Tanzania Travel Health Requirements: Vaccinations & Health Advice

Tanzania has one mandatory health entry requirement — a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Beyond this, several vaccines and preventive measures are strongly recommended. This guide covers everything you need to know about Tanzania travel health before you go.

Mandatory Health Requirement: Yellow Fever Certificate

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country.

Yellow fever endemic countries (partial list) where Tanzania requires the certificate:

• All sub-Saharan African countries where yellow fever is endemic
• Central and South American countries with endemic yellow fever (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, etc.)
• Parts of West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, etc.)

Not required if: You are traveling directly from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, or other non-endemic countries without a layover in an endemic country.

What to carry: The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) — also known as the "yellow card." This must be issued by an approved vaccination center.

The yellow fever certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival in Tanzania to be considered valid (gives the vaccine time to provide immunity).

Recommended Vaccinations for Tanzania

The following vaccines are recommended by international travel medicine authorities (CDC, WHO, UK NHS, etc.) for Tanzania:

Malaria prophylaxis: Not a vaccine but essential. See below.

Malaria Prevention in Tanzania

Malaria is endemic throughout Tanzania including Zanzibar. It is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, primarily active at dusk and dawn. Tanzania has one of the world's highest malaria burdens.

Malaria Prophylaxis Options

Consult your doctor about which antimalarial to take:

Anti-Mosquito Measures

In addition to tablets:

• Use insect repellent with DEET (30–50%) or Picaridin
• Sleep under a mosquito net (ideally LLIN — insecticide-treated)
• Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn
• Use mosquito coils or plug-in repellents in accommodation

Food and Water Safety

Tanzania has food and water hygiene risks:

• Drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water — do not drink tap water even in hotels
• Avoid ice in drinks unless from a known source
• Eat cooked food that is hot when served
• Avoid raw vegetables and salads washed in tap water at lower-end restaurants
• Peel all fruit yourself before eating

Sun and Heat Safety

• Tanzania is a tropical country — UV levels are high year-round
• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply frequently
• Wear a hat and protective clothing especially during midday hours
• Stay hydrated — drink 2–3 litres of water per day in heat

Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation

Tanzania has limited medical facilities outside Dar es Salaam and Arusha. In rural areas, hospitals have very basic equipment. Medical evacuation costs $30,000–$100,000+.

Essential coverage to include in your travel insurance:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Medical evacuation (helicopter/air ambulance)
• Repatriation to your home country
• Trip cancellation and interruption

See Tanzania travel insurance requirement.

COVID-19 Requirements for Tanzania

As of 2026, Tanzania has no COVID-19 related entry requirements:

• No vaccination certificate required
• No COVID-19 test required
• No quarantine on arrival

This can change — always verify current requirements with the Tanzania Immigration Department or your airline before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions