The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has recently released an updated travel advisory, Travel Advisory No. 12, that lifts entry requirements for all travelers.
The key takeaway from this recent update: There is no longer any requirement to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen test before or upon arrival.
Below are the most important excerpts for tourists entering Tanzania, effective 12th January 2023 [H2]:
1) “All travelers entering or leaving the United Republic of Tanzania through land borders, sea/lake ports, or airports are advised to be fully vaccinated as per the approved schedule of primary vaccination against COVID-19 in their respective countries.”
2) “All travelers entering or transiting the United Republic of Tanzania through land borders, sea, or airports are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or RT-PCR certificate or perform Rapid Antigen Test on arrival unless stated otherwise by conveyance to be used or country of their final destination. However, for surveillance purposes, Port Health Officials may at any time perform a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test free of charge for randomly selected travelers during arrival at points of entry.”
Download the full United Republic of Tanzania Travel advisory No. 12 of 12th January 2023 here.
What are the travel requirements for arriving in Zanzibar?
Please note Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. They have some different regulations, but Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania together make up the United Republic of Tanzania. Therefore, if you are traveling between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar Island, it is considered domestic travel and you are not subjected to any of the Covid-19 travel rules.
Below are the most important excerpts for tourists entering Zanzibar as the first point of entry into Tanzania. These are effective from 01st February 2023.
1) “All travelers entering, including returning residents, or transiting Zanzibar through seaports or airports, are advised to be fully vaccinated as per the schedule of primary vaccination against COVID-19 in their respective countries. The only accepted vaccines are those approved by WHO and recognized locally as listed at www.mohz.go.tz.”
2) “All travelers entering including returning residents or transiting Zanzibar through seaports or airports are NOT required to present COVID-19 vaccination certificates or RT-PCR certificates or perform Rapid Antigen test on arrival unless stated otherwise by conveyance to be used or by country of their final destination. However, for surveillance purposes, Port Health Officials may at any time perform COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test free of charge for randomly selected travelers upon arrival at the port of entry.”
3) “Upon arrival, all traveler’s temperature will be assessed through a walking thermos-scan and any travelers found to be symptomatic during screening will be immediately isolated and handled in accordance to local health guidelines for travelers.”
Download the full Zanzibar Travel Advisory No. 15 advisory of 1st February 2023 here.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ME TO TRAVEL TO TANZANIA?
With this new advisory, you are not required to be vaccinated to travel to Tanzania but are advised to. If you have been vaccinated, make sure to carry your proof of vaccination with you along with your other travel documents.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
First, please review your home country’s specific requirements for re-entry after your trip. All countries have different requirements for testing and they change often.
Second, regularly check with your flight carrier for their terms and conditions and the requirements for all countries along your journey, including countries through which you will transit. Pristine Trails will not be responsible for guests who are not permitted to travel due to failure to comply with travel requirements.
CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST IN TANZANIA BEFORE RETURNING HOME?
Yes. Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has designated testing sites at health centers and mobile clinics in major towns and cities (such as Moshi, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Pemba). Available tests are RT-PCR at a base cost of TZS 115,000 ($50) or Rapid Antigen Test at a base cost of TZS 23,000 ($10).
If you need a test before leaving Tanzania, our staff will assist you in determining which date and testing center is most convenient for your itinerary and will assist in completing the online booking form and making your payment ahead of time.
