has areas of concern. Major governments issue travel advisories to help their citizens make informed decisions. This guide summarizes the current advisories from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, along with practical safety information for visitors.
Current Status: Most countries rate Tanzania as "Exercise Increased Caution" (Level 2). Main concerns include petty crime in urban areas, border regions with armed conflict in neighbouring countries, and health risks including malaria. Tourist areas (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) are generally safe.
Travel Advisory by Country
| Country | Advisory Level | Summary | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | Crime, terrorism, targeting of LGBTQI+ individuals | Regularly reviewed |
| United Kingdom | FCDO - Some Areas Advised Against | Avoid border areas with Mozambique, DRC, Burundi. Exercise caution elsewhere. | Regularly reviewed |
| Canada | Exercise a High Degree of Caution | Crime, civil unrest, terrorism | Regularly reviewed |
| Australia | Exercise a High Degree of Caution | Terrorism, civil unrest, crime | Regularly reviewed |
US Travel Advisory - Detailed
The US Department of State maintains a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory for Tanzania. Key concerns:
- Crime: Petty and violent crime occur, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Armed robberies, carjackings, and home invasions have been reported.
- Terrorism: Terrorist attacks could occur with little warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, and government buildings.
- LGBTQI+ Rights: Same-sex conduct is criminalized in Tanzania. LGBTQI+ travellers should exercise extreme caution.
- Areas of Heightened Risk: Southern border areas near Mozambique (due to insurgency in Cabo Delgado), western border areas near DRC and Burundi
Source: travel.state.gov - Always check the latest version before travel.
UK FCDO Advisory - Detailed
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises:
- Most of Tanzania: See FCDO travel advice (not advised against travel for most areas including tourist destinations)
- Advise Against Travel: Within 20km of the border with Mozambique (Mtwara and Lindi regions) due to terrorist activity spillover from Cabo Delgado
- Advise Against Travel: Refugee camps in Kigoma region near Burundi/DRC borders
- Petty Crime: Common in Dar es Salaam, tourist areas, and beaches. Avoid walking alone at night.
- Road Safety: Roads outside major cities can be dangerous. Avoid driving at night.
- Political Protests: Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Source: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania - Check the latest update before departure.
Health Advisories
Health concerns are a significant component of travel advisories for Tanzania:
| Health Risk | Level | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Malaria | High risk throughout the country | Anti-malarial medication, insect repellent, mosquito nets |
| Yellow Fever | Risk in some areas | Vaccination required from endemic countries |
| Cholera | Periodic outbreaks | Drink bottled/treated water, food hygiene |
| Typhoid | Present | Vaccination recommended, food/water hygiene |
| HIV/AIDS | Prevalent | Standard precautions |
| Rabies | Present | Avoid animal contact, consider pre-exposure vaccination |
| Dengue Fever | Sporadic | Mosquito bite prevention |
Recommendation: Visit a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Get recommended vaccinations, start malaria prophylaxis, and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
Regions to Avoid or Exercise Extra Caution
| Region | Risk Level | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Mtwara/Lindi (Mozambique border) | Avoid | Terrorism spillover from Cabo Delgado insurgency |
| Kigoma (DRC/Burundi border) | Avoid | Refugee camps, armed groups, instability |
| Kagera (Rwanda/Burundi border) | Caution | Cross-border tensions, isolated incidents |
| Dar es Salaam (urban areas at night) | Caution | Petty crime, armed robbery, especially at night |
| Stone Town, Zanzibar (at night) | Caution | Petty crime, bag snatching |
Generally Safe Tourist Areas
- Serengeti National Park - Well-patrolled, organized safari tourism
- Ngorongoro Crater - Conservation area with controlled access
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Guided climbing with established routes
- Zanzibar beaches - Resort areas are generally safe during the day
- Tarangire & Lake Manyara - Northern circuit safari parks
- Selous/Nyerere - Southern safari circuit (avoid areas near Mozambique border)
Register with Your Embassy
Before travelling to Tanzania, register with your country's embassy or travel registration program:
| Country | Registration Program | Website |
|---|---|---|
| United States | STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) | step.state.gov |
| United Kingdom | FCDO Travel Registration | gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice |
| Canada | Registration of Canadians Abroad | travel.gc.ca |
| Australia | Smartraveller | smartraveller.gov.au |
Registration ensures your embassy can contact you in an emergency, natural disaster, or civil unrest situation. It is free and takes only a few minutes.
Emergency Contacts in Tanzania
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 112 or 114 |
| Ambulance | 114 |
| Fire | 114 |
| Tourist Police (Arusha) | +255 27 250 3647 |
| US Embassy Dar es Salaam | +255 22 229 4000 |
| UK High Commission | +255 22 229 0000 |
| Canadian High Commission (Nairobi) | +254 20 366 3000 |
| Australian High Commission (Nairobi) | +254 20 427 7100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Major tourist destinations (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro) are well-established and regularly visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Exercise normal precautions against petty crime, avoid border regions, and follow your safari operator's guidance.
The US rates Tanzania at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This is the second-lowest advisory level (out of 4). For context, many popular destinations including France, Germany, and the UK have received Level 2 advisories. It means normal tourism is fine but be aware of elevated risks.
No. Zanzibar is a popular and generally safe tourist destination. Exercise normal precautions: avoid walking alone at night in Stone Town, use reputable tour operators for excursions, and keep valuables secure. Beach resort areas are well-guarded and considered safe.
Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Tanzania's medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation (which can cost $50,000+), emergency treatment, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. See our travel insurance guide.
Driving in Tanzania is challenging. Roads outside major cities are often unpaved, poorly lit, and shared with pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock. Avoid driving at night. If possible, use organized transport or hire a driver. Tanzania drives on the left. An international driving permit is required.
There is a low but real terrorism risk, primarily related to extremist groups in the Mozambique border region (Mtwara/Lindi). Tourist areas in northern Tanzania and Zanzibar have not experienced significant terrorist incidents. Remain vigilant in crowded places and follow local news and your embassy's updates.
Quick Facts
- US Level: 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
- UK FCDO: Some areas advised against
- Tourist Areas: Generally safe
- Main Risk: Petty crime, border areas
- Emergency: 112 (Police)
- Insurance: Strongly recommended