The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel to Tanzania, citing widespread unrest, shortages, and communication disruptions following the national elections held on 29 October.
The advisory extends to staff at the British High Commission, who have also been instructed to avoid non-essential travel. The FCDO said the situation in Tanzania remains volatile, with reports of violent protests, curfews, and severe disruption to transport and essential supplies.
“Shortages of food, fuel and cash have been compounded by the lack of internet services,” the statement noted, warning of uncertainty around international transport options.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the overwhelming winner of the country’s controversial presidential election, securing 97.66 percent of the vote after leading opposition figures were excluded from the race.
The results, announced by the national electoral commission on Saturday, confirmed Hassan’s dominance across all constituencies. State media reported that her swearing-in ceremony would take place later in the day.
The landslide victory came after a fraught week marked by violent protests, allegations of repression, and a heavy security crackdown. Demonstrations erupted across major cities as supporters of the opposition denounced what they described as a rigged process, following the barring of key rivals from contesting.
Travel has become increasingly difficult, with major roads blocked and several airports halting operations. International flights to and from Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam have largely been cancelled, while Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports are only partially operational. Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar have been suspended, and the SGR rail line has been shut down.
The FCDO urged British nationals in Tanzania to limit movement, obey curfew regulations, monitor local media, and avoid all demonstrations. Mobile networks and social media remain heavily disrupted, making communication difficult.
For consular assistance, British nationals can contact the High Commission in Dar es Salaam at +255 22 229 0000 or reach the FCDO in London at +44 (0) 20 7008 5000.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities warning that further unrest is possible as election results continue to be contested.
