Tanzania Travel Tips

Visa And Entry Requirements:

Visas are required by most visitors to Tanzania. Visas are available at your local Tanzanian Embassy. Costs vary from country to country. Visas are valid for 6 months. It is possible, however, to obtain a tourist's visa for a single entry at any ONE of the FOUR MAIN ENTRIES into Tanzania -subject to the fulfillment of all immigration and health requirements-, for those who could NOT apply for visa from Tanzania Mission abroad. These are:

1. Dar-es-Salaam International Airport
2. Zanzibar International Airport
3. Kilimanjaro International Airport
4. Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya border point).

Payment, at all these points, is in US Dollars or its equivalent in Sterling. For all other entry points in Tanzania, visitors must hold valid visa prior to approaching those entry points in Tanzania. However, in order to avoid unnecessary delays, those who proceed to Tanzania from a country where there IS a Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office are strongly advised to obtain their entry visa prior to departure to Tanzania.

Health:

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory and must be produced at the airport upon arrival. Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side effects may lessen your chances of success on the mountain. Currently, other medication is also available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Tanzania. Woman using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics. The best way to prevent contracting Malaria is to try and avoid mosquito bites by using an effect insect repellent, by sleeping under mosquito nets and to wear proper clothing after sunset. Meningitis can be present during the dry seasons.

Immigration & Customs:

An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Tanzanian people are friendly and will always offer a helping hand.

Climate:

There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rainy period (monsoon) which runs from late March until June and a short rainy period, which runs from November until mid January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms. The short rains tend to be much less severe.

Currency:

The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but travelers checks and cash in US$ are recommended. The current exchange rate is approximately Tsh 850 = US$ 1. It is possible to change foreign currency at any Bureau de Chance, which generally give better rates than hotels and most banks. Credit cards are only accepted by the major airline companies and by most of the bigger hotels and lodges. Do not rely on credit cards as a source of cash while in Tanzania. In some cases a surcharge will be added to credit card payments. We suggest that you take sufficient travelers checks/cash and use the credit card as a back-up only.

Language:

The official languages are Ki-Swahili and English.

Insurance:

It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance which should cover baggage as well as personal accident and medical insurance and specifically covering your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Duty Free:

200 Cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 1 Litre of wine or spirits, 0.25 litres of perfume.

Electricity:

The local electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles ac. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter for your electrical appliances.

Religion:

Mainly Muslim, Christian and Traditional beliefs. Please keep in mind that you are entering a different country with strong religious customs.

Security:

As with any other town, walking alone at night is not advisable, and it is preferable to use taxis which are available at most hotels. Do not leave cash or valuables in your hotel room and use a safe deposit box.