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Before you go to Tanzania: what to know

Must know

  • Obtain a tourist visa online or on arrival at a main entry point. Government-issued inbound insurance is required for non-resident visitors; buy the scheme for your first entry point, mainland or Zanzibar.
  • Cards work in established city and tourist businesses; cash is needed in rural areas. ATMs can fail or run out of cash.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Obtain a tourist visa online or on arrival at a main entry point. Government-issued inbound insurance is required for non-resident visitors; buy the scheme for your first entry point, mainland or Zanzibar. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Tanzania Travellers Health Surveillance Form ↗ required
    Within 24 hours before travel or on arrival, under the health portal's current guidance · Travellers from or through Ebola-affected countries; UK advice describes a broader requirement, so confirm before travel

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; one blank page.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, visa.immigration.go.tz ↗, afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards work in established city and tourist businesses; cash is needed in rural areas. ATMs can fail or run out of cash.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Exporting wildlife products without a certified export permit.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Dress modestly for community and religious-site visits; ask before photographing people.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tanzaniaparks.go.tz ↗

Climate

Mainland long rains generally occur March–May and short rains November–December; local patterns and annual timing vary.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Non-residents need Tanzanian Government inbound insurance: NIC for mainland-first entry or ZIC for Zanzibar-first entry. Buy only the policy for your first port and retain personal travel insurance.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.