Tanzania — Legal Help

Petty police shakedowns of foreigners are common; stay calm, ask for the officer's name, and insist on going to a station and seeing a written charge rather than settling anything roadside. If actually arrested, request that your embassy be notified immediately — consulates can provide lawyer lists, visit you and inform family, but cannot get charges dropped or pay bail. Hire a local advocate before signing anything; statements are taken in Swahili or English.

The age of consent is 18 (Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act 1998), and because all sex work is illegal there is no lawful commercial minimum — any paid encounter carries criminal exposure for both parties, with far heavier penalties where a minor is involved.