Before you fly
Tanzania travel information
Visas, vaccinations, weather, money and what to pack. The practical answers on one page, plus five deeper guides.
Last updated
What do you need before you travel to Tanzania?
You need a passport valid for 6 months, an e-Visa bought online before you fly ($50 for most passports, $100 for US citizens), travel insurance and malaria tablets. Bring a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever. US dollars work at lodges, and the plugs are Type D/G at 230V.
Quick facts
- Time zone
- GMT +3
- Currency
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Emergency
- 112 / 114
- Power
- 230V, Type D/G plugs
Five guides
Travel guides for Tanzania
- Best time to visitSeasons, a month-by-month calendar and the best months for each park.
- Safari costPrices per day at each comfort level, park fees and the extras to budget for.
- First-time safariA typical day, the vehicle, how many days you need and the usual mistakes.
- Packing listWhat to wear, what to bring for photos, and what to leave at home.
- Tanzania vs KenyaA fair comparison of parks, costs, crowds and the migration.
Entry requirements
Tanzania visa information
Most visitors need a visa. Apply for the e-Visa online before your trip and arrival is quicker.
| Passport | Fee |
|---|---|
| United StatesMultiple-entry e-Visa (required) | $100 |
| UK, Canada, AustraliaSingle-entry e-Visa | $50 |
| EU countriesSingle-entry e-Visa | $50 |
| East African CommunityVisa-free entry | Free |
| Other countriesCheck embassy requirements | Varies |
How to apply
- 1Go to the official Tanzania e-Visa portal.
- 2Fill in the form with your passport details.
- 3Upload your passport photo and photo page.
- 4Pay the fee. Your e-Visa arrives by email.
Apply at least 2 weeks before you travel. Visa on arrival is available, but queues can be long.
Fees last checked October 2026. Confirm on the official portal, visa.immigration.go.tz, before you apply.
Health
Vaccinations and malaria
See your doctor or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you leave for advice that fits you.
| Vaccine | Advice |
|---|---|
| Yellow fever | Required if travelling from endemic areas |
| Typhoid | Recommended |
| Hepatitis A and B | Recommended |
| Tetanus | Make sure it is up to date |
| Malaria tablets | Highly recommended |
| COVID-19 | Check current requirements |
Malaria prevention
Tanzania is a malaria zone. Take anti-malarial tablets and:
- Use DEET insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Choose rooms with screened windows
Travel insurance
You need full travel insurance. Check that it covers:
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Safari activities
- Lost luggage
Climate
Weather and seasons
Tanzania has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons. The season shapes where the animals are and what you pay.
Dry season
June to October
15–28°C (59–82°F)
Best time for wildlife viewing. Cool and dry with clear skies. Peak season, so book early.
Short rains
November to December
18–30°C (64–86°F)
Brief afternoon showers, green landscapes and migrant birds. Good game viewing and good value.
Short dry
January to February
18–32°C (64–90°F)
Warm and dry. Calving season in the Serengeti, with strong predator action.
Long rains
March to May
20–28°C (68–82°F)
The wettest months. Some roads become impassable, but you get the lowest prices and far fewer visitors.
Be prepared
Packing essentials
Pack light but smart. Most lodges offer laundry, so you need less than you think.
Clothing
- Neutral clothing (khaki, green, beige)
- Long sleeves for sun and mosquitoes
- Light trousers or zip-offs
- Warm fleece for early mornings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Wide-brimmed hat
Photography
- Camera with a 200–400mm zoom
- Spare memory cards and batteries
- Binoculars
- Beanbag for shots from the vehicle
- Dust covers or dry bags
Health
- Prescription medicines
- DEET insect repellent
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Basic first aid kit
- Rehydration salts
Documents and money
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Printed e-Visa confirmation
- Travel insurance papers
- Vaccination certificates
- Visa or Mastercard, plus some USD cash
Bush flights: light aircraft usually limit you to 15–20kg in a soft-sided bag. Hard suitcases are not allowed. Ask us about the limit for your itinerary.
Full safari packing listStay safe
Safety tips
A few basic precautions keep the trip free of worry.
Around wildlife
- Don't leave the vehicle on game drives unless your guide says so
- Keep a safe distance from all animals
- Never feed animals
- Follow your guide's instructions
Your health
- Take malaria tablets as prescribed
- Use repellent, especially at dusk
- Drink bottled or purified water only
- Eat freshly cooked food
In towns
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Don't walk alone at night in cities
- Use registered taxis or hotel transfers
- Carry a passport copy and leave the original in the safe
Respectful travel
Culture and etiquette
- Photos of people
- Ask before you photograph anyone. Some people may expect a small tip.
- Dress
- Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. Cover shoulders and knees in town.
- Greetings
- "Jambo" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you) go a long way.
- Tipping
- Tipping is customary. Guides: $15–20/day. Porters: $5–10/day. Lodge staff: $10–15/day, pooled.
Tanzania travel questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most nationalities need a visa. US passport holders must buy the 12-month multiple-entry visa ($100), even for one trip. UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens pay $50 for a single-entry tourist visa. East African Community citizens enter visa-free. Apply online at least 2 weeks before you fly, only through the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Fees last checked October 2026.
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
You need a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus are recommended. Take malaria tablets too. See a travel doctor at least 6 weeks before you fly.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Safari areas and Zanzibar are generally safe for visitors. Take normal precautions: keep valuables out of sight, book with registered operators and follow your guide on game drives.
What currency is used in Tanzania?
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, lodges and tour operators. ATMs are available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. Major hotels take credit cards, but carry cash for small purchases.
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
Pack neutral clothes (khaki, green, brown), layers for cool mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera and a hat. Skip bright colours and white. Pack light, since most lodges offer laundry.
Keep planning
Before you book
Questions about your trip
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Visas, health, the right month or the right budget. Tell us what you have in mind and we reply with straight answers and a quote.
- Help choosing the month and the parks
- Straight answers on visas and health
- Add Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar to a safari
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