Tanzania Travel Information

Tanzania is a popular destination for tourists, and most stays go smoothly. However, travelers should be aware that there are prohibitions on homosexuality and sexual behavior that are not considered appropriate under Tanzanian law. According to Abbreviationfinder, TZA stands for Tanzania in geography.

Safety

A central politician in Tanzania warned on 29.10.18 that actions would be taken against LGBTI people. The case has received a lot of attention in international and Norwegian media. In a statement from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister 4.11.18, the government distanced itself from the statements, stressing that Tanzania respects the human rights conventions and agreements they have signed. On 7 November, the Minister of the Interior went public and assured that Tanzania is a safe country, also for gays. As there is a ban on homosexuality and sexual behavior that is not considered appropriate under Tanzanian law, travelers are encouraged to keep a low profile and not be active on social media on this topic while staying in Tanzania.

There are a lot of traffic accidents in Tanzania. The reasons are high speed, failure to comply with traffic rules, low technical standard on vehicles, poor road standards and limited driving training. Tourists should be critical of the vehicles and drivers used. Buses are constantly involved in serious fatal accidents. It is warned against driving on the road in the dark.

If you need to take a ferry or other boat transport, consider the boat’s seaworthiness before boarding – you are in doubt staying on the dock. If you are unsure whether a ferry is overloaded or otherwise not seaworthy, you should not board. Buy tickets through serious travel agencies or the company’s own sales offices.

It is recommended to exercise caution when moving outdoors, valuables should not be carried openly, walking on foot after dark is not recommended. Pedestrians are urged to be cautious as motorists do not show much regard for pedestrians.

All visitors, especially women, should avoid walking alone along the roads and in isolated areas on the beaches. Avoid making yourself a target for robbers and pickpockets by wearing cameras/video equipment visible or wearing expensive-looking jewelry and watches. Also do not bring large sums of cash – and do not wallet and carry in back pocket/bag/large bags.

Purse mapping, most often from passing cars or motorcycles, is a widespread problem, especially in Dar es Salaam. There are several examples that bagging from cars or motorcycles has resulted in serious personal injury or that the victim has died.

  • Countryaah: DDodoma is the capital of Tanzania. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

If you are exposed to unfortunate incidents – either an accident or stolen valuables, you should contact the nearest police station. This is especially important in relation to travel insurance.

Tanzania has set up its own unit, the Tourist Police, which operates in Dar es Salaam and near the major tourist sites. Most major hotels should have contact information for the “Tourist Police”.

There have been several “taxi robberies” in Dar es Salaam and partly in the Arusha area. Do not accept offers of transport from strangers or pirate taxis. You should always ask for official identification before you hire a taxi. Is there an extra person to be in the cab (friend/acquaintance) of the driver, get out and take the next car. It is recommended to ask the hotel to arrange transport. Ask for name/phone number so you can deal with the driver directly.

Demonstrations/social unrest have not been a challenge in recent years in Tanzania. Past experience has shown that demonstrations that are challenged by police can turn into violent clashes.

There is no great danger of kidnapping and abduction in Tanzania.

No serious terrorist attacks have occurred in Tanzania in the last 20 years, but the terrorist threat cannot be ruled out.

There has been a significant decline in pirate attacks in the offshore areas of Somalia and neighboring countries. But there have been attacks as far south as outside Mozambique, and so far the danger is not considered over.

The risk of natural disasters in the form of earthquakes, tsunamis etc. is no greater in Tanzania than in other countries. Tanzania has two rainy seasons; the “small” rainy season in November/December, and the “big” rainy season from March to June. During the rainy season, especially the roads that do not have any kind of fixed deck become very slippery and impassable – something that you should keep in mind if you plan longer safaris during the rainy season. The larger rivers can, during the rainy season at relatively short notice, cross their banks – which can involve a risk in case you move around the terrain without a qualified guide/wizard.

The Embassy strongly recommends that Norwegian citizens who are going on holiday to Tanzania or have a longer stay in the country, register on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travel registration.

Travel and health insurance is recommended.

Local emergency numbers are: Police, Fire Department, Ambulance 112, Police Control Room 0713-323999/2194401,

In Dar es Salaam: Aga Khan Hospital (255) (22) 21151521-3, Muhimbili Hospital 2151351-2/2151298 and IST Medical Scheme Clinic 0754-783393.

Norway has an embassy in Dar es Salaam and a consulate in Zanzibar and in Arusha.

In the event of an emergency, the Embassy can be contacted at the
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Dar es Salaam:
+255 22 216 3100 or +47 23 95 56 00,
e-mail: emb.daressalaam@mfa.no

Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ operational center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no

Major Landmarks in Tanzania

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegian citizens who wish to visit Tanzania need a visa.

Visas can be arranged upon entry (at the airport or border crossings). It is easy to get a tourist visa upon entry. Visa to Tanzania currently costs US $ 50. The visa has a duration of three months. Passport must be valid for up to six months after entry.

You can also apply for a visa in advance by contacting the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
Näsby Alle 6, 183 55 Täby,
Stockholm, Sweden
mailbox@tanemb.se

If you arrange a visa at the Embassy in Stockholm, the visa will start to run from the date it is issued.

For more information on Tanzania visas, see the website of Tanzania’s immigration authorities. Here is information on different types of visas and residence permits needed for business, students and volunteers – or for paid work in Tanzania.

It is now also possible to apply for e-visas to Tanzania. More information can be found here; Immigration Department – Entry Requirements and Visa Information.

If you come from a country with yellow fever, a vaccination card with a valid yellow fever vaccine must be presented.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Tanzania has now detected its first cases of coronary infection. Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the corona virus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. For general updates, refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not create travel advice because of the risk of infection. It is the Public Health Institute that provides health advice. You can find more information and guidance from Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

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The hospital standard in Tanzania is generally low. This also applies to Zanzibar. Evacuation to Kenya, South Africa – or home to Norway – may therefore be necessary if more serious illness or injury should occur. It is therefore very important that the individual has good and fully comprehensive travel insurance during their stay in Tanzania.

As malaria is widespread, it may be appropriate to use malaria prophylaxis during your stay in Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Medical clinics: The IST Medical Scheme Clinic is located just off the International School of Tanganyika in Masaki and is run by two Dutch doctors, Dr. Belia Klaassen and Dr. Ype Smit.
Phone: + 255- (0) 22-2601307 and 2601308
Mobile: + 255- (0) 784-783393
Fax Number: + 255- (0) 22-2600127
Emergency Phone: + 255- (0) 754-783393
Email: istclinic@istafrica.com

Premier Care Clinic
259 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Rd, Namanga, Kinondoni, just off the Best Bite restaurant.
Doctors: Dr. Omar Awadh and Dr. Pierre Bervas
Phone: (255) (22) 266-8385
Mobile: 0754-783200/0713-552257

Aga Khan Hospital
Phone: (255) (22) 21151521-3

Anyone planning to travel to Tanzania should contact their GP or travel outpatient clinic in Norway well in advance (at least four weeks) before leaving for advice and guidance on necessary vaccinations and other health advice, including travel pharmacies, birth control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Health stations can also advise on children and pregnant women who are traveling.

Personal hygiene is especially important in hot and humid climates. Wounds are easily infected and should be cleaned and covered. Water, soap and plastics are usually sufficient. Fungal infections in the skin are common.

All fresh water in Tanzania must be considered to pose a risk of contracting parasitic diseases. Swimming, washing and wading in lakes (eg Lake Victoria) or rivers and stagnant water can be dangerous.

Malaria is found throughout Tanzania, with the exception of certain mountain areas. In Tanzania, it is therefore absolutely necessary to follow the precautions that doctors recommend for protection against malaria. It is also important to take simple precautions such as covering your arms and legs in the evening, using mosquito repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets, as well as treatment with medicines.

If malaria is suspected, a doctor must be sought immediately. If you feel unwell when using the tablets, a doctor should be contacted for changed treatment.

At times, there may be cases of dengue fever in some parts of the country. Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted through stings from infectious mosquitoes.

Gulf vaccine is now required if one comes from areas at risk of infection, but this is not the case if one comes directly from Europe. However, travelers are advised to seek advice and guidance from vaccination offices in Norway before departure.

One should consistently adhere to bottled drinking water.

If you have to drink water from the mains or lakes, the water must be boiled and filtered, possibly chemically treated. Vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed in boiled water or in “Milton” if they are not peeled and/or cooked. A general good precaution while staying in Tanzania is to not eat any type of salads – unless you feel confident that it is washed and disinfected.

Practical information

From 1 June 2019 the authorities in Tanzania have banned plastic bags for environmental reasons. Airline passengers may be asked to surrender their plastic bags upon arrival. The ban does not include ziplock bags used as part of the airlines’ security procedures.

Mobile coverage in Tanzania is relatively good, with the exception of some remote areas. The most common operators are Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo, Halotel and Zantel. Therefore, should a major event/disaster occur, the GSM networks could easily be overloaded – and break down.

The power supply may be somewhat unstable. The power grid is at 220V 50Hz, there is sometimes very variable quality of power supply – be prepared for periods of total absence – or over/under voltage which can damage various types of electrical equipment, such as phone/PC chargers.

Don’t expect to be able to pay by credit card except at the major hotels. The number of ATM terminals (ATMs) is increasing in the larger cities, but one cannot expect them to be operational/accessible at all times. Therefore always have a suitable “buffer” with cash, preferably Tanzanian shillings. US dollars can usually be used as well. According to allcitycodes, Tanzania area code is +255.

Time difference is + two hours compared to the Norwegian winter time, + one hour during the summer time period.

English and Swahili are official languages ​​in Tanzania, but English is varied and generally not as good as in the other former British colonies in Africa.

The regular Tanzanian is usually perceived as positive, helpful and outgoing. Brutal and loud voices, visible drunkenness, cursing/ugly use of words and disrespectful accusation can be taken very badly.

One should always include valid identification papers, preferably a copy of passport stating that you have a valid visa/residence permit or the like.

No drugs are allowed in Tanzania. Persons arrested with drugs can expect criminal prosecution and severe penalties if convicted.

There is corruption in Tanzania – also within the police and other public bodies. Do not accept non-legitimate claims for money (fines, “fees”, etc.) without involved officials presenting identity card and service card, explaining / documenting what to pay/why and finally filling out official receipt.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that you do not offend anyone.

As a tourist in Muslim areas, it is important to be careful to follow dress code and avoid enjoying alcohol elsewhere than at restaurants that are allowed to serve alcohol. Special precautions should be taken during Ramadhan. When moving in public places, women should always wear clothes that cover shoulders, knees and navel. During the religious holidays (Ramadhan) one is advised to avoid eating in the public space between sunrise and sunset.