Is Tanzania a safe country to visit?

Roots & Routes Africa | Is Tanzania a safe destination for travelers? Tanzania is the largest nation in East Africa and is often regarded as the most peaceful country in the region. However, you may have some concerns about traveling to Tanzania, particularly in light of recent global health issues. Some sources caution that travel to Tanzania might pose risks due to potential violence and terrorism. This leads to important questions: Are these concerns valid? What is it truly like in Tanzania? Is it a safe destination to visit? Currently, there is heightened apprehension surrounding travel anywhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s important to remember that travelers have always taken risks associated with their journeys. We encourage visitors to exercise common sense and reasonable caution, but also to embrace the opportunity to explore the wonders of Tanzania. We would like to specifically address concerns related to crime and the potential risks faced by LGBTQ individuals. It’s a valid question to wonder why you might trust our travel advice. We have been living in the Kilimanjaro region since 2012, which gives us in-depth knowledge of the area and its culture. This local insight is one of the reasons top travel agencies frequently choose our team to lead their expeditions. Alleged dangers of visiting Tanzania Contrary to what many travelers think, no special vaccinations are required for those entering Tanzania from the USA, the UK, European Union, or most countries around the globe. Crime Like any vacation destination, Tanzania experiences some petty crime. However, we wouldn’t say it is more prevalent than in places like the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Egypt, or Kenya. In fact, it may be less common than in cities such as Paris, France; Venice, Italy; or Barcelona, Spain, which are notorious for pickpockets and passport thieves near popular tourist attractions. Exercising reasonable travel caution is highly advisable. Here are some tips for travelers: 1. Beware of Pickpockets: These individuals often operate in crowded areas like markets and public transport hubs. If you visit such places, it’s best to leave most of your cash and valuables in your hotel safe. For small amounts of cash, carry it in a hidden pouch, your front pocket, or a purse held close to your body. Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket or your purse on your side or back. 2. Be Cautious at Beaches: When visiting beaches, especially in Dar es Salaam, do not leave your belongings unattended. Be wary of local “beach boys”—overly friendly young men who may try to engage you in conversation or sell inexpensive souvenirs, often as a way to gauge where you keep your wallet. 3. Robbery Awareness: In larger cities like Dar es Salaam, there have been reports of robberies, typically using a “snatch and run” technique where an attacker grabs a bag and disappears into the crowd. It’s safer to avoid carrying valuables in bags and instead lock them in a hotel safe. Always keep an eye on your luggage and avoid leaving it unattended. 4. Travel Safely at Night: We recommend using a hotel taxi after dark rather than walking. Stick to official white-and-green taxis and avoid private cars. When exploring Tanzania, having a knowledgeable driver or guide can greatly enhance your safety and experience. If you choose to visit an area or tour a city without a guide, be sure to do so at your own risk. Violent crime In spite of numerous misleading articles available online—some even from reputable sources—violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare in the northern part of Tanzania, particularly in popular tourist cities like Arusha and Moshi. Over nearly a decade of experience in Tanzania, we have encountered only a few isolated incidents of armed robbery, all of which occurred in the coastal areas of Eastern Tanzania rather than in the northern regions. There have been isolated reports of individuals being targeted while withdrawing money from ATMs at night in Dar es Salaam; however, to our knowledge, these incidents did not result in injury, though money was stolen. We strongly advise against visiting ATMs after dark and recommend using those that are monitored by security personnel, which is common in both Arusha and Moshi. It’s essential to emphasize that the vast majority of Tanzanians are kind and peaceful individuals who greet foreigners with respect and hospitality. Violence as a means of conflict resolution is largely absent among the general population. Additionally, the tourism industry plays a significant role in the economy of Northern Tanzania, particularly in Arusha and Moshi. This creates a strong incentive for many locals to maintain a positive image of the country and to assist travelers, even going out of their way to help those who may be lost or struggling with language barriers. Overall, the likelihood of a traveler falling victim to robbery or mugging in Tanzania is no greater than in popular travel destinations in the United States or Europe. To minimize risks, it is advisable to use common sense: avoid unlit or suspicious areas, take taxis instead of walking at night, visit banks and ATMs during daylight hours, refrain from carrying large amounts of cash, and keep personal belongings secure and close at all times. Terrorism Categorizing Tanzania as a country with a threat of terrorism is certainly disputable. The latest act of terrorism in Tanzania was in 1998, well over 20 years ago.  More recently, there was an attack on a small Tanzanian village in the southernmost part of the country, along the border with Mozambique. Reports suggest the extremists hail from Mozambique and have a history of violence and attacks throughout Mozambique, and question the safety and security of this neighboring nation than of Tanzania. The Tanzanian military is working in conjunction with the Mozambique Army to capture and bring these assailants to justice. Beyond these rare attacks, Tanzania is not only a generally safe and peaceful nation, but takes in refugees from neighboring countries, as UNICEF considers Tanzania a safe haven.  Refugee camps near Kigoma

Vaccinations to consider before your trip to Tanzania.

Roots & Routes Africa | Vaccinations to consider before your trip to Tanzania. Tanzania Tourist Visa As you start planning your trip to Tanzania, you might have health-related questions about how to protect yourself from diseases that are common in Africa. This article addresses important issues specific to Tanzania, including the mandatory vaccinations and the recommended immunisations for travellers. Essential Immunizations Required for Entry into Tanzania and Zanzibar Contrary to what many travelers think, no special vaccinations are required for those entering Tanzania from the USA, the UK, European Union, or most countries around the globe. A note about yellow fever The only exception to the vaccine requirements is for travelers from or who have visited countries at risk for Yellow Fever. If you fall into this category, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania. If you do not have the vaccination, you can purchase it at the airport as you pass through immigration. It is important to note that this vaccine has been a mandatory requirement for many years and remains the most requested vaccine for entry into Tanzania. If you have not traveled to a country where Yellow Fever is a risk, you do not need to provide proof of this vaccination. Malaria Precautions If you are planning an extended stay in areas of Tanzania where there is a risk of contracting malaria, it is wise to take precautions against this mosquito-borne disease. These measures are typically advised for travelers who are embarking on long-term journeys throughout Africa, not just in one country, or for those intending to live and work in Tanzania. Additionally, some travelers going on a safari, mountain climbing, or enjoying a beach holiday in Tanzania may also consider taking malaria prevention medications. This is a sensible approach to ensure that an unfortunate mosquito bite does not ruin your vacation. Recommended Vaccinations While there are no required vaccinations in Tanzania (except in the possible case of Yellow Fever), there are several recommended vaccines. Below is the valuable information to be considered by those considering travel to Tanzania. Many of these are standard precautions for travel to developing nations and if you are an avid traveler, you might very well have all of these vaccinations already. Standard Immunizations The standard list of diseases against which tourists are recommended to get vaccinated against includes: tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus is believed to be more common in countries near the equator. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, Tanzania is among the countries with the lowest incidence of tetanus, being categorised as “rare, very few cases” by their rating scale. The combined DPT vaccine against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus is often used for prevention. It is recommended that adults get revaccinated against the latter two diseases every ten years, so check if you’re up-to-date before travelling to Tanzania. Hepatitis A virus most often enters the human body from eating or drinking contaminated water, while Hepatitis B might be contracted due to poor hygiene standards, or using contaminated personal tools (which might happen if you go to a nail salon or spa with poor sanitation). We strongly recommend drinking only bottled water during your trip to Tanzania. Hepatitis B virus enters with the biological fluids of the infected person. In most countries with a well-developed health care system, you can get a vaccination against both hepatitis types. The above diseases pose danger to tourists in Tanzania to the same extent as in their home country. Theoretically, it is equally possible to injure oneself and get the wound infected during a regular walk in the park near your house as well as on an expedition in Tanzania. What poses increased risk is dirty water, which is why we provide all of our clients with bottled drinking water for the duration of their trip. Additional Advice When it comes to extended recommendations, several additional standard vaccines are part of the national immunization calendars. For instance, travelers to Tanzania are advised to ensure they are vaccinated against diseases such as chickenpox, pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus, influenza, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and shingles before their trip. Most of these vaccinations are typically given during childhood. Additionally, you can protect yourself against typhoid fever, which can be contracted due to poor hygiene related to water, food, or contaminated surfaces. The CDC recommends this vaccination for individuals who plan to travel alone, live in rural areas, or eat outside of hotels in places with inadequate sanitation. For those interested in volunteering with animals, such as through a dog rescue program, it is advisable to get vaccinated against rabies beforehand. Travelers wishing to enjoy a safari generally do not face a risk of contact with animals, aside from the opportunity to take some fantastic photos! According to the US Embassy If you are an American traveler seeking adventure in Tanzania, you may have visited the US Embassy’s website in Tanzania and noted the health warnings, particularly regarding malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. Malaria Currently, there are no proven effective vaccines against malaria. Instead, there are medications that can help reduce the risk of contracting the disease, which should be considered before traveling to Tanzania. It’s advisable to discuss anti-malaria options with your doctor, as these medications can have different side effects. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes. The disease is particularly prevalent in tropical regions where these mosquitoes thrive, typically in lowland, swampy, and wooded areas. Optimal conditions for the reproduction of malaria-carrying mosquitoes include standing water, windless environments, and temperatures consistently above 20 °C. Therefore, areas located away from lakes or ponds, or those with a constant breeze, are less likely to have these mosquitoes. For tourists visiting Tanzania for high-altitude climbing and safaris, the risk of malaria is minimal. While the chance of encountering infected mosquitoes may be slightly higher in hotels near swamps, accommodations are generally equipped with mosquito nets for guests. In addition to taking anti-malarial drugs, travelers can further minimize their risk

How to get a Tourist Visa for Tanzania

Roots & Routes Africa | HOW TO GET A TOURIST VISA FOR TANZANIA Tanzania Tourist Visa Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. Tourists previously had two options for obtaining a tourist visa: they could either get a visa upon arrival or apply in advance through their country’s Tanzanian consulate. The latter option required sending their passport in the mail and waiting for its return, which was often inconvenient, time-consuming, and somewhat risky if the postal system lost the passport. Fortunately, the process has become easier, and tourists can now apply for an Electronic Visa to enter Tanzania. Don’t let the visa requirement discourage you; it’s a simple step that most countries around the world ask travelers to complete. The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travellers, while American citizens pay $100 USD. Citizens of some countries, particularly several neighbouring African nations, can enter Tanzania without a visa and at no charge. Get your visa online For your convenience and peace of mind, we recommend applying for a tourist visa in advance through the Tanzania Immigration website. You can visit the official Tanzania Immigration Department website to complete and pay for your application online. You can find the official online visa guidelines here. Important Note for U.S. Citizens: When filling out your application, please select “Multiple Entry Visa.” This option is required for U.S. citizens intending to enter Tanzania as tourists. Additionally, choose “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of your travel. Other nationals should consider whether a single-entry tourist visa or a multiple-entry visa is more suitable for their travel plans. Timeframe It may take up to 10 days to process your application, so ensure to give yourself sufficient time to complete the application and receive your visa. If you are short on time, or booked a last-minute Tanzania adventure, you should obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport. Alternatively, the tourist visa should not be completed more than 3 months prior to your scheduled travel dates. Don’t apply for your E-Visa too early! Print all confirmation pages and keep them in a secure location. When you arrive in Tanzania (usually at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport), you will still get an official sticker in your passport as proof of your tourist visa. Completing online application form Only complete the e-visa from the official Tanzania Immigration website. Do not share your passport number or other important information with any other site offering visas. The only authentic E-Visa is found here. Select “New Application” to start your E-Visa The online application form is very simple, and your answers should be clear. Make sure to save your application number. Either take a photo, save a screenshot, or write the number down for future reference. If you start the application but aren’t able to finish completing all the questions at once, you can simply access the application again based on your email address and application number, provided on the first page. When you return to complete the application, you will select “Continue Application”. You can check the status of your visa at the “Visa Status” page, which will let you know if your visa has been received, if it is in process, or if you have been approved. If you have different spellings of your name, or use a different last name (such as a maiden name), the information provided here must match your official passport. Spelling matters, so double-check before completing the page. Don’t worry if you don’t have a passport photo ready to scan for this last step; you can always save your application and complete it at a later date. You should select “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of your visit if you are coming as a tourist. Tips for Travel Information This is generally where clients have the most questions because you should provide a physical address in Tanzania and names of your host. Unless you personally know a Tanzanian national and will be staying at their place of residence, then you should not select “Tanzanian Citizen”. In most cases, you should state that you are staying in a “Hotel”. Even if you will be spending the majority of your time camping as you explore Mount Kilimanjaro routes or at various lodges throughout your safari, this is the most applicable response. Our Clients, please use our included contact information as your “Reference” in Tanzania. Under the section Local Host, make sure to select “Company/Organisation” and our travelling list. Your relationship to Roots and Routes Africa in this instance will be “Tour Operator”. Tips for Travel Companions This is most important if you are traveling with a minor (such as your child). Make sure to fill this section out to the best of your ability. If you are traveling with a group (such as a climbing team) then you may select “Group or Organization”. However, if you don’t know all the members of your team, or are meeting up in Tanzania instead of departing from the same location, for all ‘travel purposes’ you are traveling as a single adult. Don’t worry about companions for group situations that include individual travel where you meet up in Tanzania after arrival. Referral visa Citizens of some countries may require a referred visa in order to come to Tanzania, even as a tourist. In these cases, the application form is not as straightforward and cannot be completed upon arrival. Citizens of the following countries must apply in advance for a referred visa: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan Republic, Kyrgyzstan Republic, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Somali land, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen and Stateless persons or persons with refugee status If you are a citizen of one of these listed countries, you must apply for a referral visa. Please note, processing time for this application can take over 60 days, so it is important to apply well in advance. Tanzania Immigration