As of June 1 2019, travelers to Tanzania will have to pack very carefully. Tanzania announced the implementation of the second phase of its plastic bag ban on May 16. Visitors are advised to avoid packing or carrying any plastic bags as they’ll have to leave these at a designated desk in the airport.
The first phase of the country’s anti- plastic initiative ban in 2017 to “protect the youth and environment,” with an initial ban on the manufacture of plastic bags and in-country distribution. Phase two extends to tourists. “The government does not intend for visitors to Tanzania to find their stay unpleasant as we enforce the ban, “ said a statement from vice president office. “However, the government expects that, in appreciation of the imperative to protect the environment and keep or country clean and beautiful, our visitors will accept minor inconveniences resulting from the plastic bags ban.”
There are exceptions to the new rule for medical, industrial, construction, agricultural, and waste management packaging, as well as for the small “Ziploc” bags used to carry toiletries (as long as these leave the country when the visitors do).
Still Tanzania aims to be plastic bag free, and it’s just one of 34 African nations fighting against single-use plastics with such bans.
In fact, the African continents is leading the world in plastic bag regulations. Notably, 31 of these bans have been passed in sub-Saharan Africa. As GreenHippo Travels we support the ban of course!