Safety in Tanzania: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 8 September 2026.
Safety
- Post-election unrest — The elections of 29 October 2025 were followed by violent disorder in every major city of mainland Tanzania, with casualties, disrupted flights, and problems getting cash, fuel and shop service; the internet was cut for almost a week. Protests can start anywhere without warning, so keep alternative local phone contacts and avoid crowds.
- Police checks — Security forces are running more checks, foreigners included, so carry a copy of your passport and stay cooperative. Publishing images or video that may harm someone's dignity is a criminal offence, and that includes footage of protests.
- Crime in the cities — Petty crime is common in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar, and some muggings have been brutal. In Dar es Salaam the Masaki, Msasani Peninsula and Oysterbay areas are the ones targeted, and the ministry suggests avoiding Kariakoo market. There have also been short "express kidnappings" of foreigners to force immediate ATM withdrawals or payments.
- Mtwara and Mozambique border — Non-essential travel close to the Mozambique border, and in the Mtwara region in particular, is discouraged because of the risk of jihadist attacks. Fighters from the Cabo Delgado insurgency have crossed into Tanzania before, notably in October 2020, killing civilians.
- Burundi border — Maximum caution is advised along the border with Burundi because armed gangs may be operating there.
- Rainy seasons — In March to May and November to December flooding is frequent, cutting roads and bringing down infrastructure. Travel in those months can be difficult and at times dangerous.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 8 September 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Tanzania before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 8 September 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.