Travelers should avoid political rallies and gatherings. After hundreds of thousands of refugees from Rwanda and Burundi entered northwestern Tanzania in 1993-1994, Tanzania formally closed its border to new refugees from those countries and deployed military forces in the Kigoma and Kagera regions. Although most Rwandans have now departed, Zairian, Burundian, and some Rwandan refugees continue to enter Tanzania. Many of these people are shunning refugee facilities and, along with some local residents, are engaging in criminal and violent activities. Travelers without specific business in this region should avoid these areas.
Some medicines are in short supply or unavailable.
Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, to be useful. Crime, particularly against foreigners, appears to be on the increase in both urban and rural areas. Incidents include attempted rapes, muggings, vehicle thefts, and residential break-ins. Thieves on buses and trains may steal valuables from inattentive riders.