Going to Zanzibar for work or holiday?

If you are going to the island of Zanzibar, off Tanzania, for work or pleasure you need to be aware of the horrifc news that two British nationals were injured in an acid attack  late on 7 August.

According to reports, unidentified men threw a corrosive substance onto the faces and bodies of the two female victims, who were walking in a street in Stone Town. The identity of the men and the motivation for the attack are presently unknown, but a security effort to find those responsible is ongoing.

An attack of this nature is not unprecedented in the Zanzibar area; similar incidents have been reported in recent months involving members of the local community. However, this latest incident marks the first such attack targeting foreign nationals.

Previous cases of assault against foreigners in Zanzibar have been criminally motivated and have, on occasion, reportedly been the boiling over of religious differences between visitors and members of the predominantly Muslim population.

RPS would want travellers to note that it is maybe premature to suggest that the attack marks a developing threat to people visiting Zanzibar or the neighbouring Pemba Island; however, until the motive for the incident becomes clear, further attacks cannot be ruled out. This is particularly the case as those responsible have yet to be arrested.

RPS advises caution if travelling to Zanzibar, particularly if planning to go to Stone Town.  As a general precaution, traveller should respect local customs and sensibilities and ladies and gentlemen should not walk around with bare arms, chests uncovered or in "skimpy clothes".

For further travel advice to this region contact [email protected]

Photos: commons.wikimedia.org