Not yet medically reviewed, information on this site is in preparation and has not been verified by a medical reviewer.
Legality · Benzodiazepines

Is Benzodiazepines legal in Tanzania?

Confirmed against a primary sourceVerified June 27, 2026
Legal status
Controlled under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015 (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2017) — trafficking (s.15) life imprisonment; cultivation (s.11) not less than 30 years; small-quantity possession (s.17) and use imprisonment (use ~5–10 years); the maximum penalty for drug offences is life imprisonment; the country's separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences
Consequences if caught
Benzodiazepines is controlled in Tanzania under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015 (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2017). In Tanzania, drugs fall under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015 (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2017). Trafficking (s.15) carries life imprisonment; cultivation (s.11) carries not less than 30 years; and small-quantity possession (s.17) and use carry imprisonment (use roughly 5–10 years). The maximum penalty for drug offences is life imprisonment; the country's separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences.
If prescribed or medical
Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation
In Tanzania, drugs fall under the Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015 (as amended by Act No. 15 of 2017). Trafficking (s.15) carries life imprisonment; cultivation (s.11) carries not less than 30 years; and small-quantity possession (s.17) and use carry imprisonment (use roughly 5–10 years). The maximum penalty for drug offences is life imprisonment; the country's separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act; cultivation, trafficking and possession are offences, with penalties up to life imprisonment. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Primary sources
  • Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015 (ss.11/15/17), as amended by Act No. 15 of 2017
  • media.tanzlii.org