Vaccines Needed for Tanzania

Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination depending on where you are travelling from, not simply your nationality.

• Required: If you are arriving from — or have spent more than 12 hours transiting through — a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (as listed by the WHO), you must show a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”). The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
• Often recommended: Even where not strictly required, many travel clinics advise the vaccine, and it avoids problems if your route changes or you transit an endemic country.
• Validity: Per WHO (since 2016) the certificate is valid for life. Carry the original; photocopies are not accepted at the border.

If you are flying directly from Europe, North America, or similar low-risk regions, you typically will not be asked for a certificate, but confirm your specific routing with a clinic.

Your clinic will tailor advice to you, but commonly considered vaccinations for Tanzania include:

• Routine vaccines: Ensure you are up to date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, and your annual flu shot.
• Hepatitis A: Commonly recommended; spread via contaminated food and water.
• Typhoid: Recommended, especially for longer stays or adventurous eating.
• Hepatitis B: Often advised, particularly for longer trips or possible medical exposure.
• Rabies: Considered for extended stays, rural travel, or close animal contact.
• Cholera & meningitis: Situational; your clinic will advise based on your itinerary.

Bring a record of your vaccinations and any prescriptions. Start the conversation early, as some vaccines need multiple doses over several weeks.

Malaria is present in most safari areas and on the coast, including Zanzibar. There is no vaccine widely used for travellers, so prevention relies on antimalarial medication plus avoiding bites.

• Antimalarials: Your doctor can prescribe a suitable course (the choice depends on your health and trip length). Take exactly as directed, including before and after travel.
• Repellent: Use a DEET-based repellent on exposed skin, especially from dusk.
• Cover up: Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening; choose lighter colours.
• Sleep protected: Most lodges provide screened rooms or mosquito nets.

If you develop a fever during or after your trip, seek medical care promptly and mention you travelled to a malaria area.

• Visit your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice and any vaccines that need time to take effect.
• Carry a small medical kit: any personal medication (in original packaging), rehydration salts, pain relief, plasters, and hand sanitiser.
• Take out comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover and emergency evacuation. Our safaris also include Flying Doctors evacuation cover — see Flying Doctors.
• Drink bottled or purified water and be sensible with food to avoid stomach upsets.

For visas, passport rules, and the yellow fever certificate in the context of entry, see our Entry Requirements page.