What Vaccinations Do You Need for Tanzania?

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Tanzania or Zanzibar — with one important exception. If you are arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission (such as Kenya, Uganda, or parts of Central and West Africa), a valid Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory at immigration. For most travellers flying directly from Europe, North America, or the UK, no vaccine is required to be admitted.

 Being required and being recommended, however, are two different things. Health authorities such as the CDC and the UK’s NHS strongly advise that every visitor be up to date on their routine shots and add Hepatitis A and Typhoid, both of which are spread through contaminated food and water. Malaria is also present across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, so antimalarial medication and a good insect repellent matter just as much as any single jab.

 This guide covers exactly what is required, what is recommended, and how to prepare. If you have any medical concerns, always speak to your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before you fly, so there is time for any vaccine to take full effect.

What Vaccinations Are Required for Travelling to Tanzania? 

Unless you are coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, no vaccines are required to enter Tanzania. If you’re arriving from — or spending more than 12 hours in transit through — a country with potential Yellow Fever transmission, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination before you can clear immigration. 

 Other countries in East Africa, such as Uganda, require a Yellow Fever vaccination no matter where you are arriving from. If your itinerary combines destinations, check the rules for every country on your route — and see our Tanzania visa guide for entry paperwork. 

 If your doctor advises that you should not receive the Yellow Fever vaccine for medical reasons, you can travel with a signed waiver letter from your physician, which is accepted in place of the certificate. 

 COVID-19 vaccination is not required to travel to Tanzania. Whether to have it is your choice. 

Routine Vaccines for Tanzania 

It’s important to stay up to date on routine vaccines before travelling. Check the chart below to make sure you’re caught up. 

If you aren’t sure whether your child has completed their series of routine vaccines, take them to the pediatrician before leaving for your Tanzania holiday. 

 Adults can choose to receive a booster for various diseases like MMR and TDAP before leaving. 

Recommended Travel Vaccines for Tanzania 

Tanzania does not require any of these vaccines, but many are recommended for travellers coming from developed nations who may not have had previous exposure to these diseases. 

 Here are the main vaccines to consider before leaving for Tanzania. 

What About Malaria? 

Both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are malaria zones. There is no malaria vaccine for travellers, but antimalarial medication is highly effective at preventing infection — you can get a prescription before leaving your country. For a full breakdown of your options, see our guide on whether you need malaria pills for Tanzania. 

 Ask your doctor how long you need to take your antimalarials, as some are started before your trip and continued for a period after you get home. Pair the tablets with a high-quality insect repellent (DEET is the gold standard) and sleep under a mosquito net. For timing your trip around the seasons, see our guide on the best time to do a Tanzania safari. 

Avoiding Illnesses While in Tanzania

Most travel illnesses in Tanzania are easily avoided. Eat at restaurants that follow safe food-handling practices, and wash your hands before every meal. 

 If you’re unsure where is safe to eat, ask your safari guide or the reception desk at your hotel. 

 Avoid drinking tap water — stick to bottled water, and make sure iced drinks are made with clean water. It’s also best to skip juices and smoothies if you aren’t sure how they were prepared. 

 Diseases like malaria are spread by mosquitoes. The best defence is insect repellent, especially in the evening, plus a mosquito net every night. 

What to Do if You Get Sick While in Tanzania 

 Large cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam have excellent medical infrastructure. At international hospitals and clinics you can expect a standard of care similar to your home country. 

 Many international facilities accept travel medical insurance, which helps if you need a procedure or in-patient care — see our guide on travel insurance for Tanzania for what your cover should include. 

 Depending on your symptoms, staff may take a blood or stool sample. Tanzania stocks the same medicines you would expect at home, so treatment for diseases like malaria and typhoid is readily available. 

What is the Most Common Illness Among Travellers to Tanzania? 

 The good news is that most travellers do not fall seriously ill in Tanzania. The most common complaint is traveller’s diarrhoea, especially on a first trip abroad. 

 Traveller’s diarrhoea can usually be treated with anti-diarrhoeal medicine. If symptoms persist for several days, seek medical care to rule out anything more serious. 

Preparing for Your Trip to Tanzania

 If you aren’t sure which vaccines you need, book an appointment at a travel clinic or ask your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before you fly — they can give tailored advice and prescribe antimalarials. You can also verify the latest entry rules on the CDC’s Tanzania travellers’ health page. 

 Getting vaccinated before travelling is one of the best ways to prevent illness — and it lets you enjoy your safari worry-free.