Tanzania Travel Advice -

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Is Tanzania Safe to Visit on a safari?

Yes, being the largest East African nation, Tanzania is mostly peaceful and safe to visit and more so if you book an organised safari through a trusted tour operator like Stingers Africa Safaris. However, like any other tourist destination around the world, we encourage all travellers to exercise reasonable caution and common sense but not to be afraid to experience and embrace the wonders of Tanzania. Therefore, pay attention to the following;

International Travel

Commercial flights are operating to and from Tanzania. Major carriers have now resumed flights to Tanzania, though in some cases on a reduced schedule. Check with your travel company or contact the airlines directly for more information.

Visas and Border Measures.

Visas

You need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Applicants may complete the e-visa application form and make payment online with a credit card or bank transfer at www.immigration.go.tz or purchase your visa on arrival at the kiosk on the right hand side of the arrivals foyer at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Tanzania for details. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Tanzania for the latest details.

It is possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at main ports of entry to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey. You will not be able to get a multiple entry visa on arrival. For further information about visas visit the Tanzanian immigration website.

If you are planning to work or volunteer, you will need a valid work permit which can also be applied for online via the Tanzanian immigration website. Your employer or volunteer organisation should arrange this before you travel.

Passport Validity

If you overstay the validity of your visa or permit you can be arrested, detained and fined before being deported. Therefore check your passport and travel documents before you travel.

If you are visiting Tanzania, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

If you are a resident in Tanzania, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

If you plan to pass through another country, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

All Travellers.

You do not need to show a COVID vaccination certificate or negative COVID test to enter Tanzania.

Health officials may screen you for COVID symptoms on arrival. They may also randomly select travellers for rapid antigen testing.

If you’re transiting through Tanzania, your carrier or final destination country may have separate rules on vaccination and testing requirements. Check with your transport provider or travel agent for their COVID-19 requirements before you travel.

Corona Virus Travel Health.

To enter Tanzania, you must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated in the form of a valid certificate with a QR code. If you’re not fully vaccinated you must take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours of your departure, and present a valid negative certificate with a QR code at your point of entry. If you’re travelling from a country listed on the Tanzanian Ministry of Health website you will be tested for COVID 19 upon arrival using a Rapid Antigen Test at your own expense. Confirm entry requirements with Tanzanian authorities before making any travel arrangements. Refer to the latest requirements on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Observe infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene, wearing a mask and keeping physical distance as appropriate.

If you want to leave Tanzania and you need a COVID-19 test before travelling, the Tanzanian Government advises you to get a test at the Regional Hospital at least five days before you leave. You will need to pay for testing. You can book a test on the Ministry of Health’s online booking system.

On 11 January 2023 the World Health Organisation officially declared the Uganda Ebola outbreak to be over.

On 29 September 2022, the authorities declared the 15^th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be over.

You can find further information and updates on Ebola on the WHO website.

Yellow fever.

Yellow Fever is a potentially fatal virus widely spread. Get vaccinated before you travel. Carry your vaccination card/certificate with you. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to Tanzania if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist health care abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

Money.

The Tanzanian shilling (Tsh.) is the official currency of Tanzania, but US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Dollar notes printed before 2009 are usually not accepted. You can exchange money at many authorised dealers, banks and bureaux de change. Get a receipt after each transaction.

Most banks in major cities have ATMs, but they are not always reliable and sometimes cues are longer at the end of the month when everyone gets paid their salaries. To minimise the risk of card cloning, only use ATMs located within the bank. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.

We do not recommend going to ATMs after dark and suggest travellers attend those which are guarded by security guards.

Other health risks.

Malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains, occurs year-round, except in areas above 1800 metres. Consider taking anti-malarial medication.

Yellow fever can occur, check with a health professional before travelling if you need to get vaccinated. Other insect-borne diseases include Zika virus, dengue and filariasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof and use insect repellent.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone at heights over 2500 metres. If you plan to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (5895 metres), make sure you’re physically fit and in good health. Talk to your doctor before you travel.

There have also been cases of sleeping sickness occurring after bites from tsetse flies in the north, including the Serengeti. Other diseases, such as rift valley fever, occur mostly in rural areas where access to sanitation is limited.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS if you’re taking part in high-risk activities.

During the rainy seasons, end of March till May and October to middle of December, exceptionally heavy rainfall and strong winds can occur. Abnormal weather conditions can affect travel. If travelling to affected regions, you should take extra care and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

To protect yourself from disease:

Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
Use insect repellent
Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

To protect yourself from other illnesses:

Drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

Consume foods or drinks from sources that are hygienic to avoid cases of food poisoning or cholera.

Avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
Don’t swim in fresh water.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Travel Insurance.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

If you’re not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

what activities and care your policy covers.
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away.

Wildlife Safety.

Follow local wildlife laws. Keep a safe and legal distance when looking at animals. This includes marine animals and birds.

Only use trusted and professional guides or tour operators.

Follow Park rules and the advice of wardens.

Don’t swim in lakes and rivers. You could be attacked by wildlife. There’s also a risk of catching waterborne diseases.

Be prepared for your plans to Change.

No travel is risk free during Covid19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your Travel Company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

Can access money.
Understand what your insurance will cover.
Can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned.

Travel in Tanzania.

If you’re in Tanzania, you should continue to take sensible precautions and preventive steps to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19. You should visit the WHO website for further advice.

Comply with any measures authorities put in place in Tanzania to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Accommodation.

Hotels and restaurants are open with social distancing measures in place. Contact your accommodation provider for more information.

Public spaces and services.

There are no restrictions on public gatherings or services. You should continue to practice measures recommended by the authorities such as hand washing and social distancing.

Healthcare in Tanzania.

A rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Tanzania may have an adverse effect on the availability of medical facilities and personnel throughout the country. Access to treatment for non-coronavirus related illnesses, particularly for non-urgent care, may be limited.

If you are running low on medication or require emergency medical treatment, you should contact your doctor or medical practitioner. They will be able to discuss your situation over the phone and advise on the best course of action. Some hospitals and pharmacies are able to deliver medication to you. All major pharmacies in Dar es Salaam and surrounding towns are able to read and understand prescriptions issued by your doctor. Prescriptions issued from your country are accepted but you should be aware that pharmacies in Tanzania do not always stock the same range of medication found in pharmacies in your country. You are therefore advised to travel with adequate stocks of your medication for the duration of your stay in Tanzania.

Your emotional and mental well-being is important.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, you can contact your nearest high commission

Is there Crime in Tanzania?

Like any other tourist destination, there is petty crime in Tanzania like pickpockets which often work in crowded places such as markets and public transportation hubs and extremely rare cases of mugging and bag snatching. That said, we encourage you to observe the following;

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables including expensive jewellery or watches. Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy of ID at all times. If you need a bit of cash for excursions, keep your money in small hidden pouch, in a purse held at your front body or your front pocket.

Note: Violent crime against tourists is something extraordinarily rare in the northern part of Tanzania. There have been a few isolated incidents of armed robberies all of which have occurred in coastal areas of Eastern Tanzania.

Do not befriend or accept lifts from strangers or individuals offering to procure a licensed taxi on your behalf. Do not use unlicensed taxis or motor bikes. Where possible, you should arrange a taxi through a reputable establishment, for example a tour operator and you should always ask to see the driver’s ID.

Walk as far away from the road as possible and avoid walking and cycling at night. If you need to walk alongside the road, walk towards the traffic. Avoid walking and exercising alone, particularly in isolated areas and on beaches.

If you’re attacked, do not resist. If you carry a bag, it is safer to hold it loosely by the handle or hanging off your shoulder rather than by securing the strap across your chest.

Make sure residential property is secure and lock all doors and windows, especially at night. Your security guard should insist on official identification before allowing anyone to enter your property or compound. If in doubt, do not let them in and raise the alarm.

You should remain vigilant at all times.

Mozambique border.

You should take particular care near the border between Tanzania and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique. This is due to the risk of attacks by groups linked to Islamic extremism creating cross-border tension and instability, including a risk of violence. The Tanzanian military is working in conjunction with the Mozambique military to capture and bring these criminals to justice.

Road Travel.

Road safety

Road conditions are poor and driving standards are poor. Road accidents resulting in death and serious injury sometimes happen.

Self-driving in Tanzania can be challenging. Check the speed limits before you drive.

Be vigilant of other road users at all times and drive with caution. Vehicles and motorcycles may try to undertake and overtake in any lane on the roads, including on the hard shoulder of highways.

Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you and do not approach junctions or roundabouts at speed. You should give way to the right at roundabouts, but be careful as drivers often ignore the rules.

If you’re travelling by car, always wear a seatbelt. If you have concerns about the roadworthiness or safety of any car, then you should not travel in it.

The quality of car hire companies is variable. Consider using reputable taxis as an alternative.

Take extra care if you’re driving during the rainy season and seek local advice before making a long car journey. A 4×4 vehicle is often required. Avoid driving out of major towns and cities at night. If you become aware of an unusual incident, or if somebody in plain clothes tries to flag you down, it is often safer not to stop.

Keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, as vehicles are sometimes targeted by thieves. Be particularly careful at night when there is a higher incidence of crime and drunk driving.

There are frequent police road blocks. If you’re stopped by the police, ask to see identification before making any payments for traffic violations. If you’re involved in a road accident, co-operate with the local police.

Local Transport.

When making short journeys around towns and cities, you should avoid using local public transport. If you can use an officially licensed taxi as an alternative, you should do so.

Local buses (known as ‘dala dalas’), motorbike taxis (‘boda bodas’), and tuk-tuks (known locally as ‘bijajis’) may not meet western safety standards. There are minimal accidents involving dala dalas, boda bodas and tuk-tuks.

Licences and documents.

You will need to have an international Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Tanzania.

If you plan to drive yourself during a visit to Tanzania, you’ll need your country licence and an International Driving Permit. To drive in Zanzibar you’ll need your country licence and a local Zanzibar driving permit (which you can get through your hire car company). Carry several copies of your driving licence, permits and insurance documents.

Air Travel.

Domestic air travel and safari journeys are often undertaken in light, mostly propeller driven, aircraft.

We cannot offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Tanzania.

Local Travel.

If you’re planning to travel to a neighbouring country or across the region (East Africa), make sure you check our travel advice for each country you intend to visit.

Information about travel in remote areas can be patchy. Invest in an Up-to-date travel guide.

National Parks.

Careful planning is important to get the best out of your safari. Only use official sites if you choose to camp. Make sure you are properly equipped and seek local advice when travelling to isolated areas. Some parks are extremely remote, and emergency access and evacuation can be difficult.

There are risks associated with wildlife viewing, particularly on foot or at close range. Always follow park regulations and warden’s advice, and make sure you have the correct documentation or permit before entering a national park.

Trekking .

If you are trekking or climbing, only use a reputable travel company, stick to established routes and always walk in groups. Make sure you are well prepared and equipped to cope with the terrain and low temperatures. The extreme altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro can cause altitude sickness.

River and Sea Travel.

In the last few years there have been several ferry disasters in which hundreds of people have died. These were ferries travelling between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, between the islands of Zanzibar and in the Lake zone area.

Use a reputable ferry company and if you believe a ferry to be overloaded or unseaworthy, do not get on. Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures on board and make a note of where the life jackets and emergency exits are located.

You should also beware of aggressive ticket touts at Tanzanian ports.

The threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.

Political Situation.

General elections took place on 28 October 2020. The election took place largely peacefully. You should avoid all demonstrations and rallies. On occasion, demonstrations and political rallies across Tanzania have turned violent and resulted in fatalities. Police may use tear gas and/or live ammunition for crowd control. Keep up-to-date with local and international events and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately and monitor local media for up-to-date information.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Tanzania. Although Tanzania has not suffered a major terrorist incident since the bombing of the United States embassy in 1998, there have been a number of smaller scale incidents most of which target the local security forces. Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning. Be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places.

There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors, but you should be sensitive to local culture. Loud or aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people, will cause offence.

There is a high proportion of Muslims in Tanzania, especially along the coast and on Zanzibar and Pemba. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

You should dress modestly. In Zanzibar and Pemba, women should avoid wearing short and sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts, particularly in Stone Town and other places where the local population may be offended.

Zanzibar authorities may fine tourists, guides and tour operators for inappropriate clothing worn in public. Fines for tourists are a minimum of 700 USD, and tour operators face a minimum fine of 1000 USD.

LGBT Community.

Although public displays of homosexuality like holding hands and kissing in public places is unpopular and out of place in this conservative society, Tanzania still remains a friendly country that welcomes everybody. Love and intimacy is a very private thing in Tanzanian culture and public displays of affections are frowned upon for diverse relationships.

Others

Carry identification (a copy of your passport and visa/permit) at all times. Immigration officials and police have the power to request these documents at any reasonable time. If you’re a resident or longer term visitor, you should consider carrying a certified copy of your passport and visa/permit.

Tanzania (including Zanzibar) has strict laws regarding drug use and those found in possession will be fined. There are severe penalties, including prison sentences for drug trafficking.

Plastic bags are banned for environmental reasons. Airline passengers will be asked to surrender plastic bags on arrival. The ban does not include ‘ziplock’ bags used as part of airline security procedures.

There are criminal laws on the protection of wildlife and fauna in Tanzania. Avoid bringing wildlife products such as jewellery into Tanzania as you risk delay, questioning or detention when trying to leave the country. These products, whether bought or received as a gift in Tanzania, are illegal. Foreigners have been arrested recently for trying to take products, including horns and seashells, out of the country without a certified export permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. If you’re caught you may be detained or fined.

Medical treatment.

You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment

Medical facilities are limited especially outside Dar es Salaam. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.