Tanzania Country Report
Tanzania is a developing country located on the coast of the Indian Ocean in East Africa. While the country, particularly on the mainland, has enjoyed relative political stability since independence under the ruling CCM party, the island of Zanzibar has been subject to ongoing political tensions that have fueled sporadic outbreaks of violence and insurgency. Tanzania’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, but the mining and oil and gas sectors have played an increasing role in recent years as the government seeks to attract foreign investment and privatize previously nationalized industries. Corruption continues to hinder growth, as anti-corruption programs launched by the government have had relatively little impact.
Major threats to travelers include violent and petty criminal activity, social unrest, health hazards, and dangerous driving conditions. Despite government infrastructure programs, roads in many rural areas are poorly maintained, and public service delivery remains concentrated in urban centers. Although Tanzania has not experienced any major terrorist attacks in recent years, there are concerns about low-level militancy and the potential for political violence in some areas, particularly in Zanzibar and the coastal region of Powani.
Last updated: April 12, 2022
Security
Violent and petty crime is relatively common in Tanzania, and foreign tourists are often targeted because they are perceived to be relatively wealthy. Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Mozambique carried out their first attack in October 2020 in Kitaya, Mitwara province, marking their claim in southern Tanzania. Mtwara borders Mozambique’s Palma region in Cabo Delgado, a stronghold of the so-called Islamic State group. Central African Province (ISCAP). Despite the attack, ISCAP has been slow to increase its presence in Tanzania, and the risk to foreign travelers is low.
The risk of conflict in this country is also low and Dodoma has good public relations with its neighbors. Unrests caused by various socio-economic and political developments have occurred sporadically in the country, especially in major urban centers. In most cases, these gatherings are peaceful, but during political demonstrations, there is a definite risk of local violence, which can be actively dispersed by security forces.
Last updated: May 16, 2022
Infrastructure
There are no significant safety concerns regarding air travel or airport facilities in Tanzania, although small aircraft may be used for domestic air travel on some routes.
Road conditions outside the main metropolitan centers are generally poor and the driving standards of some local road users may be erratic, leading to increased risks associated with domestic journeys.
The port of Dar es Salaam has become more efficient over the years.
Electricity and communication infrastructure are usually adequate in large urban centers, but power outages and load shedding can occur frequently. The provision of services in rural areas is severely limited.
The country is both less likely to sponsor a cyber attack and less likely to be the target of a cyber attack.
Last updated: December 29, 2022
Environment
Tanzania is located in a seismically active region and earthquakes occur occasionally. These attacks are usually of moderate intensity but can cause damage and casualties when they strike near major city centers. Although the country is remote, it also has several active volcanoes. Cyclones pose a limited risk in Tanzania, but flooding may occur during prolonged heavy rains. Extreme heat is also a threat in Tanzania, especially in the arid northern regions. Poor waste management as well as compliance and limited awareness of health and safety standards lead to air, water, and land pollution, especially in urban centers.
Last updated: March 17, 2022
Health and Medical
Healthcare facilities in Tanzania are limited and most reputable hospitals and clinics are concentrated in urban areas. In case of serious injuries or medical emergencies, evacuation to another country with more advanced medical facilities may be necessary. The availability of medicines in the country is limited and the available substances are often of low quality or fake. Access to medicines is generally limited outside urban centers. Malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases are a year-round threat in Tanzania. The country also tends to have frequent outbreaks of cholera, but most cases are concentrated in low-income, rural areas. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue fever, African trypanosomiasis, which occurs in rural areas such as Tarangir and Serengeti National Parks, and Rift Valley fever, which occurs in the northern and central regions of the country. Water pollution and related health issues are a serious risk for travelers and tap water is not considered potable water.
Last updated: February 24, 2022
Political
Tanzania enjoys a stable political environment under the continuous rule of Chama Cha Mapinduji (CCM). Despite the re-election of incumbent John Magofuli in a hotly contested October 2020 presidential election, the party’s support has declined in recent years due to ongoing pressure and criticism from an emboldened opposition. With the death of Mr. Magofuli on March 17, 2021, Vice President Samia Solf Hassan was sworn in as the new president. Hassan will serve the remainder of Magofuli’s five-year term until elections are held in 2025. Magofuli’s death raises questions about whether President Hassan will change course or maintain his predecessor’s authoritarian line. Corruption is rampant in Tanzania. This problem is expected to continue even if the president changes. In Tanzania, despite improvements, the rule of law is not always universal due to lack of funding and judicial corruption.
Last updated: April 14, 2022
