Tanzania Travel Information

Credit cards / Travellers Checks

Credit cards are only accepted by the major airline companies and by most of the bigger hotels and lodges. Do not rely on credit cards as a source of cash while in Tanzania. In some cases a surcharge will be added to credit card payments. We suggest that you take sufficient cash and use the credit card as a back-up only. Travellers checks are accepted at most banks and some hotels, however a surcharge normally apply to exchange traveller’s checks into cash. Please note many shops / hotels don’t accept traveller’s checks.

Climate

There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rainy period (monsoon) which runs from late March until June and a short rainy period, which runs from November until mid January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms. The short rains tend to be much less severe.

Currency

The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but travellers checks and cash in US$ are recommended. The current exchange rate is approximately Tsh 2300 = US$ 1. It is possible to change foreign currency at any Bureaux de Chance, which generally gives better rates than hotels and most banks. If you bring US $ cash or receive US $, please make sure the bank notes are in good condition with no cuts or damage and that the bank notes are not older than 2008.

Duty free

The following items may be imported into Tanzania, by travellers older than 18 years, duty free:

·         250g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes

·         One bottle of alcoholic beverage

·         580 ml of perfume

Prohibited Imports

·         Unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Prohibited Exports

·         The export of gold, diamonds and tanzanite, unless bought from a licensed jeweller is prohibited. Exporting souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles), shells and coral is forbidden.

Electricity

The local electricity supply is 230 volts, 50 Hz. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter for your electrical appliances. Most hotels in Tanzania use plugs with 3 large flat prongs (“British” type – BS1363 system), however some hotels also use plugs similar to the “French” type (2 parallel prongs), but with an earth connector.

Yellow fever Vaccination

A viral infection transmitted by a day-time biting mosquito typically found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Only travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission will require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

If travelling through any of the following countries, will you need a vaccination card:

AFRICA – Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda.

AMERICAS – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

Tanzania is considered a low risk area for Yellow Fever. If you are coming to Tanzania without a vaccination card, make sure you take precaution against mosquito bites. Travellers travelling from Tanzania to South Africa are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry to South Africa. Please recheck regulations before travelling, as the above is subject to change without notice.

Malaria

Tanzania has a moderate risk for Malaria. Malaria occurs in all areas below 1800 meters and we recommend that you take precautions against malaria prior to the commencement of your holiday. Please consult your doctor about these. Woman using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics. If planning to use Diamox on your Kilimanjaro hike, please consult your doctor as some malaria prophylactics cannot be used in conjunction with Diamox. The best way to prevent contracting Malaria is to try and avoid mosquito bites by using an effect insect repellent, by sleeping under mosquito nets and to wear proper clothing after sunset. Adequate precautions must also be taken to avoid yourself being bitten by a mosquito. Kindly contact your closest Travel Clinic or medical practitioner.

Recommended Immunisations

As a sensible precaution we recommend that you consider getting at least some of the following recommended immunisations:

·         Hepatitis A – You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

·         Typhoid – You can get Typhoid through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, especially if you are visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Please check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations.

Immigration & customs

An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Tanzanian people are friendly and will always offer a helping hand.

Insurance

It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance which should cover baggage as well as personal accident and medical insurance and specifically covering your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Language

The official languages are Ki-Swahili and English. There are more than 120 tribal vernaculars.

Religion

Mainly Muslim, Christian and Traditional beliefs. Please keep in mind that you are entering a different country with strong religious customs.

Security

As with any other town, walking alone at night is not advisable, and it is preferable to use taxis which are available at most hotels. Do not leave cash or valuables in your hotel room and use a safe deposit box.

Make use of a safe deposit box to keep your belongings safe, and do not leave anything of value lying around in your hotel room.

Tanzania Visa requirements

Some important documents you need with you and should keep with you at all times you are travelling (in your hand luggage not your main luggage). This may be too much for some or not enough for others and you can speak to our sales consultants if you need any advice.

– Passport and passport copy (see visa section below) – Visa (see visa section below) – Airline travel documents – Insurance (see insurance section below) – Booking confirmation – Yellow fever certificate

Internet connections and printers can easily be out of service or hard to access in remote locations in Tanzania. You should have hard copies of important documents and a digital copy on your mobile device.

Please note that this information was correct at the time of writing however rules can change and the latest information is available at the dedicated government immigration website: https://www.immigration.go.tz.

All foreigners (non-Tanzanian citizens or residents) are required to have a valid visa for entry into the country unless your nationality or passport allows for special exclusions. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end of your tour. Although this visa can be obtained on arrival from an entry point (airport / border for most nationalities) we recommend obtaining this via the new E-visa system launched in 2019 or from your local consulate / embassy if available in your country.

You can access the online portal here to apply: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

Please note: A visa on arrival is not possible for all nationalities. The following nationalities require a ‘referral visa’ that should be applied for before you purchase flight tickets, book your tour. You can still apply for this via the online portal or your local embassy / consulate.

We can assist with provisional bookings and cover letters if required.

Nationals of the following countries require a referral visa and cannot obtain a visa on arrival: Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bangladesh Chad Djibouti Ethiopia Eritrea Equatorial Guinea Iran Iraq Kazakhstan Republic Kyrgyzstan Republic Lebanon Mali Mauritania Niger Nigeria Pakistan Palestine Senegal Somalia Sri Lanka Somali land Sierra Leone Syria Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Yemen and Stateless persons or persons with refugee status.

If you nationality is not listed above, you should be able to obtain a visa easily online or on arrival however there is still no guarantee you will get the visa and it’s always best to do this beforehand.

Remember it is your own responsibility to obtain the necessary visa to enter the country and delays caused from visa issues could incur costs and cause delays on your tour.