Tanzania travel warning

This will not apply me.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/tanzania-even-more-risky-for-lgbtq-travelers/

Travel to the East African nation of Tanzania is becoming increasingly dangerous amid a renewed effort by the government to crack down on LGBTQ+ individuals and activity. New reports of a widespread crackdown come weeks after a statement made by the governor of the most populated region of the country, pledging to track down and arrest those in the LGBTQ+ community. Now, people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer living in Tanzania are reportedly fleeing the country or going into hiding.

Same-sex activity is illegal in Tanzania. Additionally, homosexuality is, by de facto, also illegal. Male same-sex activity and homosexuality carry a prison sentence of up to 30 years while female same-sex activity and homosexuality carry a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.

While the ramifications for Tanzanians are clear, they are less so for travelers. The governor of the region of Dar Es Salaam, Paul Makonda, made a proclamation in late October, “I am announcing to every citizen of Dar Es Salaam: If you know any gays, report them to me.”


(Photo by svetikd/Getty Images)
While Tanzania is not alone in having laws punishing LGBTQ+ individuals and activity, it is one of the few countries that is stepping up enforcement of these laws. According to Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian organization that assists those in the LGBTQ+ community in escaping violence, the situation in Tanzania is growing increasingly dangerous.

LGBTQ+ travelers should take extreme caution should it be essential to travel to Tanzania. In addition to always registering with the STEP program via the US Department of State before traveling abroad, the department has issued a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory when traveling to Tanzania and notes that LGBTQ+ travelers have faced legal issues and even harassment while visiting Tanzania. For more information on LGBTQ+ travel, see The Points Guy’s post on LGBTQ+ travel.

Tanzania sees nearly 1.3 million tourists annually. Tourism is on the rise for the nation, which is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Dar Es Salaam (DAR) is the main port of entry and currently has flights serving cities such as Amsterdam, Istanbul and Zurich. The East African nation has invested a great deal in tourism as the economy of Tanzania grows. While the country is home to some of the most remarkable safaris on the globe, LGBTQ+ travelers should look elsewhere given the recent rounds of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

I completely mis-understood the Governor's demand "If you know any gays, bring them to me".
Finally learned what LGBT stands for. Still wondering about the Q+.
FWB

I think that means "Questioning" and the plus is for anyone else.

Was "queer" but now with political correctness now "questioning"

Sometimes the most vocal homophobes are hiding a secret. Maybe the Tanzanian Governor is a little light on his feet. Maybe he has cleaned up all the crime and corruption in Dar es Salaam and has nothing else to do. Maybe he should focus on something more important.................FWB

It's pretty simple......

Countries make their own rules and regulations and if you don't like them just stay out of that country.

It all goes to the larger topic of international travel. Do not make your personal values, beliefs, and activities known or commonplace in other countries with different values.

-Do not go to an Arab country (other than UAE or Turkey which are "western nations") and proclaim your drinking preferences.
-Do not discuss your personal relationships or sexual proclivities outside of the first world.
-Do not protest or give material support for protests against any government on social media and then travel to that country.
-Do not bring in regulated prescription drugs or use them in other countries.
-Do not purchase or use marijuana in other countries.
-Do not discuss or view sites related to pornography, the Dalai Lama, Falun Gong, and other topics in China.

Basically, be a polite, plain-vanilla guest in countries, say and do nothing that asserts your identity or personal values, and leave graciously.

If you rub a nation's face into your values and what you can legally do in the West while traveling elsewhere, you will have troubles.

rookhawk said:

It all goes to the larger topic of international travel. Do not make your personal values, beliefs, and activities known or commonplace in other countries with different values.

-Do not go to an Arab country (other than UAE or Turkey which are "western nations") and proclaim your drinking preferences.
-Do not discuss your personal relationships or sexual proclivities outside of the first world.
-Do not protest or give material support for protests against any government on social media and then travel to that country.
-Do not bring in regulated prescription drugs or use them in other countries.
-Do not purchase or use marijuana in other countries.
-Do not discuss or view sites related to pornography, the Dalai Lama, Falun Gong, and other topics in China.

Basically, be a polite, plain-vanilla guest in countries, say and do nothing that asserts your identity or personal values, and leave graciously.

If you rub a nation's face into your values and what you can legally do in the West while traveling elsewhere, you will have troubles.

Click to expand...

Well the "When in Rome" policy is common sense but I don't think you should be arrested for just wanting a nice family vacation with your partner. Tho on the bright side, there's probably a business for LGBT safe hunting and photographic safaris.

I think that there is a possibility that the people in Tanzania just really don't care what people from other countries think or how they " feel" things should be done in their country.

I just don't believe that there's a whole mess of liberals there.

This governor is in the region of Dar es Salaam. Dar has a heavy Muslim presence. If you are LGBT and a tourist on the coast, you shouldn't have a problem as long as there is no PDA. If your upcountry and in a national park or with an outfitter there will be no problems. You are big $$$$'s and if they have any animosity they will hold it in and smile.

A couple of short stories:

Many Tanzanian's hold strong moral convictions, both Christian and Muslim. In 2007 and 2008, many Tanzanian's wanted to know my thoughts on Obama for president. Most thought it would be exciting to have a black POTUS. Around 2009/10, Obama made some decisions that were pro LGBT. Virtually all the Tanzanian's that asked me about Obama were now turned off by him completely. They didn't care about his political convictions. It didn't matter. He was anti Bible or anti Koran, take your pick.

Freddy Mercury of Queen was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar. He was Parsi. You can pay a guide to go see the house where he grew up. They will sell you bootlegged CD's and are happy to make a shilling off of Mercury. A few years ago to help promote tourism, they tried to make a Freddy Mercury day and there was talk of a statue. That took it to far and the Muslim community and politicians nixed the idea quickly. Even if it would be a boom to tourism, advertising homosexuality is still taboo.

Maybe we could send our prime minister over there to show them the way.lol