TRAVEL ALERT - TANZANIA

UNCLAS STATE 107314

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PREL TZ
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - TANZANIA


1. 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.


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. Minimize considered.
CLINTON