Has safety returned to Zanzibar?

Hi there, We’re heading to Zanzibar in early January and I was wondering if it’s really safe given the post-election events that happened earlier this month. We heard there was severe repression during the protests (that’s putting it mildly) and that the internet was shut down. How’s the situation now? What’s the vibe like in Zanzibar? Is it safe to travel there? If any of you are currently there, I’d really appreciate hearing your firsthand experience. Have a great day, Lazurite

Hi, The post-election unrest is over. The internet has been restored. https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tanzanie/#

The government even updated its site, and I’m attaching the Tanzanian Ministry of Tourism’s statement. You can start planning your trip.

Hello, And thank you for these responses. I had indeed read the latest update from November 10th on the .gouv website, but I also saw in the press that a part of the activist population is asking tourists to cancel their trips to Tanzania. They’re calling for a boycott to show their support. That’s why I’m asking travelers who are there now—what’s the vibe like among the local population? Best regards,

Hi there,

It’s still important not to forget that the truly brutal crackdown on protests led to dozens of deaths and many disappearances... !!? So, SECURITY... for whom?

When you see the percentage score the ruling party got, you can’t help but wonder... !

Also, let’s not forget that ALL Tanzanian civil aviation is still on Europe’s blacklist.

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...Warning, There could be further developments on December 9th. It's Tanzanian National Day. A call for protests against the bloody repression has been issued. As a result, the country's presidency has decided to cancel all ceremonies or festivities planned for that date.... Given the history from the October elections, it's highly likely there will be another outbreak of police violence orchestrated by the President's son, as happened at the end of October. Keep a close eye on the "Travel Advice for Tanzania".

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20251126-violences-post-electorales-in-tanzania-over-a-hundred-youths-have-been-released

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hi, I don’t want to be alarmist, but unfortunately security issues do happen 🙁

A young Québécois family is warning travelers planning to visit Zanzibar after being violently kidnapped by their taxi driver and robbed of $21,000 during their trip to East Africa.

https://professionvoyages.com/une-jeune-famille-quebecoise-kidnappee-en-afrique-de-lest/

Hi and THANKS Mathews for this info—I hope it’ll actually be read by those planning to go?! ?!?!

Also, it’s a good idea to recommend reading the "Travel Advice" from Our consular services (ALL the tabs on the page) CAREFULLY before leaving. You’ll find details about the many scams in Zanzibar, including info on "fake taxis"... Check it out here:

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tanzanie/#securite

There are "Travel Advice" sheets for tons of countries.

Thanks and cheers.

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