Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Tanzania?

Only if arriving from/transiting through an endemic country. Not required if flying directly from Europe, North America, or Asia.

Is malaria a serious risk on safari?

Yes, take antimalarials and use bite prevention. Most lodges provide mosquito nets. Lower risk at higher altitudes.

Tanzania Health Requirements 2026

Planning your health preparations before visiting Tanzania is essential. From vaccinations to malaria prevention, here is everything you need to know to stay healthy during your trip.

Required Vaccinations

Vaccine	Required?	Notes
Yellow Fever	Required*	Required if arriving from/transiting through an endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria). Certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
COVID-19	Not required	No longer required for entry as of 2024.

*Even if not technically required for your route, Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended for all visitors to Tanzania.

Recommended Vaccinations

Vaccine	Recommendation
Hepatitis A	Strongly recommended for all travellers
Hepatitis B	Recommended for longer stays or medical work
Typhoid	Recommended, especially if eating outside hotels
Tetanus/Diphtheria	Ensure up to date (boosters every 10 years)
Rabies	Recommended for adventure travellers, rural areas
Meningitis	Consider if visiting during dry season (Jun-Oct)
Cholera	Consider if visiting remote areas with poor sanitation

Visit a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccine courses.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar, safari parks, and coastal areas. There is no vaccine - prevention relies on medication and bite avoidance.

Antimalarial Medications

Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone): Start 1-2 days before, take daily, continue 7 days after. Few side effects. Most recommended.
Doxycycline: Start 1-2 days before, take daily, continue 4 weeks after. Can cause sun sensitivity.
Mefloquine (Lariam): Start 2-3 weeks before, take weekly, continue 4 weeks after. Not suitable for everyone.

Bite Prevention

Use DEET-based repellent (30-50%) on exposed skin
Wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk
Sleep under a treated mosquito net (most lodges provide these)
Use plug-in repellent devices in your room
Peak mosquito hours are dusk to dawn

Food & Water Safety

Drink only bottled or purified water - never tap water
Avoid ice in drinks unless at upscale hotels/restaurants
Eat freshly cooked hot food
Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit from street vendors
Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser
Safari lodges and reputable restaurants maintain high hygiene standards

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers:

Medical evacuation (essential for remote safari areas)
Emergency hospital treatment
Adventure activities (Kilimanjaro climbing, diving)
Trip cancellation and interruption
Repatriation

The nearest well-equipped hospitals are in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi (Kenya). Air evacuation from remote areas can cost $50,000+.

FAQ

Only if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). If flying directly from Europe, North America, or Asia, it is not required but still recommended.

Yes, malaria is present in all safari areas. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed and use bite prevention measures. Most safari lodges provide mosquito nets and repellent. The risk is lower at higher altitudes (e.g., Ngorongoro Crater rim).

Health Checklist

Visit clinic: 6-8 weeks before
Yellow Fever: If from endemic area
Malaria pills: Essential
Hepatitis A: Recommended
Typhoid: Recommended
Insurance: Must have evac cover
Water: Bottled only