Tanzania Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Tanzania, Entry Requirements & travel tips

Tanzania travel tips

Tanzania is a premier destination for wildlife safaris and island getaways, but it requires careful preparation regarding health, local customs, and logistics.

1. Essential Entry Requirements

• Visas: Most travelers need a tourist visa. You can apply for an e-Visa in advance via the Tanzania Immigration Department to avoid long queues on arrival. Single-entry visas typically cost $50 USD ($100 for U.S. citizens).

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date with at least one blank page.

• Zanzibar Insurance: Since late 2024, all foreign visitors to Zanzibar must purchase mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
  

2. Health & Safety

• Vaccinations: A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a risk country (including neighboring Kenya for >12 hours). Routine vaccines like Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid are highly recommended.

• Malaria: Prevalent throughout most of the country. Use insect repellent and consult a doctor about antimalarial medication.

• Water: Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled or purified water, even for brushing your teeth.

• Plastics: Single-use plastic bags are strictly banned. Avoid bringing them in your luggage to prevent fines.

3. Money & Tipping

• Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the national currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted for safaris, park fees, and hotels.

• Cash is King: Bring crisp, new USD bills (dated 2006 or later) as older ones may be rejected. ATMs are available in major towns but scarce in remote safari areas and on islands like Mafia.

• Tipping Guidelines: Customary but not mandatory.

  • Safari Guides: $10–$20 per person, per day.

  • Porters: $5–$7 per day.

  • Restaurants: 5–10% of the bill.

4. Cultural Etiquette

• Greetings: Respect is central to Tanzanian culture. Always start interactions with a friendly "Jambo" (Hello) or "Habari" (How are you?).

• Dress Code: Dress modestly in public, especially in

  Zanzibar

  (Stone Town) and rural areas. Shoulders and knees should be covered to avoid causing offense or facing fines.

• Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of locals. Photography of government buildings or military sites is strictly prohibited.

5. Packing Tips

• Safari Gear: Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown). Avoid dark blue and black, as they attract tsetse flies, which have a painful bite.

• Electronics: Outlets are typically Type D or G (UK-style). Bring a universal adapter and a power bank.

• Luggage: If taking domestic bush flights, use soft-sided bags as hard suitcases often cannot fit in the small aircraft cargo holds.