Do You Need a Yellow Fever Vaccine for Tanzania?

Probably not!

Tanzania is classified as a low-risk yellow fever country by the WHO.

If you are flying directly from Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Asia (except certain countries), or the Middle East, no yellow fever certificate is required.

When the Vaccine IS Required

You must show a valid yellow fever certificate if arriving from (or transiting >12 hours in):

• Angola · Benin · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Cameroon
• Central African Republic · Chad · Congo · Côte d’Ivoire
• DR Congo · Equatorial Guinea · Ethiopia · Gabon · Gambia
• Ghana · Guinea · Guinea-Bissau · Kenya · Liberia
• Mali · Mauritania · Niger · Nigeria · Rwanda · Senegal
• Sierra Leone · South Sudan · Sudan · Togo · Uganda

Important: A layover longer than 12 hours in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Entebbe triggers the requirement—even if you never leave the airport.

Vaccine Details

• One lifetime dose (no boosters needed)
• Must be given at least 10 days before arrival
• Certificate valid immediately and for life
• Cost: $80–$150 depending on country

Medical Exemption

If you cannot take the vaccine (age >60, pregnancy, immune issues, etc.), get an official exemption letter from your doctor on letterhead. Immigration usually accepts it.

New Rule: Mandatory Zanzibar Travel Insurance (Oct 1, 2024 onward)

Every visitor to Zanzibar must purchase government travel insurance upon arrival or online.

• Cost: $44 per person
• Apply online: visitzanzibar.go.tz
• You’ll receive a QR code to show at immigration
• Covers medical emergencies, evacuation, accidents, lost luggage

SerengetiNexus Tip: Do it online before you fly—takes 3 minutes and avoids queues.

Other Health Essentials for Tanzania

• Health Item
• Recommendation
• Malaria prophylaxis
• Start 2–4 weeks before (Malarone, doxycycline)
• Hepatitis A & Typhoid
• Strongly recommended
• Routine vaccines
• Ensure MMR, tetanus, polio are up to date
• Mosquito repellent
• 30–50% DEET + permethrin-treated clothes

Why Choose SerengetiNexus?

• Instant pre-trip health checklist
• Airport transfers (JRO / DAR / ZNZ)
• Guides monitor your wellness daily on safari & climbs
• 24/7 emergency support across Tanzania

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime—worry-free?

Book your 2025 - 2026 Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb with SerengetiNexus today.

Start Planning | Safari + Zanzibar Packages | Contact Us

Tutaonana salama Tanzania! 💚🌍