Sub Saharan Africa

Tanzania
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 26 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (cholera). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors. But you should be sensitive to local culture. Loud or aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people, will cause offence.

There is a high proportion of Muslims in Tanzania, especially along the coast and on Zanzibar and Pemba. You should dress modestly. Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts, and particularly in Stone Town and other places where the local population may be offended. There have been cases where women travelling alone and in small groups have been verbally harassed in such areas.

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar).

You should carry identification (e.g. a copy of your passport) at all times.

All drugs are illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar) and those found in possession will be fined. There are severe penalties, including custodial sentences, for drug trafficking.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

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Contacts

Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, British High Commission

Address:

British High Commission
Umoja House
Garden Avenue
PO Box 9200
Dar es Salaam

Telephone:

(255) (22) 211 0101
(255) (0)754 242 242 Duty Officer out of hours number (for emergencies only)
(255) 211 0303 ext. 2265, 2270 or 2216 Crisis hotline. (Please note this number will only be manned in times of crisis.)

Fax:

(255) (22) 211 0102

Email: bhc.dar@fco.gov.uk

Email: bhc.visa.daressalaam@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

Mon-Thur: 04:30-13:30 GMT
Fri: 04:30-11:30 GMT

Mon-Thur: 07:30-15:30 Local Time
Fri: 07:30-13:30 Local Time

Website: http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en/