No vaccinations are required for every visitor to Tanzania, but several are recommended, and a yellow fever certificate is required for some travellers. See a doctor or travel clinic six to eight weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need time or more than one dose.
Yellow fever
Tanzania asks for a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from, or have spent more than 12 hours in transit through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes Kenya and many other African and South American countries. If you fly directly from Europe or North America without such a stop, it is usually not required. Airlines and border officials may still ask, so check the current rules for your route.
The certificate becomes valid ten days after the vaccine and lasts for life.
Recommended vaccines
| Vaccine | Why |
|---|---|
| Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, polio) | Make sure they are up to date |
| Hepatitis A | Spread through food and water |
| Typhoid | Spread through food and water |
| Hepatitis B | For longer stays or possible medical treatment |
| Rabies | For remote travel, long stays or close contact with animals |
| Cholera | Sometimes advised during outbreaks |
Your doctor will advise based on your health, age and itinerary.
Malaria
There is no widely used vaccine for travellers, but malaria is present in most of Tanzania. Read malaria in Tanzania for tablets and prevention.
Kilimanjaro climbers
Discuss altitude medicine such as Diamox with your doctor at the same appointment. Read altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.
Bring with you
- Your vaccination record or yellow fever certificate, with your passport.
- Prescription medicines in their original packaging.
- A basic first-aid kit and insect repellent.
Next, read about the Tanzania tourist visa.
Frequently asked questions
Only if you arrive from, or transit for more than 12 hours through, a country with yellow fever risk, such as Kenya.
Make sure routine vaccines are up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid are usually recommended. Ask your doctor about others.
Six to eight weeks before travel.
