Travel vaccines for Tanzania

Safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Malaria tablets are advised almost everywhere, including Zanzibar.

Vaccines for Tanzania

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Current health alerts

  • Mpox clade I outbreak ongoing. Travellers may face extra health checks at the border.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

Yellow FeverThere is only a low potential for exposure across Tanzania, so vaccination is generally not recommended. It may be considered for a small number of travellers aged 9 months to under 60 on long trips or with heavy mosquito exposure. People aged 60 or over should not be given it for travel to Tanzania. You may still need a certificate if arriving from a risk country such as Kenya.Book now: valid 10 days afterRabiesRabies has been reported in domestic animals. Information for Zanzibar is limited.Ask about a faster courseMeningitis ACWYTanzania is part of the extended meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa.Fits before you flyHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in Tanzania.Ask about a faster courseCholeraAsk about a faster courseChikungunyaThere is a risk on the mainland. Vaccination is not usually recommended for Zanzibar, where cases have not been reported.Fits before you flyDengueAsk about a faster course
PolioVaccine-derived poliovirus (type 2) is circulating. A booster is advised for some travellers, such as health workers, if they have not had one in the past 12 months. No polio certificate is required.
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
  • Since 1 October 2024 visitors to Zanzibar must buy mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

Malaria

High risk. Tablets are recommended.

  • High risk in all areas below 1,800 metres, including Zanzibar: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended.
  • No risk above 1,800 metres: bite avoidance only.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Altitude

Mount Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895 metres.

Schistosomiasis

Present in fresh water. Avoid swimming or wading in lakes and rivers.

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Dengue and other insect-borne infections

Avoid bites day and night.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about Tanzania

What vaccines do I need for Tanzania?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Tanzania?+

High risk. Tablets are recommended. High risk in all areas below 1,800 metres, including Zanzibar: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended. No risk above 1,800 metres: bite avoidance only.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country. Since 1 October 2024 visitors to Zanzibar must buy mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for Tanzania?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813