After a long hiatus, travel is back. We are excited to see people taking time to get away and reconnect with themselves and with loved ones, all while making up for the lost time in beautiful destinations like Tanzania and Rwanda.
I have put together this list to highlight important travel tips when traveling to Africa at this time. The tips are specific to Tanzania but can generally be applied to other African destinations.
1) Check your passport
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania.
Always make extra copies of your passport and keep them in a separate bag/suitcase.
2) Get vaccinated
Considering the ongoing presence of Covid-19, fully vaccinated travelers entering Mainland Tanzania will be exempt from both PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests upon arrival. You will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with a QR code for verification upon arrival.
Non-vaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or NAAT certificate with a QR code obtained within 72 hours of departure.
Read more about Tanzania’s current Covid entry requirements.
Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations. A couple of vaccines are recommended for travel to Tanzania but are not mandatory. Check the vaccine and medicine list and visit your doctor for any vaccines you might need.
Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. If you are traveling between multiple African countries, you may be required to show proof of your Yellow Fever vaccine.
3) Double check the requirements for returning home
Make sure you know the requirements for re-entry back to your home country. If you need a Covid-19 test, you can obtain it from some areas while traveling in Tanzania. Please inform your Travel Expert and we will include a stop at a test center in your travel itinerary.
4) Apply for your tourist visa in advance
A travel visa is required for entry into Tanzania. I recommend applying for your visa about one month in advance of your arrival to save time at the airport. Visas upon arrival are also an option for people traveling from non-referral countries, which include the US, Canada, and United Kingdom; however the process can add 1-2 hours to your arrival procedures. Please refer to Tanzania’s e-visa portal for the visa application and a list of all countries from which citizens can apply for a visa on arrival.
5) Secure travel insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is compulsory for booking such an adventure. Take the time to understand the details of your travel insurance policy before you travel. It is imperative to know what your travel insurance will and will not cover during your trip.
6) Familiarize yourself with your itinerary and prep materials
Check your custom trip profile created in our specialized travel booking platform. Here you will find all information about your trip readily available, such as names of the hotels and lodges where you will be staying and transfer logistics.
Be sure to update your personal details on your ‘My Tasks’ page, such as your passport copy, diet restrictions and international flight schedule.
Don’t forget to share your trip plans with your emergency contact, too!
7) Pack a reusable water bottle
It is important to stay hydrated on your trip. Help us reduce waste and protect our planet by packing reusable water bottles, as we do not provide one-use plastic bottles. You will have access to a filtered water tap throughout your trip.
We recommend one 1-liter bottle at a minimum for safari. If trekking Kilimanjaro, you will need bottles/bladders to carry 3 liters of water at one time.
8) Be flexible and prepared
Stay on top of airport conditions and up to date on your flight departure times. The demand for travel is back in a big way and airport delays are making headlines this summer. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before your flight.
Pack essentials in your carry-on luggage, including an extra change of clothes, important prescriptions and toiletries, and extra underwear just in case your checked baggage is delayed.
9) Prepare your cash and credit cards
Carry a back-up credit/debit card. Also, notify your bank that you are traveling abroad so that your transactions are not blocked.
Major foreign currencies like the US Dollar can be exchanged for the local currency, Tanzanian shillings, when in the country. You can also withdraw local currency from ATMs in major towns like Arusha, Moshi, and Stone Town (Zanzibar).
10) Write down your ground handler’s contact number
Having your tour operators’ emergency contact readily available is important. This is the person you should alert in the event of travel delays or other issues. You can also quickly reach out if you need anything else, be it a restaurant recommendation, extra information about your tour, laundry service, etc.
These tips are essentials to check off once you have booked your trip and are counting down the days to your upcoming adventure. Contact our Trip Expert to plan your dream trip to Africa today.
