Tanzania

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Avoid all travel within 10 km of the Mozambique border (Mtwara Region) due to armed groups, terrorism, and kidnapping risk.

Prepare: Map out your intended route now and confirm it stays clear of this zone; check with your accommodation provider whether they're inside the exclusion area.

• Avoid non-essential travel to southern Mtwara Region between the A19 highway and the Mozambique border (except Mtwara City).

Prepare: If you must visit Mtwara City, research your specific hotel location in advance and confirm it is north of the A19 highway.

• Express kidnappings occur near hotels, ferry terminals, bus/train stations in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar; criminals force ATM withdrawals.

Prepare: Only use official ride-sharing apps (verify license plate matches app display); never hail taxis on the street or accept rides from strangers or new acquaintances.

• Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching from motorcycles/cars) is frequent in tourist areas, beaches, buses, train stations, markets, and crowded restaurants.

Prepare: Carry your bag with the strap in front of your body, keep valuables out of sight, never visibly display electronics, and avoid wearing expensive jewellery.

• Avoid walking outside after dark anywhere, including resort grounds.

Prepare: Plan evening activities within your hotel or arrange transport before sunset; book accommodation with adequate security (locked doors/windows, staff on-site).

• Demonstrations can turn violent on short notice and disrupt transport, services, and internet access.

Prepare: Before arrival, monitor local Tanzanian media for election dates and political events; have cash, a half-full gas tank, water, non-perishable food, phone chargers, and a local SIM card with calling minutes on hand if unrest is anticipated.

• Large crowds at traffic accidents can become hostile; remain calm and seek police intervention if threatened.

Prepare: If involved in an accident, do not leave your vehicle unattended in a crowded area; contact the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam if you require assistance.

• Violent crime (assault, sexual assault) occurs nationwide.

Prepare: Stay in accommodations with security measures; never resist an attack; report any sexual assault immediately to the High Commission of Canada (local authorities may not respond adequately).

• Terrorism threat is real; attacks target crowded public places, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and hotels.

Prepare: Be especially alert during major political events (elections); avoid lingering in crowded venues; always know your surroundings and nearest exits.

• Armed groups operate near refugee camps in Kigoma and western Kagera (bordering Burundi, DRC, Rwanda).

Prepare: Avoid travel to these northwestern regions unless absolutely essential; if you must go, hire a reputable local guide and inform the High Commission of your itinerary.

HEALTH

• Malaria is endemic across Tanzania; risk is highest in low-altitude areas and during/after the rainy season (March–May, November–December).

Prepare: Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure; obtain a prescription for malaria prophylaxis appropriate to your region and duration; purchase antimalarial medication in Canada before travel.

• Dengue fever occurs in Tanzania, particularly in coastal and urban areas; cases rise during and after heavy rains.

Prepare: Use insect repellent (DEET 20%+) on all exposed skin, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn/dusk, and sleep under a mosquito net.

• Yellow fever — check with your travel clinic whether you require vaccination based on your itinerary (some regions carry risk).

Prepare: Visit a travel medicine clinic at least 2 weeks before departure to confirm vaccination need and receive the jab if required.

• Typhoid, hepatitis A, and routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio) are strongly recommended.

Prepare: Contact your healthcare provider or travel clinic 6 weeks in advance; obtain typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines; confirm your routine immunizations are current.

• Water is not reliably safe; tap water in cities may carry parasites and bacteria.

Prepare: Drink only bottled or boiled water; brush teeth with bottled water; avoid ice, uncooked vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products.

• Medical care in Tanzania is limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam; rural areas have very few emergency services.

Prepare: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation; carry a personal first-aid kit (pain relief, antihistamines, anti-diarrhoea medication, antibiotics, bandages); bring copies of prescriptions and a list of any allergies.

• HIV/AIDS prevalence is significant; sexual violence is a risk.

Prepare: Carry condoms; avoid risky situations and excessive alcohol; ensure you know the locations of STI testing services in major cities.

VISA & ENTRY

• Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania; you cannot enter visa-free.

Prepare: Apply for a Tanzanian visa at the Tanzanian High Commission in Ottawa or through the online e-visa system before departure (at least 2 weeks in advance).

• E-visa is available online and is the fastest option for most Canadian travellers.

Prepare: Visit the official Tanzanian e-visa portal (tanzania.go.tz), complete the application with your passport data and travel dates, pay the processing fee by credit card, and download your approved e-visa.

• Visa-on-arrival is available at airports but involves delays and higher cost; not recommended.

Prepare: If you must use this option, carry USD cash (approximately $50–100) as a backup; expect queues of 1–2 hours.

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania.

Prepare: Check your passport expiry now; if it expires within 6 months of your planned return to Canada, renew it before applying for your visa.

• Dual Canadian citizens holding another passport should enter and exit Tanzania using the same passport throughout their trip.

Prepare: If you hold a second passport, decide which one you will use for your entire Tanzania trip before departure and use only that passport for all immigration interactions.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Same-sex acts are illegal; conviction carries up to life imprisonment and possible fines.

Prepare: 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully weigh the serious risks; do not display same-sex affection in public; use LGBTQ+-focused online communities cautiously and avoid meeting strangers from dating apps.

• 2SLGBTQI+ persons face arbitrary arrest, physical abuse, and harassment by security forces and the public.

Prepare: Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity to strangers, police, or hotel staff; if arrested, request immediate contact with the High Commission of Canada and do not sign any documents without legal counsel.

• Narcotics are illegal and penalties are severe (including long prison sentences); drug trafficking carries mandatory sentences.

Prepare: Never carry, purchase, or use any controlled substances; do not accept packages from strangers.

• Indecent dress is frowned upon, particularly outside tourist areas; women should avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, and bikinis in public (appropriate for beaches only).

Prepare: Pack modest clothing for cities and villages; reserve swimwear for resort beaches and water activities.

• Photography of military, government buildings, airports, and police is prohibited; always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.

Prepare: Do not photograph armed personnel or installations; ask locals or guides for photography guidance at each location.

• Respect for elders and authority figures is essential — avoid raising your voice or arguing with officials.

Prepare: Address police and government workers respectfully; comply with their instructions and remain calm during interactions.

• Islam is respected (about 40% of the population); avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours if you are observing the fast.

Prepare: Check the Ramadan dates for your travel year; be mindful in Muslim-majority areas; purchase alcohol discreetly.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); USD is widely accepted in tourist areas but exchange rates are poor.

Prepare: Obtain shillings before arrival through your Canadian bank or exchange a small amount at the airport; plan to withdraw shillings from ATMs using your Canadian debit card (use ATMs inside banks or well-lit public areas only).

• ATM fraud and card skimming are common; use only ATMs in well-lit public areas inside banks or recognized businesses.

Prepare: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN; check your account statements daily online for unauthorized transactions; avoid using card readers with irregular or unusual features; withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce ATM visits.

• Credit card and cash theft are frequent; carry only the cash you need daily.

Prepare: Split your cash into multiple locations (wallet, hotel safe, hidden pouch); avoid showing large sums; keep credit cards separate from your passport.

• Power outages occur regularly; electricity may be rationed by authorities.

Prepare: Carry portable phone chargers (power banks); bring a headlamp or flashlight; keep your gas tank at least half full in case of fuel shortages during unrest.

• Cellular coverage is good in major cities (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha) but limited outside urban areas.

Prepare: Obtain a local SIM card from Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo upon arrival; purchase a local prepaid data/calling bundle; save offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) on your phone before travel.

• Internet access can be restricted during civil unrest; telecommunications services may be shut down by authorities.

Prepare: Before arrival, download key information offline (High Commission contact details, emergency numbers, maps, hotel addresses); consider eSIM as a backup (local providers: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo).

• Public Wi-Fi is unsafe; cybercriminals can steal personal data, credit information, and monitor communications on unencrypted networks.

Prepare: Avoid shopping or banking on public Wi-Fi; use a VPN if you must access Wi-Fi; do not post real-time location information on social media; avoid meeting people you've contacted online; disable Bluetooth and auto-connect features.

• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% is standard in restaurants, USD is acceptable for tips.

Prepare: Carry small USD bills or shilling notes for informal tipping (guides, hotel staff); ask your hotel about local tipping customs.

• Buses (dala dalas) are unsafe, overcrowded, and involved in fatal accidents; sexual assaults have been reported.

Prepare: Hire a private driver or use a reputable ride-sharing app; avoid buses, trains, and ferries for long-distance travel if possible; if you must use public transit, travel during daylight hours only and keep valuables secure.

• Roads have severe safety hazards: poor maintenance, lacking traffic signs, speeding drivers, inadequate lighting, pedestrians on roadways.

Prepare: If renting a car, hire an experienced local driver instead; if self-driving, use a 4WD vehicle outside cities, drive defensively, keep doors/windows locked, avoid driving after dark outside urban centres, and fill your gas tank before long trips.

• Road conditions deteriorate during rainy seasons (March–May, November–December); near-zero visibility is possible.

Prepare: Before travel during rainy season, confirm your intended route is passable with local authorities; avoid driving in remote areas during heavy rain.

• Police checkpoints are common; only national police officers may establish them.

Prepare: Carry your passport and travel documents; follow police instructions; remain calm and courteous; if asked to pay an on-the-spot fine for a traffic violation, request a written copy and insist on paying at a police station instead.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit is June–October (dry season, cooler temperatures, clear skies) and January–February (hot/dry); avoid March–May and November–December (rainy seasons).

Prepare: Book your trip for June–October if possible; if you must travel during the rains, confirm road accessibility in advance with local authorities and your accommodation provider.

• Coastal regions and lower altitudes are warm and humid year-round; inland highlands are cooler.

Prepare: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for coastal areas; bring a light jacket for highland regions (e.g., Arusha, Kilimanjaro); use high-SPF sunscreen daily.

• Rainy seasons (March–May, November–December) bring heavy downpours, flooding, landslides, and road closures in remote areas.

Prepare: Avoid hiking or national park visits during these periods; travel with a reputable guide; carry waterproof bag for electronics; book accommodation with good drainage.

• Malaria risk is highest during/after rainy seasons in low-altitude areas; take prophylaxis seriously.

Prepare: Confirm your malaria prevention regimen with your travel clinic; take antimalarials as prescribed; continue them for the recommended duration after you leave Tanzania.

• Mountain climbs (Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi) involve altitude sickness, extreme weather, and limited rescue services; injuries and deaths occur annually.

Prepare: Only climb if in excellent physical condition; hire an experienced guide from a reputable company; buy travel insurance with helicopter rescue/medical evacuation; acclimatize properly; know the symptoms of high-altitude illness (headache, nausea, shortness of breath); inform a family member of your itinerary and expected return date.

TOP SIGHTS

• Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak (5,895 m) offers a multi-day trek with stunning views; climbs are challenging and dangerous.

• Serengeti National Park — vast savanna ecosystem home to the Great Migration; experience iconic wildlife viewing and expert-guided game drives.

• Zanzibar Archipelago — historic Stone Town with coral reefs, beaches, and spice plantations; popular for diving and snorkelling.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area — a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a massive volcanic crater and dense wildlife concentration.

• Lake Tanganyika — Africa's second-largest lake with opportunities for boating, snorkelling, and visiting remote fishing villages (avoid the eastern border area with the DRC).

WHERE TO STAY

Dar es Salaam

• Upanga — residential neighbourhood south of the city centre with mid-range hotels, restaurants, and good security; convenient for business travellers and those avoiding the chaotic downtown core.

• Masaki Peninsula — upscale expatriate enclave with beachfront resorts and restaurants; exercise heightened caution, particularly along Toure Drive due to reported theft and opportunistic crime.

• Oysterbay — affluent beachfront area with high-end hotels and international restaurants; stay alert in surrounding areas and avoid walking alone after dark, even near resort grounds.

Zanzibar (Stone Town)

• Stone Town (historic centre) — UNESCO-listed old town with traditional architecture, spice markets, and waterfront restaurants; safe during daytime if you stay on main streets; seek local advice on which beach areas are secure before visiting.

• Nungwi (north coast) — popular beach resort destination with water sports and nightlife; safer than Stone Town for beachgoers; confirm water safety with locals before swimming (riptides and strong currents are common).

Arusha

• City Centre — compact downtown with safari tour operators, shops, and mid-range hotels; walkable during daylight but avoid walking alone after dark.

• Usa River — suburb north of Arusha with family-friendly accommodations and quieter atmosphere; convenient base for Kilimanjaro and Serengeti excursions; reasonably secure for tourists.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• High Commission of Canada in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

Address: 38 Mirambo Street, Dar es Salaam

Phone: +255 22 216 3300

Email: drslm@international.gc.ca

Open Monday–Friday, 07:30–12:30 and 13:30–16:30

• Government of Canada Emergency Watch and Response Centre (Ottawa)

Available 24/7 for Canadian citizens in distress abroad

Phone: 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free from Canada); +1-613-996-8885 (international)

• Tanzania Police Emergency

Phone: 112 or 999

• Ambulance/Medical Emergency

Phone: 112 or contact your hotel reception immediately

• Poison Control / Health Emergency

Call your hotel or the High Commission for referral to reliable medical facilities in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar