Tanzania Entry Requirements and a First-Trip Checklist

Important: entry rules depend on your nationality and can change at short notice. Treat this page as a checklist of what to ask about, and confirm the details with the Tanzanian immigration service or your embassy.

Passport and visa

• Your passport usually needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have blank pages.
• Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can apply online through the official Tanzanian immigration visa portal before travelling, and some can get a visa on arrival. Use only the official government website, not third-party sites that add fees.
• Carry a printed copy of your visa approval and your return or onward ticket.

Health

• Yellow fever: a certificate may be required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever. Check the current rules.
• Vaccinations and malaria: talk to a doctor or travel clinic several weeks before you go about routine vaccinations and malaria prevention for the areas you will visit.
• Altitude: if you plan to climb Kilimanjaro, see our altitude sickness guide and discuss any medical conditions with your doctor.
• Drink bottled or treated water and carry sun protection and insect repellent.

Insurance

Take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation, and check that it covers any activity you plan, such as trekking above 5,000 metres.

Money

• The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars are commonly accepted by tour operators and hotels; carry clean, recent notes.
• Cards work in cities and larger hotels, but cash is needed in smaller places and for tips.
• Cash machines are available in the main towns. Collect cash before you head to remote areas.

Getting here

Most travellers to the north fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is between Moshi and Arusha. Others arrive at Dar es Salaam (DAR) or at Zanzibar (ZNZ). Tell us your flight details and we will arrange your airport pick-up.

Practical basics

• Time zone: UTC+3, all year.
• Electricity: sockets are mostly UK-style three-pin (Type G), and you may also see Type D. Bring a universal adapter.
• Language: Swahili and English. A few words ("jambo" for hello, "asante" for thank you) are always appreciated.
• Dress: lightweight layers, with a warm jacket for early mornings and the highlands. Dress modestly in towns and on Zanzibar.
• Photography: ask permission before photographing people, and follow your guide's advice around military or government buildings.

A simple checklist

1. Check your passport validity and apply for the visa.
2. See a doctor or travel clinic for vaccines and malaria advice.
3. Buy insurance that covers your activities.
4. Book flights, and send us your arrival details.
5. Pack according to our packing guidance for your trip.
6. Carry copies of your documents, and keep the originals secure.