Emergency Help Abroad – Zanzibar

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Zanzibar — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long imprisonment and severe penalties.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Alcohol laws vary — in some areas, public drinking is restricted, especially outside tourist zones.

• Drink-driving is illegal and heavily policed.

• Attempting to bring illegal drugs into Zanzibar results in immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Zanzibar is a majority-Muslim society — modest dress is expected in Stone Town and rural areas.

• Public displays of affection may cause offence outside resorts.

• Respect is required in mosques, cultural sites and religious events.

• Littering on beaches, streets or natural areas is prohibited.

• Graffiti and vandalism are criminal offences.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — keep your passport or a copy with you.

• Pickpocketing, bag-snatching and occasional robberies occur in Stone Town and tourist beaches.

• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in quiet streets or beaches.

• Foreigners should avoid political gatherings or demonstrations.

• Bribery of officials is illegal and taken seriously.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Road conditions vary — speeding, lack of seatbelts and poor lighting are common issues.

• Use licensed taxis or reputable hotel transfers; avoid motorcycle taxis at night.

• Overstaying your visa or entry permit can result in fines or detention.

• Driving after dark on rural roads is discouraged.

• Entering restricted coastal, military or fishing zones is prohibited.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photography of government buildings, police stations and military sites is prohibited.

• Drone use requires official permission; unlicensed flying can lead to confiscation.

• Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women.

• Some mosques and cultural sites restrict photography — check locally.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand from beaches and marine parks is illegal.

• Feeding wildlife, including monkeys and marine animals, is prohibited.

• Swimming in strong currents or unpatrolled beaches can be dangerous.

• Entering protected marine zones without a guide is forbidden.

• Lighting fires on beaches or in forested areas is restricted.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging coral reefs, mangroves or protected marine ecosystems is illegal.

• Removing artefacts or cultural items from heritage sites is prohibited.

• Walking on coral reefs at low tide is harmful and banned.

• Buying products made from endangered species (e.g., shells, turtle items) is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels familiar or harmless in the UK may be perceived through a different cultural lens in Zanzibar.

• Don’t wear very revealing clothing in towns and villages, especially in Zanzibar’s predominantly Muslim communities, where modest dress is expected away from resort areas.

• Don’t show public affection excessively, such as kissing or hugging in the street, as this may be frowned upon in conservative areas.

• Don’t swim outside designated safe zones, particularly along the Indian Ocean coast where tides, coral and currents can be deceptive.

• Don’t touch or stand on coral reefs, which are fragile ecosystems protected by local regulations.

• Don’t feed or approach wildlife on safari, including monkeys and baboons around lodges, as it’s dangerous and disrupts natural behaviour.

• Don’t leave your vehicle or guide on game drives, unless clearly told it is safe, as wild animals may be closer than they appear.

• Don’t use plastic carrier bags, as Tanzania has strict bans and penalties for bringing them into the country.

• Don’t ignore malaria and mosquito precautions, especially in lowland and coastal areas where bites are common.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water, and opt for bottled or purified water instead.

• Don’t photograph people without asking, particularly in rural villages or markets where privacy is valued.

• Don’t take photos of military sites, government buildings or border posts, as this may be restricted.

• Don’t walk alone on isolated beaches at night, particularly far from resorts or main areas.

• Don’t carry large amounts of visible cash, especially in busy ferry ports, bus stations or markets.

• Don’t accept unlicensed taxis or “fixers” at airports and ports, and use recommended or official services instead.

• Don’t buy products made from shells, coral or wildlife parts, which may be illegal or environmentally damaging.

• Don’t underestimate sun exposure, as equatorial sun can cause burns very quickly.

• Don’t disrespect local prayer times or call to prayer, for example by playing loud music nearby.

• Don’t wander into mangroves or tidal flats without local guidance, as tides and footing can be treacherous.

• Don’t ignore park rules regarding drones, especially around wildlife and protected areas.

• Don’t assume island healthcare can handle every emergency, and avoid unnecessary risk where medical evacuation would be complicated.