Tanzania Travel Requirements

Tanzania Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re visiting for a safari, a beach vacation in Zanzibar, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, understanding the Tanzania travel requirements is essential. From visa applications to health precautions and required documents, being prepared will ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about travel requirements for Tanzania, including visa policies, vaccinations, COVID-19 regulations, and other essential entry requirements.

Visa Requirements for Tanzania

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Tanzania, though visa exemptions are available for citizens of select countries. There are a few ways to obtain a visa: eVisa, visa on arrival, or by visiting a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.

1. Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, most visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries and certain other nations are exempt from visa requirements.

Countries Exempt from Tanzania Visa:

  • Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi (EAC member states)
  • Some SADC countries like Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana
  • Nationals of a few Commonwealth countries, such as Jamaica, Malaysia, and some Caribbean nations

To check if your country is visa-exempt, consult the Tanzanian Immigration Department website.

2. Types of Tanzanian Visas

  • Single-Entry Visa: Most travelers apply for a single-entry visa, allowing them to stay in Tanzania for up to 90 days. This is ideal for tourists and short-term business travelers.
  • Multiple-Entry Visa: For those planning to enter and exit Tanzania multiple times within a year, the multiple-entry visa allows for greater flexibility, with a validity of up to 12 months.
  • Transit Visa: If you’re transiting through Tanzania for less than 7 days, you can apply for a transit visa.
  • Business Visa: For business-related travel, Tanzania offers a business visa valid for 90 days.

3. How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa

You can apply for a Tanzania visa through one of the following methods:

a. Tanzania eVisa (Online Application)

The eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied for online before you arrive in Tanzania. The application process is straightforward, and the visa is emailed to you upon approval.

  • Apply here: Tanzania eVisa Website
  • Processing time: 3 to 10 business days
  • Visa fee: $50 USD for most nationalities (single-entry)

b. Visa on Arrival

For citizens of many countries, a visa on arrival is available at major Tanzanian airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) and land border points. Simply complete the visa form, pay the visa fee in USD, and get your visa stamp at immigration.

  • Fee for visa on arrival: $50 USD for most nationalities, $100 USD for U.S. citizens (multiple entry)

c. Tanzanian Embassy/Consulate

If you prefer, you can apply for a visa at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling. This is recommended for travelers who want to secure their visa ahead of time or need a specific visa type, such as a business or student visa.

Health and Vaccination Requirements for Tanzania

In addition to visa requirements, travelers to Tanzania must follow certain health regulations, including recommended vaccinations and precautions for diseases like malaria.

1. Yellow Fever Vaccination

A yellow fever vaccination is required if you are traveling to Tanzania from, or have transited through, a country where yellow fever is endemic. If you are coming directly from a non-affected country, a yellow fever certificate is not mandatory.

  • Required: Yellow fever vaccination certificate if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk.
  • Carry proof: Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination as proof.

2. COVID-19 Requirements

As of recent updates, Tanzania has specific COVID-19 travel requirements that travelers must meet before entering the country.

  • COVID-19 Test: Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to present a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers may need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
  • Vaccination Proof: Fully vaccinated travelers should carry proof of vaccination (e.g., vaccination certificate).
  • Health Surveillance Form: Some travelers may need to complete a health surveillance form prior to arrival, depending on recent updates.

3. Recommended Vaccinations

Before traveling to Tanzania, it’s recommended to be up to date on the following vaccinations:

  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Rabies (for travelers spending extended time outdoors or in rural areas)
  • Cholera (for those visiting areas with active outbreaks)

4. Malaria Precautions

Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country, particularly in lower-altitude areas and near the coast. It’s important to take preventive measures:

  • Malaria medication: Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medications, such as doxycycline or Malarone.
  • Insect repellent: Use DEET-based insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets in high-risk areas.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.

Passport and Document Requirements

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

2. Return or Onward Ticket

Tanzanian immigration authorities may ask to see proof of return or onward travel, so it’s important to have a copy of your flight itinerary or travel bookings.

3. Proof of Accommodation

When applying for a visa or upon arrival, you may be asked to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host.

Other Important Travel Requirements

1. Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, it is highly recommended for your trip to Tanzania. Travel insurance should cover:

  • Medical emergencies and evacuation
  • Trip cancellations or interruptions
  • Lost or stolen luggage

Travel insurance is particularly important if you plan on participating in high-risk activities like trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or going on safari in remote areas.

2. Currency and Payments

Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and safari bookings. It’s important to carry cash in USD for visa fees, tips, and payments in rural areas where credit cards may not be accepted.

  • Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels and restaurants in cities and tourist areas, but cash is preferred in many places.
  • ATMs: Available in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, but less common in remote areas.

Customs Regulations

1. Items You Can Bring Into Tanzania

Visitors to Tanzania are allowed to bring in certain personal items and gifts free of duty, including:

  • Cameras, laptops, and smartphones for personal use
  • Personal clothing and toiletries

However, bringing in large quantities of certain goods, including alcohol and tobacco, may be subject to restrictions and taxes.

2. Prohibited Items

Certain items are prohibited from being brought into Tanzania, including:

  • Drugs: Tanzania has strict drug laws, and possession of illegal substances is heavily penalized.
  • Firearms: Firearms and weapons are not allowed unless you have special permits.
  • Restricted animals or animal products: If you are traveling with pets or animal products, check the importation requirements with the Tanzanian authorities.

Final Travel Tips for Tanzania

  • Check for updates: Entry requirements for Tanzania can change, especially with COVID-19 protocols, so it’s essential to check the latest updates from the Tanzanian Immigration Department or your nearest embassy.
  • Carry physical copies of all your important documents, including visa approval letters, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance information.
  • Plan ahead for remote areas: If you’re heading to remote areas like national parks or Mount Kilimanjaro, ensure you have all the necessary equipment, insurance, and local contacts.

Tanzania Travel Requirements

Before embarking on your journey to Tanzania, make sure you meet all the Tanzania travel requirements including a valid visa, up-to-date vaccinations, and proof of onward travel. Whether you’re planning a thrilling safari, a beach vacation in Zanzibar, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, being prepared with the right documents and health precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.