Planning a trip to Tanzania? That is an exciting decision. The country offers incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. But before you pack your bags, you need to understand the entry rules. Every country has its own documentation requirements, and Tanzania is no different. The good news is that we have gathered all the latest information to help you enter without any trouble.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Tanzania. This applies to both visitors and residents. It is always a smart move to double check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other documents meet their rules too.
Visas for Tanzania
Almost every traveler needs a visa to enter Tanzania. You can choose between a tourist visa or a business visa. Tanzania has introduced an online system called e visa. You can apply and get approved before your trip. That is often the easiest path.
If you prefer, you can also get a single entry visa upon arrival at the main entry points. Just be ready to show proof of your return journey. Keep in mind that multiple entry visas are not available on arrival. For more details, you can visit the official Tanzanian immigration website.
The cost for a tourist visa is 50 US dollars for most nationalities. The exception is citizens of the United States of America, who pay 100 US dollars. If you plan to pay on arrival, make sure you carry cash in US dollar bills. Also check that the bills are not older than 2006.
There is one special note. Romanian citizens do not need a visa to enter Tanzania.
If you are coming to Tanzania for work or volunteer activities, you must have a valid work permit. You can apply for this online as well. Your employer or the volunteer organization should help arrange this before you travel.
Referral Visas for Some Countries
Some nationalities fall under a referral visa category. If you are from one of those countries, do not book flight tickets or make any payments for hotels or tours in Tanzania before your visa is approved. You should apply at least two months before your travel date. Check the immigration website to see if your country is on the referral list.
COVID 19 Rules
All travelers including Tanzanian citizens, returning residents, and crew members must fill out an online Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form for the Tanzania mainland. Be honest and complete all the information.
If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need a COVID 19 test before traveling to Tanzania. You also do not need a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival. You just have to show a valid vaccination certificate. The certificate must confirm that you received a vaccine approved by the Tanzanian authorities and the World Health Organization. It also needs to have a working QR code.
If you are not fully vaccinated and you are 12 years old or older, you must present a negative COVID 19 RT PCR or NAATs test certificate. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before your departure. The certificate must have a valid QR code.
What if you arrive without that test certificate? You will be tested with a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival. You have to pay for it. On the Tanzania mainland, the cost is 10 US dollars which is about 23,000 Tanzanian shillings. Children aged 12 and under are exempt, along with aircraft crew.
If you test positive with the Rapid Antigen Test, the authorities will then perform an RT PCR test for confirmation. You will need to pay 50 US dollars for that confirmation test.
If you are traveling to Zanzibar, you have the option to pay for your test before you arrive.
Here is a helpful note. Travel between Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar does not come with any COVID restrictions.
Transiting Through Tanzania
If you are just passing through Tanzania by air, you do not need to worry about vaccination or COVID testing requirements. However, your airline or your final destination country might have their own rules. Always check with your transport provider or travel agent before you travel.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Do you need a yellow fever vaccine for Tanzania? That depends on where you are coming from. If you arrive from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The same applies if you have transited for 12 hours or more through such a country.
What about direct arrivals from non endemic countries including all nations in Europe and North America? You are usually not required to show a yellow fever certificate.
The rule matters most for people traveling from or passing through neighboring countries such as Kenya and Uganda. Even if you stay in an infected area for fewer than 12 hours, you are still advised to get the vaccine. It is not compulsory but it is strongly recommended.
Again, travel between Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar has no yellow fever restrictions.
Other Recommended Vaccines
Beyond the required shots, you should make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before any international trip. These include:
Chickenpox which is also called Varicella.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis combined vaccine.
Flu or influenza.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella which is the MMR vaccine.
Polio.
Shingles.
Final Thoughts
Getting your paperwork in order might feel like a chore, but it is a small price to pay for an amazing adventure in Tanzania. Check your passport validity today. Apply for your visa early. Sort out your health documents. Once that is done, you can focus on the exciting part, enjoying the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, or the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Safe travels.
