Before You Travel

Visas, insurance, health, money and other practical things to sort out before your trip. Rules change, so we always confirm the latest requirements with you when you book.

Visas Passport Travel insurance Health and vaccinations Money Plastic bags and drones Safety Time and language

Visas

Most visitors need a visa. You can apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa site, visa.immigration.go.tz, ideally a few weeks before you travel. Visas on arrival are also available at the main airports for many nationalities. The ordinary single-entry tourist visa costs US$50; citizens of the United States are issued a multiple-entry visa costing US$100. Check the official site for your own nationality.

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date you leave Tanzania, with at least two blank pages.

Travel insurance

You need travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation, and trekking up to 6,000 m if you are climbing Kilimanjaro. Visitors to Zanzibar must also buy the Zanzibar government’s inbound travel insurance (US$44 per adult) before arrival. In September 2026 the government published regulations for a similar inbound insurance on mainland Tanzania.

Health and vaccinations

A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have spent more than 12 hours in transit in, a country with yellow fever risk. Malaria is present in most of Tanzania, so talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about prevention well before you go, and about routine and recommended vaccinations such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Bring any personal medicines in their original packaging.

Money

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and lodges; bring notes printed in 2009 or later, as older notes are often refused. Cash machines are available in towns but not in the parks. Most of your trip is prepaid, so you mainly need money for tips, drinks and souvenirs.

Plastic bags and drones

Tanzania has banned plastic carrier bags, and they may be taken from you at the airport, so pack in other bags. Drones need a permit and are not allowed in national parks without one, so leave yours at home unless we have arranged a permit in advance.

Safety

Tanzania is a welcoming and generally safe country for visitors. As anywhere, take normal care in cities: keep valuables out of sight and use transport we arrange. On safari, always follow your guide’s instructions; they are there to keep you and the wildlife safe.

Time and language

Tanzania is three hours ahead of GMT (GMT+3) all year, with no daylight saving. Swahili and English are the official languages, and your guides speak fluent English. A few words of Swahili go a long way: jambo (hello), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome).

Good to know

We send you a full pre-departure guide when you book, and confirm any changes to entry rules before you travel.

What to pack →
Safari costs →