Tanzania Police Number: 111
+255 · Polisi Emergency
The police emergency number in Tanzania is 111. Operated by Global Rescue Emergency Guide. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Polisi Emergency
Tanzania · Police
📝 Direct direct short code for swift law enforcement intervention and crime reporting. Zanzibar municipal police can also be dialed directly at 999.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Tanzania
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • To report minor past non-violent thefts inside tourist markets when no threat or suspect remains on scene.
- • To ask for safari park transit permissions or verify wilderness route accessibility variables.
- • To handle minor vehicle scratches or fender scrapes (report details to the Traffic Police manually via 10-digit keys).
✈️ Travel Notes — Tanzania
No response details available.
🛡️ Traveling to Tanzania? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Police Emergency Service in Tanzania — Complete Guide
When traveling to Tanzania or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Tanzania is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Tanzania is 111, which is operated and monitored by Global Rescue Emergency Guide. Direct direct short code for swift law enforcement intervention and crime reporting. Zanzibar municipal police can also be dialed directly at 999.
How to Dial 111 in Tanzania
To reach the Polisi Emergency in Tanzania, dial 111 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Tanzania. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Tanzania using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 111 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Tanzania from an international location, the country calling code is +255.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Tanzania communicate primarily in sw, en. If you do not speak sw, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 111
When you call the police number in Tanzania, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Global Rescue Emergency Guide. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Tanzania
Please note that Tanzania utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (111), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Unified Emergency Number (112), Polisi Emergency (111), Medical Emergency Hotline (114), Zimamoto na Uokoaji (999). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Tanzania and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 111 is verified against official directories published by Global Rescue Emergency Guide. Last verified on 2026-06. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Tanzania
What is the Police number in Tanzania? ▼
The Police emergency number in Tanzania is 111. Direct direct short code for swift law enforcement intervention and crime reporting. Zanzibar municipal police can also be dialed directly at 999.
Does 111 work from mobile in Tanzania? ▼
Yes, 111 works from all mobile phones in Tanzania.
Can I call 111 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 111 free in Tanzania? ▼
Yes, calling 111 is free in Tanzania. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Tanzania? ▼
The Police service in Tanzania is operated by Global Rescue Emergency Guide. Source: https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/africa-countries-emergency-phone-numbers-guide/
What is the specialized contact code for maritime or marine emergencies in Zanzibar? ▼
For deep water rescue, dive accidents, or coastal boat emergencies, travelers can contact the Zanzibar Marine Emergency Response unit directly at +255 777 423 162.
Does dialing 112 work without an active local SIM card plan in Tanzania? ▼
Yes, by international regulatory codes, wireless mobile carriers are mandated to pick up and forward any incoming 112 voice call toll-free across any active network tower.
What number do I dial to document a vehicle traffic accident for insurance inside Tanzania? ▼
Callers must contact the Traffic Police directly via state lines (e.g., +255 24 223 0772 in Zanzibar) to secure official scene tracking parameters.