Entry & Exit Requirements
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania. Be prepared to show your passport and explain your visa status when entering or departing Zanzibar.
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Tanzania. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least one blank page available.
A tourist visa is also required for entry. An e-visa can be obtained online in advance by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer at https://visa.immigration.go.tz. Processing can take up to 10 days; please allow yourself sufficient time prior to travel. If the e-visa is approved, you will receive a “grant notice” via email. You must present a printed copy of the grant notice to the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in Tanzania.
U.S. citizens may also opt to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania. Expect delays if you choose to obtain a visa at the airport. The fee is $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa (subject to change). Be prepared to pay in cash, as credit card payments can be unreliable due to connectivity issues.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Tanzanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Tanzania.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Tanzania.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to East Africa may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
DENGUE FEVER
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which, as opposed to the Anopheles mosquito, is active during the day. Travelers are unlikely to contract dengue unless they are traveling through an area where there is an outbreak. The only method of prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. The illness causes high fever and a variety of other symptoms, but it is normally not deadly. Unlike malaria, dengue does not reoccur.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.