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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Tanzania International Parental Child abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Tanzania International Parental Child abduction Information

Tanzania

Tanzania
United Republic of Tanzania
Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The advisory level increased from Level 2 to 3.  The “unrest” risk indicator was added. 

Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary

Unrest
Demonstrations often take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays or during large events.

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable.
  • The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.
  • The Tanzanian government limits or does not authorize large gatherings.

Crime
Violent crime is common. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking. Local police have limited resources to respond effectively to serious crime.

Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

The risk of terrorist violence is most common in the Mtwara Region.

Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals
Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested, targeted, and harassed. People who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police. People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical exams.

If you decide to travel to Tanzania:

  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a safe location.
  • Stay  aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not leave your food or drink unattended.
  • Stay alert in tourist spots.
  • Avoid public displays of affection particularly between same-sex couples.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. 
  • Review the Country Security Report for Tanzania.
  • Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
  • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Dar Es Salaam

686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Telephone: +(255) 22-229-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(255) 22-229-4000, dial '1' for an emergency operator
Email: 

For information concerning travel to Tanzania, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Tanzania.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

 

Tanzania is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Tanzania and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Tanzania and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction.  For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child.  The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website: ChildAbduction.state.gov
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

Parental child abduction is only considered a crime by Tanzanian law enforcement authorities if it occurs in contravention of a court order forbidding the removal of the child from Tanzania. 

 

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court.  Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.

 

 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Tanzania and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States.   Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms.  Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

We are not aware of any governmental or non-governmental entities that provide mediation services.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: January 7, 2021

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam
686 Old Bagamoyo Road,
Msasani
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Telephone
+(255) 22-229-4122
Emergency
+(255) 22-229-4000, dial '1' for an emergency operator
Fax
+(255) 22-229-4721
Email
DRSACS@state.gov
Website
https://tz.usembassy.gov/dares-salaam/

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