Visa, Vaccinations & Health Precautions

Planning a trip to Tanzania involves more than just booking flights and accommodations. To ensure a safe and smooth journey, it’s essential to understand the visa process, required vaccinations, and health precautions. This guide outlines everything you need to know before you travel.

1. Tanzania Visa Requirements

Visa Options

There are two primary ways to obtain a tourist visa for Tanzania:
- Visa on Arrival – Ideal if your departure is within two weeks, provided your nationality allows it.
- e-Visa – Recommended for travelers who have more time before their trip. Apply online at Tanzania Immigration Services.

Who Needs a Visa?

Most travelers—including those from the US, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia and Latin America—require a visa to enter Tanzania.

Types of Visas

- Ordinary (Tourist) Visa (\$50)
- Single entry
- Valid for up to 3 months
- Suitable for tourism, conferences, or charitable work
- US citizens must apply for a multiple-entry visa instead
- Multiple-Entry Visa (\$100)
- Required for US citizens
- Allows multiple entries over one year
- Each stay can last up to 3 months
- Travelers from other countries must provide justification for needing this visa
- Transit Visa (\$30)
- For travelers passing through Tanzania to another country
- Valid for a maximum of 7 days

Visa Application Requirements

- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
- A passport-sized photo
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Additional documents may be required for multiple-entry visas

Visa on Arrival Locations

- Dar es Salaam International Airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Zanzibar International Airport
- Namanga (border with Kenya)
- Tunduma (border with Zambia)

On Arrival Visa Process

Be prepared for a potentially long process:
1. Queue for a Government Control Number
2. Pay the visa fee at a bank counter
3. Present documents to immigration for visa issuance
Recommendation: Apply online in advance to avoid delays.

2. Vaccination & Health Precautions

Consultation Timeline

Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider or travel clinic 4–8 weeks before departure.

Yellow Fever Requirements

- Mandatory only if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya, Uganda)
- Must be administered at least 10 days before arrival
- A valid Yellow Fever certificate is required upon entry in such cases
High-Risk Countries Include:
Angola, Benin, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and others (full list available at WHO or Tanzania’s immigration website)

Recommended Vaccinations

* Routine vaccines: MMR, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, and flu
* Hepatitis A & B: Especially for travelers consuming local food or at risk of bodily fluid contact
* Typhoid: Common in areas with poor sanitation or street food
* Tetanus: Important if you’re trekking or exposed to outdoor environments
* Rabies: For those engaging in outdoor activities or animal contact
* Cholera: Recommended if visiting regions with known outbreaks
* Malaria: High risk in areas like Arusha and Moshi; consult your doctor for antimalarials

Traveler’s Diarrhea & Food Safety

* Avoid tap water, raw foods, and street food
* Carry water purification tablets or bottled water
* Wash hands frequently or use sanitizer

Recommended Medications to Pack

* Antimalarials
* Antibiotics (for bacterial diarrhea)
* Pain relievers
* Diamox (if climbing high altitudes like Kilimanjaro)
* Any regular prescription medications

Medical Clearance

Before activities like Kilimanjaro trekking, you may be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and undergo a health check-up with your physician.

3. Stay Informed

Visa rules and health guidelines can change. Always double-check:
- Official Tanzania Immigration Site: [ https://www.immigration.go.tz/ ]
- CDC Traveler Health Information: [ https://www.cdc.gov/travel ]