Tanzania
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
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Tanzania has strict drug laws — severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences apply to both supplying and simple possession of any drug, including when transiting through the airport.
Lengthy prison sentences; applies to transit passengers.
§ UK FCDO — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Cannabis
Cannabis is illegal in mainland Tanzania. Holding up to 50 grams for your own use carries a fine of at least TZS 500,000, imprisonment for three years, or both — and the law puts the burden on you to prove it was for personal use and not for sale. The provision travellers should know: a second conviction under this Act carries a fine of TZS 10 million or life imprisonment. Note that the Act covers Mainland Tanzania only — Zanzibar has its own separate drug legislation.
Up to 50 g for personal use: a fine of at least TZS 500,000, imprisonment for three years, or both. Consumption charged separately: a fine of at least TZS 1 million, three years, or both. A second or subsequent offence under the Act: a fine of TZS 10 million or life imprisonment. Cultivation, or permitting your land to be used: a minimum of thirty years. Cannabis of 20 kg or more is not bailable.
§ Tanzania AGO / National Prosecution Service — Drug Control and Enforcement Act, Cap. 95 R.E. 2023, ss. 11, 18, 19, 27, 30 (+ G.N. No. 173 of 2016, reg. 3)Verified Aug 23, 2026
Customs & Cash
Declare international currency worth more than USD 10,000 on both entry to and exit from Tanzania; non-resident visitors may not import or export Tanzanian Shillings.
Undeclared currency can be confiscated.
§ US State Dept — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Imports & Customs
It is illegal to import or export any animal or animal part without export certification from the Tanzanian government.
Criminal prosecution; covers ivory and wildlife trophies.
§ US State Dept — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Single-use plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, including in your luggage — if you arrive by air you will be asked to hand them over on arrival.
Heavy fines and imprisonment for up to 7 days.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Driving
You can drive in Tanzania on your home licence for up to 6 months — beyond that you need an International Driving Permit — and driving in Zanzibar additionally requires a local Zanzibar driving permit.
Roads are hazardous and accidents causing death and serious injury are common; avoid driving outside major towns at night.
§ UK FCDO — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Photography & Drones
Photographing military installations is forbidden in Tanzania, and people have been detained or had cameras confiscated for photographing hospitals, schools, bridges, industrial sites and airports.
Detention and camera confiscation; possible detention for related social-media activity.
§ US State Dept — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
LGBTQ+ Safety
Consensual same-sex sexual relations are a criminal offense in Tanzania, including on Zanzibar, and those convicted may be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
Up to 30 years in prison; travellers may also be denied entry.
§ US State Dept — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026
Public Conduct
Dress modestly throughout Tanzania — women wearing shorts or sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts in Zanzibar and Pemba, particularly Stone Town, may cause offence, and Zanzibari authorities can fine you.
Zanzibari authorities can fine visitors USD 700 or more for clothing they consider inappropriate in public; for guides or tour operators the fine can be at least USD 1,000.
§ UK FCDO — TanzaniaVerified Jul 29, 2026