Issued by US Department of State
Oct 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.
