Tanzania Entry Requirements & Travel Advisory (2025–2026)

Tanzania remains one of Africa's most visited safari destinations, and entry is straightforward for travellers holding UK, US, European, or Australian passports. All COVID-19 entry restrictions introduced during the pandemic have been fully lifted. This guide covers current visa requirements, health recommendations, and practical entry information as of 2025 and 2026.

Visa requirements for Tanzania

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, including citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European Union countries. The most practical route for international tourists is the Tanzania e-visa, which is applied for online before travel.

• Where to apply: The official Tanzania Immigration portal at immigration.go.tz. No third-party applications are necessary.
• Cost: USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa for most nationalities. Multiple-entry visas and Zanzibar-specific visas are also available.
• Processing time: Applications are typically approved within two to five working days. Apply at least two weeks before departure to allow time for any queries.
• Validity: A standard single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits a stay of up to 90 days.
• East Africa Tourist Visa: If your itinerary includes Uganda and/or Kenya as well as Tanzania, the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers all three countries on a single application and is worth considering for combination trips.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania and must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Yellow fever vaccination

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country classified as a yellow fever risk zone. This includes most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Even if you are travelling directly from the United Kingdom or United States and a certificate is not strictly required, vaccination is recommended as good practice given the nature of safari travel. The World Health Organisation classifies Tanzania as a yellow fever risk area.

Malaria prevention

Tanzania is a malaria zone. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all visitors to safari areas, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, Ruaha, and Selous. The risk is lower at higher altitudes, including parts of Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater rim, but most medical professionals recommend prophylaxis for the full duration of any Tanzania itinerary.

The most commonly prescribed options are atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine. Choice depends on individual medical history, and guidance should be sought from a travel health clinic or GP before departure. In addition to prophylaxis, long-sleeved clothing and DEET-based repellent are recommended, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Other health recommendations

The following vaccinations are routinely recommended for travellers to Tanzania, though individual requirements vary and a travel health consultation is always advisable:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus (as part of a standard booster schedule)
• Rabies (recommended for extended trips or those involving outdoor activities away from major centres)

AMREF Flying Doctors provides emergency medical evacuation services across East Africa and is the insurance product most commonly recommended for safari travellers in Tanzania. Membership can be arranged in advance or through your tour operator.

Current travel advisories

The main tourist areas of mainland Tanzania, including the Northern Circuit parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha), the Southern Circuit (Ruaha, Selous/Nyerere), and Zanzibar, are considered safe for tourism. Travellers should be aware of the following:

• UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): Advises normal precautions for most of mainland Tanzania. Some caution is recommended near the border with Mozambique in the south. Zanzibar is covered by the same standard advice. Check the FCDO Tanzania page (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania) for the most current guidance before travel.
• US State Department: Classifies Tanzania as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), primarily due to crime in urban areas. Safari areas and established tourist destinations are not the focus of this advisory. Travellers are advised to review the latest guidance at travel.state.gov.

Petty crime (bag-snatching, phone theft) can occur in busy urban areas including central Dar es Salaam, Arusha town, and Stone Town in Zanzibar. Standard precautions , avoiding ostentatious display of valuables, not walking alone at night , apply as they would in any city.

Practical entry information

The main international gateways into Tanzania for safari travellers are Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves the northern parks, and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), which serves the south and connects to Zanzibar. Arusha is the base for most Northern Circuit itineraries.

The United States dollar is widely accepted in Tanzania's tourist economy, and most safari camps quote and accept USD. Tanzanian shillings are the local currency and are available from ATMs in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Credit cards are accepted at major lodges and hotels but should not be relied upon in remote areas.

If you have questions about current entry requirements or would like help planning a Tanzania safari that takes into account the latest logistics and conditions, speak with one of the Vencha Travel team. A specialist will come back to you within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most nationalities, including UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and European Union passport holders, require a visa for Tanzania. The simplest and most cost-effective route is the Tanzania e-visa, applied for online at immigration.go.tz for USD 50. Apply at least two weeks before departure.

Is Tanzania safe to visit for safari travel?

Yes. The established safari circuits, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, and the Southern Circuit parks, are well-managed and have an excellent safety record for tourism. The UK FCDO and US State Department both permit tourist travel to these areas. Standard urban precautions apply in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country. Even if you are travelling from the UK or US, vaccination is recommended for all safari travellers as Tanzania is classified as a risk area by the World Health Organisation.

What antimalarial medication is recommended for Tanzania?

Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine are all used for Tanzania. The appropriate choice depends on your individual health profile and should be confirmed with a travel health clinic or GP before departure. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all safari areas.