CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Tanzania

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (Ramadan).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Tanzania

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

A referendum will be held in Zanzibar on July 31, 2010, and may cause tensions. Canadians should be vigilant, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Parliamentary and presidential elections will take place in Tanzania on October 31, 2010. The voter registration process has already caused tensions and civil unrest on the island of Pemba, in the Zanzibar archipelago. Canadians in Tanzania, particularly in the Zanzibar region, should monitor local news and be aware of the possibility of disruptions in the periods leading up to and also following the elections. Public gatherings and areas where demonstrations may occur should be avoided.

Travel near refugee camps in the northwestern area bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi (in the region of Kigoma and to the west of Kagera) is dangerous due to banditry.

There is a potential for terrorist activity in East Africa, including Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar.

Crime, and violent crime, is on the increase in the country and in main cities. Canadians in Tanzania should avoid crowds and demonstrations and register with the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam (see section 5 below) or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (613-996-8885).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Corruption

Travellers should be careful at customs at airports, as officials have been known to solicit bribes. In a common scheme, the official will ask the visitor to produce a certificate of proof of inoculation against yellow fever, eventhough a yellow fever certificate is only required if arrriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. If such a scheme occurs, you may request to speak to a senior official. However, if this does not work, travellers should be patient and negotiate with the official.

You may be approached by police officers requesting money for alleged offences. We recommend that you insist on proper identification before proceeding to a police station. Report all such incidents to the Canadian High Commission in Dar es Salaam.

Crime and Assault

Violent crime has increased throughout the country. Exercise a high degree of caution,, especially in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and in public places such as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, and shopping centres. Muggings, attacks, and hold-ups occur ocasionally in Stone Town and in the immediate vicinity of the coastal resorts on Unguja. You should be vigilant, particularly in Stone Town after dark. Avoid deserted beaches.

In Dar es Salaam, particular caution is warranted on Toure Drive (Msasani Peninsula) where muggings and attacks, including attacks on moving vehicles, have recently been reported.

Petty crime is prevalent. Muggings, pickpocketing, and theft are common in crowded areas, on public transportation, and on public beaches.

Sexual assaults involving tourists are a concern.

Some Canadians have reported being taken to an automatic banking machine (ABM) and forced to withdraw funds from their account after accepting a ride from a stranger or recent acquaintance.

Armed robbery, although rare, can also occur in parks and nature reserves, including the northern circuit in the vicinity of Serengeti National Park, Ngogongoro and Arusha National Parks, and regions surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. Organized tours and independent travellers have been targeted. You should only travel with a reputable tour company (hotels can make recommendations). Avoid camping or travelling alone.

You should remain on tourist routes and avoid remote areas. Exercise caution in and around Arusha, where armed robberies and carjackings have been reported. Possible violent armed robberies and carjackings can occur on less-travelled roads and trails. You should refrain from stopping on such roads and trails. Keep doors locked and windows shut at all times and do not pick up strangers. We recommend that you travel in convoy between cities. Avoid travel after dark.

General Safety Measures

In an emergency, dial 112 for police.

Leave personal belongings, including cash, passports, and airline tickets, in a hotel safe or other secure place.

Avoid walking after dark. Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged.

Seek local advice on the security situation prior to visiting beaches.

Tourist facilities are adequate in major cities but limited in remote areas, with the exception of principal game lodges and beach resorts.

Wild animals can be dangerous. When visiting parks or nature reserves, follow the advice and warnings of local tour guides.

If you are considering climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you should carefully consider the inherent risks involved; primarily altitude sickness and hypothermia. It is important to investigate the numerous tour operators so as to find a reputable guide. Each year people are seriously injured or killed on the mountain and emergency assistance is severely limited.

Due to power shortages, power cuts may occur on a daily basis.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Tanzanian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tanzania. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. They are required to show their passports when entering or exiting the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. They must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Work/Volunteer Visa: Required

Although visas are available upon arrival, it is recommended that Canadians obtain visas prior to arrival in Tanzania. When you arrive, ensure immigration officials validate your visa by stamping your passport or writing any required information into it. A tourist visa is valid for three months from the date of issue, and the duration of a stay cannot exceed three months. Moreover, some visas are valid for a period shorter than three months. Frequent visitors and business persons should request multiple-entry visas.

You should verify that you abide by the terms and expiry date indicated on your visa. Substantial fines are levied on those who overstay the period allowed by their visitor visa or residence permit.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required of travellers arriving from infected areas.

In Zanzibar an additional airport tax of US$5 (if travelling within Tanzania) or US$30 (if travelling outside of Tanzania) payable in cash, is required upon departure.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Tanzania - DAR ES SALAAM, High Comission of Canada
Address: 38 Mirambo Street, Corner Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1022, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
Tel.: 255 (22) 216-3300
Fax: 255 (22) 211-6897
E-Mail: dslam@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.tanzania.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Dar es Salaam and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. Collect calls cannot be made in Tanzania.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited and medicines are often unavailable, even in Dar es Salaam.

You should bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. Carry a signed, dated letter from your doctor describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names.

Medical evacuation to Nairobi, Kenya may be necessary in the event of an accident or sickness. If very serious, a medical evacuation to a third country may also be necessary.

Malaria is endemic in Tanzania, except in areas above 1,800 metres. Travellers are encouraged to take personal protective measures against insect bites, including using an insect repellent.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Tanzania is high, you should be cautious about any activity involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

In Zanzibar, Islamic practices and beliefs are particularly influential. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour throughout Tanzania. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g. women should cover their shoulders and refrain from wearing shorts).

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

Alcohol is not sold in some parts of Zanzibar and visitors should avoid consuming it in those areas.

The use of non-prescription drugs is prohibited.

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe.

Homosexual activity is illegal and is subject to significant penalty.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

The export of hunting "trophies" is strictly regulated. Canadians should contact the High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania (see section 5 above) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Photography of military installations is forbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and film confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, bridges, industrial sites, and airports. Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are poor and road signs are often missing. For travel outside main cities, it is recommended to use a four-wheel drive vehicle. Excessive speeds, driving habits, poor lighting, lack of vehicle maintenance, roaming wildlife and livestock, cyclists, and pedestrians pose risks, and travel by road at night should be avoided. You should travel by taxi in cities. Avoid driving unless familiar with local conditions.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Other transportation

Bus travel is not recommended, as bus accidents often result in fatalities. Rail service is limited, uncomfortable, and unreliable. There are regular reliable ferries from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Domestic flights may be subject to delays and cancellations.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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Currency

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). The use of credit cards is very limited. They are however generally accepted at larger hotels, European carriers and other businesses which cater to international clientele.

Outside of Dar es Salaam and at smaller establishments, cash in either Tanzanian shilling or U.S. dollars is the preferred method of payment, particularly for hotel bills, domestic airline tickets, and entry to national parks. Canadian dollar denominated traveller’s cheques are not accepted. ABMs are becoming more widely available, although only in main cities, and can be used to access Canadian bank accounts; however, they are subject to breakdowns. We recommend that you carry a small supply of cash in U.S. dollars for use in airports and at borders.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Coastal areas and islands are subject to monsoons between June and October. In most areas, the long rainy season occurs from March to May and short rains last from November to December. Roads may be impassable during the rainy season without the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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