Tanzania Travel Guide 2026
Everything you need to know before visiting Tanzania in 2026. From visa requirements and health precautions to money, transport, and cultural tips - this comprehensive guide ensures a safe, enjoyable, and well-prepared trip.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- e-Visa: Most nationalities can apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz. Processing: 3-10 business days. Cost: $50 (single entry) or $100 (multiple entry).
- Visa on Arrival: Available for most nationalities at airports and land borders. $50 for single entry. However, e-visa recommended to avoid queues.
- Passport: Must be valid for 6+ months from entry date with at least 2 blank pages.
- Yellow Fever: Certificate required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended for all visitors.
Health & Vaccinations
- Malaria: Present throughout Tanzania including Zanzibar. Take prophylaxis (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine). Use DEET repellent and sleep under treated nets.
- Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (required from endemic countries), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (recommended if wildlife contact expected).
- Water: Drink bottled or purified water only. Avoid ice in drinks outside reputable hotels.
- Altitude Sickness: Relevant for Kilimanjaro and high-altitude areas. Acclimatise slowly.
- Travel Insurance: Essential. Ensure it covers medical evacuation, especially for safari and Kilimanjaro treks.
Money & Currency
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSh/TZS). 1 USD = approximately TSh 2,600 (2026).
- USD Accepted: Safari operators, hotels, and national parks accept USD. Notes must be dated 2006 or later.
- ATMs: Available in cities (CRDB, NMB, Stanbic, Exim). Visa cards more widely accepted than Mastercard.
- Mobile Money: M-Pesa (Vodacom) and Tigo Pesa are ubiquitous. Tourists can use them for small purchases.
- Tipping: Safari guide: $15-20/day. Safari cook/porter: $5-10/day. Restaurant: 10% if not included.
Getting Around
- Domestic Flights: Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Auric Air connect major cities and parks. Dar to Arusha: 1.5 hours. Dar to Zanzibar: 20 minutes.
- Road: Major highways are tarmac. Safari park roads require 4x4. Hire a driver for long distances.
- Ferries: Azam Marine operates Dar-Zanzibar fast ferries (2 hours, $35-40). Book in advance in peak season.
- Ride-Hailing: Bolt and Uber in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Language & Culture
- Languages: Swahili (national) and English (official). English is widely spoken in tourism areas.
- Useful Swahili: Jambo (Hello), Asante (Thank you), Habari? (How are you?), Nzuri (Good), Pole pole (Slowly), Hakuna matata (No worries).
- Dress Code: Modest dress in rural and Muslim areas (Zanzibar, coast). Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages or mosques.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people. Never photograph military installations.
FAQ
Yes. Tanzania is one of East Africa's safest tourist destinations. The country has excellent political stability and a welcoming culture. Standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night in cities, keep valuables secure, use registered taxis/ride-hailing apps. Safari parks and tourist areas are very safe.
Most visitors need a visa. Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz (e-Visa) or get one on arrival at airports/borders. Cost: $50 single entry, $100 multiple entry. East African citizens and a few other nationalities are exempt. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.