Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main port, a hot Swahili coastal metropolis of markets, museums, harbour life and island beaches, and the gateway to Zanzibar and Tanzania's safari circuit.
Dar es Salaam is generally safe for travelers who take normal urban precautions. Petty theft, bag-snatching and taxi scams are the main risks; terrorism and civil unrest warnings apply nationally.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Last updated: 2026-10-11
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use Bolt or Uber rather than street taxis, especially at night.
Do not walk on beaches or isolated streets after dark.
Keep phones and bags out of sight; bag-snatching from vehicles in traffic occurs.
Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
Keep a photocopy of your passport and carry the original only when needed.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake tour operators and 'beach boys'
Touts offering cheap island or safari tours.
How to avoid: Book through hotels or operators with a physical office and receipts.
Overcharging at ferries and taxis
Unofficial helpers at the Zanzibar ferry terminal.
How to avoid: Buy tickets only at official counters or online at azammarine.com.
Fake police and ID checks
Informal demands for payment.
How to avoid: Carry a copy of your passport; ask to go to a police station.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country; routine vaccines, typhoid and hepatitis A advised; consult a travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis.
- Water
- Drink bottled water only.
- Food
- Eat hot, freshly cooked food.
- Facilities
- Aga Khan Hospital (Ocean Road) and Muhimbili National Hospital are the main hospitals.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travelers should share their itinerary, avoid isolated beaches and use official transport.
Female travellers
Solo women should dress modestly, avoid walking alone at night, and use Bolt or Uber rather than street taxis. Harassment is usually verbal.
Families
Keep children close in crowded markets., Use sunscreen and repellent.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are illegal in Tanzania and carry severe penalties; LGBTQ travelers should be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112 or 999
- Medical
- 112 (ambulance: 114 in some areas)
- Fire
- 112 or 114
- General Emergency
- 112
- Main Hospital
- Aga Khan Hospital, Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam (+255 22 2115151)
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Dar es Salaam, 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani (+255 22 229 4000)
- Embassy Uk
- British High Commission, Msasani (+255 22 229 0000)