Travel Information for Tanzania

Everything you need to know before travelling to Tanzania. From health requirements and safety advice to airports, currency, and emergency contacts.

Safety & Security

Tanzania is generally a safe destination for tourists, particularly in established tourist areas such as the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro), Zanzibar, and managed national parks. However, standard precautions should be taken:

  • Petty crime: Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in urban areas, particularly Dar es Salaam. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewellery
  • Transport: Road conditions vary significantly. Use reputable tour operators and avoid driving at night in rural areas. Daladalas (minibuses) can be overcrowded
  • Beach safety: Swim only at recognised beaches. Currents can be strong, especially on the east coast of Zanzibar
  • Safaris: Always follow your guide's instructions and remain in vehicles in national parks
  • Documents: Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times. Keep originals in your hotel safe
  • Border areas: Exercise increased caution near the borders with Burundi, DRC, and Mozambique (Cabo Delgado region)

Health Requirements

Yellow Fever Vaccination: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is REQUIRED if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes most of Central/West Africa and parts of South America. Tanzania may deny entry or vaccinate you at the airport (at your cost) if you lack proof. Even if not strictly required for your route, vaccination is recommended as Tanzania has risk areas.

Malaria

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and is a serious health risk. Precautions are essential:

  • Take antimalarial medication (consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel)
  • Common prophylaxis options: Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine
  • Use insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%)
  • Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever during or after your trip

Other Health Advice

  • Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels
  • Food: Eat well-cooked food. Be cautious with street food and raw salads
  • Altitude: If climbing Kilimanjaro (5,895m) or visiting highlands, acclimatise properly. Altitude sickness is a real risk
  • Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies (if spending time in rural areas or with animals)
  • Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is strongly recommended

International Airports

Julius Nyerere International

DAR

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's busiest airport and main international gateway. Direct flights from Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Kilimanjaro International

JRO

Near Arusha. Gateway to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Direct flights from Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Nairobi.

Abeid Amani Karume International

ZNZ

Zanzibar. Gateway to Zanzibar archipelago. Charter and scheduled flights from Europe and regional destinations.

Other airports with limited international services include Mwanza, Songwe (Mbeya), and Dodoma. Internal flights connect most major towns via Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and other carriers.

Currency & Money

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

  • Official currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
  • Approximate rate: 2,600 TZS = 1 USD
  • Notes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 TZS
  • Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 TZS

Practical Tips

  • US dollars widely accepted for tourism (hotels, safaris, park fees)
  • USD notes must be in good condition and printed after 2006
  • ATMs available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and larger towns
  • Visa/Mastercard accepted at larger hotels
  • Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa) widely used by locals
  • Carry cash for rural areas and small purchases

Language

Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national language, spoken by virtually everyone. English is the second official language, used in government, education, and tourism.

Useful Swahili Phrases

  • Jambo - Hello
  • Habari - How are you?
  • Karibu - Welcome
  • Asante (sana) - Thank you (very much)
  • Tafadhali - Please
  • Hakuna matata - No problem
  • Pole pole - Slowly/Take it easy
  • Ndio / Hapana - Yes / No
  • Safari njema - Have a good journey
  • Kwaheri - Goodbye

Emergency Numbers

National Emergency112 or 114
Police112
Fire & Ambulance114
Muhimbili Hospital (DAR)+255 22 215 0235
Tourist Police (DAR)+255 22 211 7714
Tourist Police (Arusha)+255 27 250 3546
Zanzibar Emergency+255 24 223 0076
Tanzania Tourist Board+255 22 266 4878

Before You Travel

Always check with your government's travel advisory for the latest safety updates. Register with your embassy in Tanzania if staying for an extended period. Keep digital copies of all important documents accessible online.

Essential Links

Time Zone

East Africa Time (EAT)

UTC+3 (no daylight saving)

Same time zone as Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia

Practical Info

  • Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. UK-type G plugs (3-pin)
  • Driving: Left-hand side
  • Calling code: +255
  • Internet: Mobile data widely available. 4G in cities. Wi-Fi at hotels
  • SIM cards: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo available at airports. Registration with passport required

Planning Your Trip to Tanzania?

Apply for your visa and explore Tanzania's incredible destinations

Visa Requirements Tourism Guide