Laws and customs for tourism in Zanzibar : Zanzibar is among the destinations attracting a large number of tourists, meanwhile most come for spending holidays and honeymoon. It is also among the places which has also gained popularity for attracting tourists from within Tanzania, as it is not very common for indigenous people to go for tourism within their very own country. However, Zanzibar has proven wrong this belief of most indigenous people, hence accelerating internal tourism.
There are important laws and customs that you should abide with while on the tourism in Zanzibar in order to avoid any in convinces and troubles while enjoy the tour in this beautiful city. These includes both the by-laws made after common practices among various tourists attractions, and official rules set by the government through its respective ministry of tourism and natural resource conservation.
These are the laws and costumes that one must abide with, and going against them may lead the person into severe consequences. Among these rules, we do have:
- Fully respect the local culture and traditions of the respective area, and the entire Zanzibar at large. This is especially for tourists who come from foreign countries and anyone who seems to be new to these cultures and traditions. Breaking this law can result to immediate effects like short term imprisonment, paying a stated amount of fine, or both of them. On the other side, we do have long term effects like a legal restriction from coming to Zanzibar. Hand in hand with this law, we do have some sub categories like the religious laws, aggressive behaviors drunkenness, foul language and disrespected towards the old people this will make the local people feel offended. Both the two parts of this very first law result into the same penalties.
- The other common practice which has turned into an official law is all individuals and specifically tourists have to beware of their actions while in Zanzibar. This law has originated from the fact that most of people in this area are strictly religious (Muslims), so you have to be extra careful with your actions so that the local people might not feel offended in any way. The strictness of this law reaches its climax on the holy month of Ramadan, where almost everyone is on the Holy fasting session. This affects even the daily life routine and meals availability especially on the afternoon, since it is like no any indigenous person who attempts to eat publically.
- While in Tanzania which includes in Zanzibar too, homosexuality is illegal and cannot be tolerated at all and if displayed in public areas and can lead to arrest or get prison. Actions such as kissing or holding hands in public places are not allowed.
- For any tourist coming from outside Tanzania, you are supposed to carry with you the copy of your official passport and visa/permit at all times while on the tour, because anytime the migration officers might require you to show them. To be more precise, you have to possess only legal passports and visas, which have not expired (or are not expected to expire before leaving Zanzibar). This is law cuts across Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar as well, so be sure that you carry them even when you move from Zanzibar to Tanzania, and the vice versa. It is also important to note that even the foreigners who plan to stay at Zanzibar for a comparatively longer time in Zanzibar, be sure to carry then copy of your passport or the visa permit.
- Possession or the uses of drugs are not allowed in Tanzania which includes Zanzibar. There are very strict rules and regulations with severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines will be applied to anyone found using them or possessing them. If you are forced to use drugs for any reasons, health reasons for instance, then the drugs must be approved by Zanzibar’s official medical specialists, and ensure that you go seek all the necessary permits.
- Dress modestly while in Zanzibar, avoid wearing short clothes when you’re out of the tourism zones, this is because Zanzibar is a religious an there are many Muslims found here, hence avoid wearing very short clothes and the once that leave your sleeves open it will make them fell like your disrespecting their religion.
- Taking pictures of individual people in the streets of Zanzibar especially without the people’s permission is strictly prohibited. For the case of children, taking their photos without their parent’s presence or permission is also prohibited as well. Taking photos of the local people should require permission from them if they agree with it then pictures can be taken, and it should also take place on areas where photo taking is authorized. There are also certain places that taking photos are not allowed example in the mosque or any other religion sites.
- There many tourism sites in Zanzibar and they require legal permits which allows people to enter the sites for any reason. It’s very important to get the necessary permits while in different tourism centers in Zanzibar in order to avoid any disturbance or in convinces. This will also find a vital importance once any situation happens while in the national parks or game reserves.
- The government of Zanzibar has to protect and preserve its beautiful natural environment always, taking or buying of the seashells as the memoir for diving expedition may not seem like a misdemeanor. It’s not allowed to buy or take any seashells or any other natural resources. The main aim of this laws and restrictions is to protect the Zanzibar’s natural wildlife and habitats.
These laws set by the government of Zanzibar aims at protecting both the natural habitats and the wildlife of the respective areas, as well as protecting the dignity of the indigenous people by protecting their culture and the customs. This makes it obvious that abiding to all above mentioned laws is of a great importance. Doing so shall help in various things including preserving the unique culture at all the times, alongside ensuring peace and harmony in the society.
