U.S. State Department Travel Alert - Tanzania

Travel Alert
Tanzania (including Zanzibar)
October 15, 2009

The U.S. Department of State alerts American citizens to the possibility
of election-related unrest as Zanzibar registers voters for the upcoming
general elections expected October 2010. American citizens who choose to
travel to Zanzibar during this period are advised to maintain a high
level of security vigilance and avoid political rallies, centers where
voter registrations are taking place, and related public gatherings.
This replaces the Travel Alert of August 28, 2009, to reflect continued
voter registration throughout the Archipelago of Zanzibar, which
includes both islands of Pemba and Unguja. This Travel Alert expires on
February 15, 2010.

Past elections in Zanzibar have featured violence during the campaign
season, the election and especially in the days and weeks following
announcement of the results. Since registration of voters began on the
island of Pemba on July 6, 2009, there have been reports of civil
unrest.
Voter registration on Pemba Island is expected to conclude on January
10, 2010. Voter registration on the larger island of Unguja (also
referred to as "Zanzibar") began September 12 and is expected to
conclude February 14, 2010. A second round of voter registration is
anticipated in late spring 2010 and may carry with it similar political
tensions.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department's Internet website
(http://travel.state.gov ), where the current
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the World Wide
Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can
also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for
callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.
Americans living or traveling in Tanzania are encouraged to register
with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration
website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can
obtain updated information on travel and security within Tanzania.
Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest
U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted by telephone [255] (22)
266-8001 ext. 4122 and fax [255] (22) 266-8238. You may also contact the
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email at drsacs@state.gov. For after hour
emergencies U.S. citizens should call [255] (22) 266-8001.