Is Dar es Salaam safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Tanzania

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Tanzania at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, and this advisory is set at the country level rather than specifically for Dar es Salaam.
• The UK Foreign Office warns of a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and notes that attacks in Tanzania cannot be ruled out, including in places frequented by foreign nationals such as hotels, transport hubs, and crowded areas.
• Political tension is a concern following the general election held on October 29, 2025, with protests and security responses causing fatalities in parts of mainland Tanzania; travelers are advised to stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Violent and armed crime, including robbery, has been reported in tourist-frequented parts of Dar es Salaam such as the city center and the Masaki and Oysterbay peninsula area, including along Toure Drive.
• Express kidnapping has occurred in Dar es Salaam, where visitors have been forced under threat of violence to withdraw cash from ATMs or arrange money transfers, so avoiding unlicensed taxis and unnecessary contact with strangers offering rides is recommended.
• Solo travelers and anyone out after dark should avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and stay alert in crowded or unfamiliar areas, consistent with general safety practice as well as the specific local guidance above.