Local law and customs

Getting to know the local laws of Tanzania before you visit can stop you from getting yourself into trouble. Below we look at some laws that might be different from those in your own country.

LGBTI in Tanzania

Visitors should be aware that the law in Tanzania strictly prohibits same-sex activity, and any contravention can lead to imprisonment for up to 30 years.

Drugs

Tanzania does not tolerate the use of illegal drugs, with severe penalties – including long prison sentences – for offenders.

Cybercrime

Use social media carefully while in Tanzania, to avoid flouting cybercrime laws.

Photography

Please note that it is illegal to photograph personnel, such as the military or the police.

Things for women to avoid wearing in Tanzania

Women visiting Tanzania should avoid wearing very short skirts or shorts and strappy tops when outside tourist resorts. Such dress can cause offence and be misconstrued. The best advice is to wear trousers or a skirt that is knee-length or longer. Upper garments should cover the shoulders. Note that standards of dress and behaviour in predominately Muslim Zanzibar are even more conservative.

Things for men to avoid wearing in Zanzibar

Apart from when on the beach, men should not wander around topless. Zanzibar is a conservative, Muslim society and men should keep their shoulders covered when in Stone Town or in the rural villages.

Ngorongoro
Day Tour

Mount Kilimanjaro
Day Tour

Arusha National Park
Day Tour

Browse
All Tours

Tanzania Classic Tour
7 Days

Tanzania Enticing Explorations
6 Days

Through The Rift Valley
5 Days

Browse
All Tours

Marangu Route
6 Days

Machame Route
6 Days

Lemosho Route
8 Days

Browse
All Routes

Tanzania's Indian Ocean Spice Island
6 Days

Zanzibar Beach Vacation
3 Days

Beaches of Zanzibar Island in Tanzania
3 Days

Browse
All Tours