How to Plan Your Dream Trip to Tanzania: Passport, Visa, Health, and Packing Tips
Tanzania is a land of wonders, where you can experience the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the stunning Serengeti, the exotic Zanzibar, and the rich culture and history of its people. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, Tanzania has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags and book your flight for your safari in Tanzania , there are some important things you need to know about travelling to this amazing country. In this blog, we will guide you through the passport, visa, health, and packing requirements for your trip to Tanzania, so you can have a smooth and hassle-free trip. Read on to find out more!
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRIP TO TANZANIA
It should consists of:
- Blank Pages – Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival and departure from Tanzania. Some immigration authorities may require these blank pages for visa stamps.
- The passport should have a validity of 6 months.
TANZANIA TRAVEL VISA REQUIREMENTS
There are two options to obtain Tanzania visa:
- Online visa platform
- On-arrival visa platform
After the introduction of the online visa system ,visas are no longer issued at the embassies.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
- All visitors wishing to come for tourist purposes are required to apply for ordinary visas EXCEPT American nationals (US Passport holders) who are required to apply for Multiple Visa.
- The On-Arrival Visa facility may only be used by applicants whose nationalities do not fall under Referral Visa category. Despite having the On Arrival Visa facility, it is recommended for all applicants to use the online Visa platform.
- Applicants who wish to use the on arrival Visa facility are required to counter check If their nationalities are not in the list of countries which fall under Referral Visa category.
- Applicants of Online Visa are strongly advised to read carefully the Visa Guidelines before making an application.
- Online Visa applicants are advised to make their applications through the Official Tanzania Immigration website (www.immigration.go.tz) ONLY or directly through the link: visa.immigration.go.tz and Not through any other links.
- Applicants whose nationals fall under Referral Visa category are not eligible for on arrival Visa platform. They must apply Online. Before getting approval of their Visa, they are not advised to pay for flight tickets or hotel accommodation. They may only make flight booking or make hotel reservations; but actual payments should only be done after they get approval for their Visa. Also, such applicants are advised to apply at least 6 weeks before their date of travel.
- The list of countries which fall under Referred Visa may change at any time; therefore, applicants are advised to review this list on our website from time to time.
- Any Visa wrongly applied or which lacks sufficient attachment(s) may be rejected.
- No refund will be made in respect of any rejected Visa application.
- As reflected in the Client Service Charter, the normal Visa applications may be processed within ten days. However, some applications as may be determined by the authority, may call for more processing time.
- After making payments, applicants are required to wait for approval of their Visa before they start their journey, even If the stipulated time frame expires.
- If an applicant wishes to visit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, he/she is advised to select his first destination while filling the form.
- Read carefully and observe requirements for each category of Multiple Visa as stipulated in the Visa Guidelines. Any application lacking required attachment(s) will be disqualified.
- Multiple Visa is not supposed to be used as a Residence Permit. The holder can stay at a maximum for 3 months in each visit. This does not mean that, a holder should be staying for 3 months, leave for a while and come back for another 3 months;
- Transit Visa is strictly for applicants who wish to pass through the United Republic of Tanzania to other countries and MUST be supported by onward ticket and Visa (If applicable) to such other country. Visiting Tanzania for tourism for a few days does not warrant applicants to apply for a Transit Visa.
- All applicants (travellers) MUST show their return ticket upon arrival.
NOTE:
The possession of a Visa is not a final authority to enter the United Republic of Tanzania.
The Immigration Officer at the Entry point may refuse a holder of Visa to enter, If he/she is satisfied that the holder is unable to fulfil Immigration entry requirements or if the presence of such person or visitors in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to the National Interests.
LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIONALS REQUIRE REFERRAL VISA.
- Afghanistan
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Chad
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Equatorial Guinea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kazakhstan Republic
- Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan)
- Lebanon
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Sierra Leone
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
- Stateless persons or persons with refugee status
LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIONALS DO NOT REQUIRE VISA TO ENTER THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA.
- Ashmore & Cartia Islands
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Belize
- Brunei
- British Virgin Islands
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Cyprus
- Cayman Islands
- Channel Islands
- Cocos Islands
- Cook Islands
- Congo, Democratic Republic (Zaire)
- Christmas Islands
- Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)
- Falkland Islands
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guernsey
- Guyana
- Heard Island
- Hong Kong
- Isle of Man
- Jamaica
- Jersey
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Montserrat
- Malaysia
- Madagascar
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Macao
- Mozambique
- Nauru
- Niue Island
- Norfolk Island
- Namibia
- Papua new Guinea
- Rwanda
- Romania
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Swaziland
- Solomon Island
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent
- St. Helena
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFARI IN TANZANIA
Travellers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with QR code for verification upon arrival. The only accepted vaccines are those which have been approved by the URT and the World Health Organization.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Travellers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission are required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry into Tanzania. This requirement aims to prevent the spread of yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is prevalent in Tanzania, particularly in certain regions. Travelers are advised to take appropriate malaria prevention measures, including antimalarial medication, mosquito repellent, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Consult with a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist before your trip to determine the most suitable malaria prophylaxis based on your itinerary and individual health considerations.
Covid 19
All travellers entering or transiting mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar are advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Travellers entering or transiting mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or test certificate unless required by their airline, transit destination, or final destination.
On arrival, thermal and physical screening will be done.Passengers found to be symptomatic during screening will be immediately isolated and handled as per protocol.
ESSENTIALS FOR A TRIP TO TANZANIA
There are endless things to do in Tanzania, from wildlife safaris and mountain trekking to blissful beach days and unique cultural experiences. From swimsuits to safari essentials, you’re probably wondering what to wear and what to pack for Tanzania. We’ve got you covered with our Tanzania packing list to help you get prepared for your dream trip to this beautiful East African country.
1.Gadgets
You need to bring a travel plug adaptor for Tanzania. There are two plug types in Tanzania – types D and G. Plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You might also like to bring a portable charger and a power strip so you can charge all your gadgets at the same time.
2.Day bag
Whether you’re out on safari or cruising the islands of Zanzibar, you’ll need a daypack to carry everything you need including sunscreen, a water bottle and your camera. Bring a secure bag that’s lightweight and waterproof, and go for one with lots of pockets to keep your things safe and organised.
3.Layered versatile clothing
Going on safari? You’ll need lightweight clothing in neutral colours. Want to trek Mount Kilimanjaro? You’ll need plenty of warm weather hiking gear. Want to relax on the beaches of Zanzibar? You’ll need swimwear, but you’ll also need to dress modestly outside the resorts, to respect the local culture.
In general, your safari in Tanzania packing list should include lots of layers, ranging from t-shirts, long skirts and shorts, to long-sleeved tops, warm sweaters, trousers and a waterproof jacket. You might also like to bring a light scarf for when you need to cover your shoulders for extra modesty or warmth, or to dip in water and wrap around your neck for some cool relief in the heat.
4.Comfortable shoes
You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking in Tanzania, so you’ll need a comfortable pair of sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty. If you plan to do any hiking or walking safaris, bring a sturdy pair of boots with good ankle support, and some thick socks. You’ll also need a pair of sandals or flip-flops for lounging by the pool or the beach.
5. Sun protection
Whether you visit in the dry or wet season, you’ll always need sun protection in Tanzania. You don’t want a sunburn or sunstroke to put a downer on your trip, so bring a hat, polarised sunglasses and plenty of high SPF sunscreen. You might also like to bring some after sun gel or moisturiser to soothe dry skin
6. Money
If you’re using cash, bring US dollar bills that are dated after 2006. Any bills dated prior to 2006 won’t be accepted anywhere as the older bills are easier to forge. You can use your US cash in larger establishments, but you’ll also need some of the local currency, Tanzanian shillings, for use in smaller places and for tipping.
If you are exchanging money in Tanzania, use hotels, banks and official exchange bureaus (you can contact us for advice). You can also withdraw money around the country using Visa and Mastercard from ATMs (be aware of surcharges), while some lodges and higher-end shops will accept credit cards.
7. Binoculars
Binoculars will enhance your safari experience in Tanzania.Tanzania boasts an abundance of diverse wildlife including the famous Big Five as well as numerous other species such as giraffes,zebras,wildebeests and various antelopes species.
Binoculars will allow you to observe these animals up close, even from a distance.
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