Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements for Tanzania
Yellow Fever vaccination requirements vary depending on the country you are traveling from. Travelers arriving from countries that are not considered Yellow Fever risk areas, including most European countries, the United States, and parts of Asia, are generally not required to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate when entering Tanzania.
Tanzania is not considered a Yellow Fever endemic country. However, because mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present, there is a potential risk if the virus is introduced into the country.
Travelers arriving from Yellow Fever risk countries are required to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Tanzania.
If you are traveling from a non-risk country but transit through a Yellow Fever risk country, you generally do not need a vaccination certificate if you remain within the airport transit area and your transit period is less than 12 hours.
Travelers who are required to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate but cannot provide a valid certificate may be refused entry, vaccinated upon arrival, and placed under public health observation for up to 10 days.
When Should I Get the Yellow Fever Vaccination?
The Yellow Fever vaccine is administered as a single dose and should be given at least 10 days before entering Tanzania. A single dose generally provides long-lasting, potentially lifelong protection against Yellow Fever.
Travelers who are medically exempt from vaccination, as well as certain age groups such as infants under one year and adults over 60, should consult a qualified medical professional before traveling. If symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain develop, seek medical attention promptly.
Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination to Travel Between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
If you arrive in mainland Tanzania for a safari and then travel to Zanzibar for a beach holiday, you are generally not required to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, as Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are both part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Likewise, travelers arriving in Zanzibar and then continuing to mainland Tanzania generally do not need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate solely because they are traveling between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
However, vaccination requirements can depend on your travel history, particularly the countries you have recently visited or transited through. We recommend checking the latest requirements with an official health authority or your airline before traveling.
For the latest Yellow Fever travel information and vaccination guidance, visit the CDC Yellow Fever information page.