PASSPORTS & VISAS
All visitors to Tanzania require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed. Visitors from certain Commonwealth countries and other specified nations do not require visas. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, as well as at major entry points, including international airports, sea ports, and border posts.
HEALTH
Visitors originating from or transiting through countries endemic to yellow fever must present valid vaccination certificates. Those arriving directly in Tanzania from countries such as Europe, the USA, Japan, and other non-yellow fever regions are not required to provide vaccination certificates for entry. It is advisable for visitors to take anti-malaria tablets and to use mosquito nets and insect sprays where available. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended prior to travel.
CUSTOMS
Personal effects, including binoculars, cameras, and film, may be imported (temporarily) duty-free. A customs bond may be required for visitors bringing in professional video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders, and musical instruments to ensure these items are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit, which should be obtained in advance. Visitors purchasing local handicrafts must retain cash sales receipts and ownership certificates for wildlife trophies to present to Customs officials upon departure.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TShs), which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency, but it is illegal to import or export Tanzanian currency. Foreign currency in cash or travellers’ cheques may be exchanged at commercial banks, authorised dealers, or at bureaux de change operating at international airports, major towns, and border posts.
DEPARTURES
An airport tax of USD 30 is levied on all visitors departing the country by air. In many cases, this fee is included in your airline ticket. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and may be inspected by customs officials. The airport departure tax for domestic flights is approximately USD 6. All fees are subject to change.
LUGGAGE
Safari vehicles and small aircraft provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags, as bulky suitcases may exceed weight limits and might not be taken on board.
CLIMATE
The climate in Tanzania is tropical. Coastal areas are hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. The central plateau, in contrast, is dry and arid, experiencing hot days and cool nights. In the northwest highlands around Arusha and Ngorongoro, temperatures are more temperate and cooler, particularly between June and September. The long rains occur from March to May, while the short rains fall between October and December. The hottest months are from October to February.
CLOTHING
Light tropical clothing, particularly cotton slacks, shirts, and skirts, is most suitable for the climate. In higher altitude areas such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha, some warmer clothing is advisable, especially in the evenings and early mornings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for safaris, and it is wise to carry insect repellent. Visitors to Zanzibar are expected to dress modestly; swimwear, miniskirts, and other revealing clothing should be avoided outside hotels, beaches, and resorts.
LANGUAGE
The national language is Kiswahili, but English is widely spoken and is the primary language of the tourist industry and other international businesses. Leopard Tours has a number of multilingual staff and driver-guides to assist visitors.
AIR TRAVEL
Several international airlines operate flights into Tanzania, landing at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar International Airports. Domestic travel is facilitated by Air Tanzania (the national airline), Precision Air, Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, Zan Air, Regional Air, Tropical Air and Auric Air.
FLYING DOCTOR MEMBERSHIP
A temporary AMREF Flying Doctor membership is recommended to cover air medical evacuation to Nairobi. The participation fees are as follows: USD 5 for air ambulance coverage in Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Kenya (AREA 1), and USD 9 for coverage in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi (AREA 2). Both memberships are valid for a period of up to 30 days.
TIME
Tanzania operates on a single time zone. Local time is GMT + 3, and Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Tanzania ranges from 215 to 240 Volts, with a frequency of 50 Hertz (AC).