Tanzania
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Tanzania’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Tanzania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Tanzania High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Tanzania, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or proof of right of abode. See Dual Citizenship.
Visa requirements
You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania.
If you are planning to work or volunteer, you will also need a work permit. Information on how to apply is available from the Tanzanian Prime Minister’s Office.
Your employer or volunteer organisation should help you arrange this before you travel.
If you overstay your visa or permit you can be arrested, detained and fined before being deported.
The Tanzanian Immigration Department has more information on visas.
Applying for a visa
Apply for an ‘e-visa’ before you travel. It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London.
You can also get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at the main ports of entry to Tanzania, subject to meeting all immigration requirements. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey. You will not be able to get a multiple entry visa on arrival.
Checks at border control
You must be ready to show your return or onward ticket at border control.
Ebola screening
On 18 May, the Tanzania Ministry of Health issued a Travel Advisory note announcing heightened health screening measures for travellers arriving into Tanzania from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
On 27 August, WHO declared the Uganda Ebola outbreak over. Heightened health screening measures are no longer in place for travellers arriving into Tanzania from Uganda, but remain for those arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mpox screening
You will need to pass through mpox screening, in the form of body temperature checks, at all points of entry into Tanzania.
Mandatory travel insurance
All visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, except residents, must have mandatory Tanzanian Government-provided inbound travel insurance, even if they already have a personal policy in place. You can buy insurance either online, or at ports of entry upon arrival in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. This insurance is valid for the duration of your stay (up to 92 days).
You only need to buy insurance for your first port of entry, either mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. You may be refused entry if you do not have the required insurance.
For travellers who purchase insurance after 1 October:
If you intend to arrive in Zanzibar first, you must buy travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) upon arrival. This can also be purchased online beforehand via visit Zanzibar. If you have questions that are not answered on the website, email ZIC at inbound@zic.co.tz.
If you arrive in mainland Tanzania first, you must buy travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) upon arrival. This can also be purchased online beforehand via National Insurance Corporation. If you have questions that are not answered on the website, email NIC at wecare.inbound@nicinsurance.co.tz.
For travellers who purchased insurance from ZIC before 1 October:
Travellers who purchased travel insurance from ZIC before 1 October may use it where the mainland is their first port of entry, and do not need to purchase travel insurance from NIC.
You should also make sure you have travel insurance that covers your individual needs.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Tanzania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Tanzania guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Tanzania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking wildlife products into and out of Tanzania
Do not bring animal skin accessories into Tanzania as you risk questioning or detention when leaving the country.
Border officials have arrested foreigners for trying to take wildlife items, including horns and seashells, out of the country. It’s illegal to do this without a certified export permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. If you’re caught you could be detained or fined.