Tanzania Unrest Eases, Dar-Zanzibar Links Running With Delays

Published on Nov 6, 2025, 11:42 am CST

5 min read

Key points

Airports in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are operating but schedules remain uneven
Ferries on the Dar-Zanzibar corridor are running with adjusted timetables
Most curfews have been lifted though checkpoints and spot restrictions persist
U.S. Embassy says Zanzibar is calm and ferries and shops are operating
Travelers should reconfirm same-day flights and sailings and allow extra transfer time

Impact

Reconfirm Departures: Call your airline and ferry operator the morning of travel and monitor email or apps for same-day changes
Plan Airport Access: Build in buffer time for ID checks and possible diversions approaching Julius Nyerere and Zanzibar airports
Pick Earlier Options: Choose morning flights and first two ferry departures when possible to preserve recovery options if delayed
Ticketing & Waivers: Ask carriers about change-fee flexibility or reaccommodation if curfew-related road closures or pauses affect your trip
Ground Transfer Choices: Use hotel cars or vetted taxis for airport to port transfers rather than informal minibuses

Air travel and ferry services in Tanzania are stabilizing after a volatile post-election period, with both Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar operating. The U.S. Embassy reports that Zanzibar is calm and ferries and shops are open, although authorities continue to maintain a visible security presence. Travelers should continue to reconfirm flights and sailings on the day of departure and plan for checkpoints or short-notice route changes when moving between airport and port.

Dar-Zanzibar, what is running now

Passenger ferries on the Dar-Zanzibar corridor have resumed, with operators publishing schedules and tickets available online again. Timetables may be trimmed compared with high season norms, and late-day sailings are the most likely to see adjustments if port traffic backs up or security controls tighten. Independent government advisories note that ferries are running on adjusted schedules, a helpful cross-check when deciding between morning and afternoon departures.

On the air side, international and domestic flights are operating, but same-day changes remain possible as airlines rebuild rotations. The U.S. Embassy advised this week that airports are open but that operations have been intermittent at times, which aligns with the uneven pattern of resumptions reported by carriers and local outlets. If your itinerary relies on a tight airport-to-ferry connection, pick an earlier flight and leave room for delays.

Checkpoints, curfews, and transfers

Security conditions have improved across major cities, and multiple governments now indicate that curfews have been lifted in most areas. Even so, airport access may still involve ID checks and controlled approaches, especially at peak times, and road closures can be imposed on short notice. Leave extra buffer when traveling to the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal or to either airport, and use vetted taxis or hotel transfers instead of informal minibuses.

If you need to connect between Dar es Salaam airport and the ferry terminal, plan for variability in traffic near the port and city center. Budget more time for the return leg from Zanzibar to Dar if your onward flight departs the same day. Travelers should also monitor embassy security alerts for neighborhood-level updates that could temporarily affect movement.

Port and terminal status

Commercial port operations in Dar es Salaam shut down at the height of the unrest but have been steadily reopening. Maritime trade sources and port stakeholders reported a gradual return to service from November 4 to 5, with a focus on clearing backlogged import cargo. While this concerns freight rather than passenger ferries, it is a useful signal that waterfront operations, staffing, and security postures are normalizing.

At the ferry terminals, the practical implication is that when cargo moves efficiently, passenger sailings are less likely to face last-minute berthing conflicts. That said, operators can still trim frequencies or consolidate departures to match demand and staffing, so keep flexible plans around the last sailings of the day.

Latest developments

The U.S. Embassy's November 5 security update states that Zanzibar is calm, ferries are operating, and shops are open, while also reminding travelers that police maintain a nationwide presence and that foreign nationals may receive additional scrutiny. This follows the November 3 notice that, although airports were operational, some flights were intermittent and should be confirmed by phone before setting out.

Other national advisories have shifted to "reconsider travel" or similar cautionary levels in recent days. Check your insurer's policy language on civil unrest and confirm that any planned island-hopping remains covered before you lock nonrefundable bookings.

Background: how the corridor works

Dar-Zanzibar is served by high-speed catamarans with scheduled crossings of about 1 hour 20 minutes. Tickets are typically sold by class, with passports required and manifests checked at the terminal. On busy days, first departures often sell out first, but they also offer the greatest buffer if a return needs to be re-timed. On the air side, frequent narrow-body and turboprop flights connect the islands to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, with same-day connection options to regional hubs. Government guidance favors purchasing ferry tickets at the terminal or via official online channels to avoid scams and to ensure your name and travel date are printed correctly on the ticket.

Practical tips and airline policies

If your ticket was issued before the unrest and your outbound or return has materially changed, ask your airline about flexible rebooking. Even when a blanket waiver is not posted, agents can often re-protect you onto earlier flights if you explain that you need a larger window to reach the ferry. For island stays, confirm with your hotel whether their airport or port transfer services have resumed normal routing or if they recommend an alternate pickup point to avoid congestion near checkpoints.

Final thoughts

Core Tanzania travel links are open again, and the Dar-Zanzibar corridor is moving, but reliability is not fully back to normal. Reconfirm flights and ferries, choose earlier departures when possible, and leave room for road checks on airport and port approaches. Those steps will keep your plans intact while conditions continue to improve.