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UK travellers heading to Tanzania or Zanzibar should check the latest FCDO travel advice before they go. The guidance covers possible demonstrations on 29 October, new Ebola screening at entry points, and mandatory travel insurance for all visitors.
Most of Tanzania, including popular safari areas and Zanzibar, is not covered by an FCDO warning against travel. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel only to areas within 20km of the border with Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, because of attacks by groups linked to Islamic extremism.
Tanzania held a general election on 29 October 2025. According to the FCDO, protests and the security response led to deaths and injuries in many areas of mainland Tanzania, along with fuel and cash shortages.
There have been calls on social media for demonstrations on public holidays and on 29 October 2026, the election’s first anniversary. The FCDO says further demonstrations, including violent responses by security forces, are possible at any time.
The FCDO advises travellers to:
Stay away from all demonstrations, rallies and large crowds, and leave the area if protests start nearby.
Avoid taking or sharing photos or videos of protests. This is illegal in Tanzania.
Avoid political discussions, in public or online. Security officials may check phones and devices for election-related content.
Save important phone numbers offline, including your airline, insurer and the FCDO’s consular helpline. The authorities have limited internet access during past protests.
Monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities.
The FCDO also notes an increase in anti-foreigner rhetoric.
On 17 October, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health introduced extra health screening at all entry points for travellers from high-risk regions and countries affected by Ebola. The FCDO lists current Ebola outbreak locations.
All travellers must complete the Travellers Health Surveillance Form before departure or on arrival.
Mpox screening, in the form of temperature checks, also takes place at all entry points.
The screening doesn’t mean Tanzania has declared an Ebola outbreak.
All visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, except residents, must buy government-provided inbound travel insurance, even if they already have their own policy. You can be refused entry without it.
Arriving in Zanzibar first: buy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, online via Visit Zanzibar or on arrival.
Arriving in mainland Tanzania first: buy from the National Insurance Corporation, online or on arrival.
You only need to buy it for your first point of entry, and it covers stays of up to 92 days.
You’ll still need your own travel insurance for your trip. The FCDO warns that travelling against its advice can invalidate your cover.
Some products containing CBD are illegal in Tanzania, including skincare products and e-cigarette refills. Penalties for importing controlled substances can be severe, up to 30 years in prison in some cases. Airports use scanning technology to detect illegal items.
Read the latest FCDO Tanzania travel advice, sign up for email alerts approach trusted travel agencies like Travelapp for assistance.
Get your Tanzanian e-visa before you travel.
Buy your mandatory inbound insurance and complete the health form.
Check your own travel insurance covers your full itinerary.
Allow extra time around 29 October, and talk to your tour operator if your plans include major cities.
Planning a safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday? Enquire with Travelapp for flights and holiday options, and check the latest travel advice before you book.
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