Tanzania Travel Essentials

Tourist visa basics: visa validity and 90 days, single entry and multiple entry

A standard single entry tourist visa is commonly valid for up to 90 days from the date you enter, although officers decide the period granted at the border and it may be shorter than the maximum. The visa validity and 90 days figure is a ceiling, not a promise, so plan your itinerary around the dates actually stamped in your passport or shown on your approval.

Single entry means that once you leave Tanzania, the visa is used. If you cross into Kenya for a day and plan to return, you will normally need a multiple entry visa or a new single entry visa, so decide this before you apply. Check the type carefully on the application form because correcting a wrong choice later can be slow.

• Single entry: one entry, then the visa is finished.
• Multiple entry: allows several entries within its validity, where it is offered for your nationality.
• Validity of a visa and length of stay are not always the same thing, so read your approval and the stamp in your passport.
• Never overstay: fines, delays and future entry problems can follow.

Applying at airports and land borders

Most safari and Kilimanjaro travellers arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, between Arusha and Moshi. Others use Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Zanzibar. All three commonly handle visa and immigration checks, but queue times vary a lot with the number of arriving flights.

Land crossings are also used, especially by overland travellers from Kenya. Namanga is the usual crossing between Nairobi and Arusha, and Holili is used on the Moshi side near Taveta. There are other Kilimanjaro-Arusha border points in general, and opening hours, payment methods and procedures can differ, so confirm arrangements before relying on a particular post. Carry some US dollars in case a card machine is not working, and ask the officer for a receipt.

• Airports: expect immigration, possible biometrics and a customs check.
• Land borders: allow extra time, have documents ready and pay only official charges.
• Zanzibar entry: a Tanzanian visa generally covers the islands, but you may pass through immigration checks again when travelling between the mainland and Zanzibar, so keep your passport and approval handy.

Extending a visa and what to do if refused

If you need extending a visa, apply to the immigration office before the current permission ends, not afterwards. Offices exist in major towns, including Arusha, and you should expect to show your passport, a reason for the extension and possibly payment of a fee. Extensions are granted at the discretion of officers and are not guaranteed.

If your application is delayed or refused, stay calm. Read any message from the portal carefully, correct obvious errors such as a misspelt name or an unreadable scan, and contact the official helpdesk or your embassy. Do not buy non-refundable bookings until you have an approval. We can usually adjust the start of your safari if your entry date changes, but we cannot overturn a decision.

Customs rules and prohibited items

Tanzania has a long-standing plastic bags ban. Single-use plastic carrier bags have been banned from entering the country, so pack toiletries and shoes in cloth or reusable bags and remove duty-free plastic bags before landing. Zip-top toiletry bags are commonly tolerated, but rules can be applied strictly, so keep them minimal.

Other restrictions you should know about include the following. Check each against the official guidance for your travel date.

• Drones need permits. Bringing a drone without authorisation can lead to confiscation, and flying in national parks is regulated, so ask before packing one.
• Camouflage clothing is restricted. Military-style camouflage patterns may be refused or confiscated, so choose plain khaki, olive or neutral colours instead.
• E-cigarettes and vapes in general are subject to restrictions, and some may be prohibited. Check current rules before bringing one.
• Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Do not carry any item for another person.
• Wildlife products, ivory, shells and coral should never be bought or exported.
• Weapons, ammunition and some radio equipment need advance permission.

Health requirements and vaccination certificates

The yellow fever certificate is the document most often asked for at the border. It is commonly required for travellers arriving from or transiting certain countries where yellow fever is present. Whether you need one depends on your route, not only your nationality, so check with your airline and a travel clinic.

For other health matters, such as malaria prevention, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid and routine vaccines, speak to a doctor or travel nurse several weeks before departure. We cannot give medical advice, but we can tell you what the trip involves, for example altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro or hot days on safari.

• Keep vaccination records in a folder with your passport.
• Ask your clinic for the official yellow card, and check that your name matches your passport.
• Take any malaria tablets exactly as advised by your doctor.

Travel with prescription medicines, photocopies and digital backups

Carry prescription medicines in your hand luggage in the original packaging with the pharmacy label. Bring a doctor's letter that names the medicine, the dose and the condition it treats, particularly for strong painkillers, injections, needles or controlled substances. Check the official rules for your specific medicines before travelling.

Make photocopies of your passport photo page, visa approval, insurance policy and tickets, and keep them apart from the originals. Save digital backups in email or secure cloud storage that you can reach if your phone is lost. Share a copy with someone at home.

Departure procedure and airport departure tax

On departure, arrive at the airport early, check in, pass security and then immigration, where your exit is recorded. Airport charges are commonly included in your ticket price, but confirm with your airline whether any departure tax must be paid separately at your airport.

Spend or exchange leftover Tanzanian shillings before leaving where possible, keep any receipts for large purchases and avoid carrying wildlife products or restricted souvenirs. Safari-goers should also check luggage weight limits for small aircraft.

Flights from your home region (general guidance)

There is no single correct routing, and airlines change what they offer from year to year. The notes below describe how travellers have commonly flown, with a hedge: check current schedules and fares yourself before you commit.

Flights from the UK commonly connect through hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Dubai, and the journey is usually a one-stop itinerary of roughly 10 to 14 hours in the air plus layover time. Flights from the USA and flights from Canada usually involve a connection in Europe, the Gulf or Addis Ababa, with a long total journey of around 20 hours or more door to door. Flights from Europe are typically shorter, often one stop through Amsterdam, Istanbul or a Gulf hub. Airlines have commonly served Tanzania from these hubs, though schedules vary by season.

Flights from Australia generally connect via the Gulf, Singapore or Johannesburg, and the total travel time is long, so many travellers plan an overnight stop. Flights from India and flights from the Middle East are comparatively short, with connections through Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa or Nairobi common. Flights from South Africa usually connect via Johannesburg, and a direct or one-stop routing is often available depending on the season. Approximate flight times vary widely with routing and layovers, so use them only as a rough guide.

Open-jaw flights and connecting through Nairobi

An open-jaw ticket means arriving in one airport and departing from another. For example, you might fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, finish with a beach stay and depart from Zanzibar. This avoids retracing your steps and can save a day. Compare the cost against a return ticket from a single airport, as open-jaw fares are sometimes higher and sometimes the same.

Connecting through Nairobi is a common choice because of the number of long haul services to Kenya. If your final ticket is to Nairobi, you can continue to Tanzania by a connecting flight or by a shuttle and road transfer through the Namanga border post. Allow most of a day for the road option, carry your passport and any visa documents, and check border opening hours and entry rules before you travel.

• A single ticket to Kilimanjaro avoids the border crossing.
• Separate tickets mean you carry the risk of missed connections, so leave generous time between flights.
• If you land in Nairobi late, an overnight stay there may be wiser than a night drive.

Timing your flight around your safari or climb

Overnight arrivals are common at Kilimanjaro. Many flights land late in the evening or after midnight, which is fine if your hotel is booked from the night before. Tell us if you will land very late so your driver and your accommodation are ready, and consider arriving a day early before a Kilimanjaro climb so that a delayed bag or missed connection does not cost you your start date.

When travelling with a Kilimanjaro climb, build in a spare day at each end. Your departure should be at least a day after you expect to finish the descent, since weather or a slow summit day can shift timings. For a safari, a first night of rest in Arusha helps with jet lag, which is modest because Tanzania sits on East Africa Time (UTC+3), only a few hours ahead of the UK and Europe.

Travelling with children, loyalty miles and comfort

Travelling with children on long haul flights goes more smoothly with a daytime connection where possible, snacks, entertainment and a simple routine. Ask about child fares and infant rules when you book, and remember that car seats for the airport transfer can be requested in advance.

• Loyalty miles: if you collect miles with an airline group, check whether your routing earns them before you choose between hubs.
• Seat selection: window seats are useful for a first view of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
• Jet lag: a short walk in daylight on arrival and an early night usually help more than anything else.

Meet and greet, name board and flight monitoring

Meet and greet means a driver is waiting for you at the airport rather than leaving you to find a taxi. The name board makes it easy to spot your driver among the crowd. If you cannot see anyone, wait in the arrivals hall and call the number you were sent.

We monitor flights wherever possible, so a delay does not mean you are left waiting alone. Flight monitoring is not a guarantee, however, because information is sometimes slow to update, so tell us directly if your flight changes. For late arrivals and overnight arrivals, let us know in advance so your driver and hotel are prepared. If your flight lands in the small hours, an arrival-night booking from the night before avoids a stressful check-in.

Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar transfers

Dar es Salaam transfers depend heavily on traffic. The airport is close to the city centre, but congestion at rush hour can double the time. If you are catching a ferry to Zanzibar, plan to arrive at the port well ahead of departure and keep your tickets and passport handy.

Zanzibar airport transfers are generally short to Stone Town, and longer to resorts on the north and east coasts. Roads on the island are mixed, so allow extra time after rain. Tell us your hotel name in advance so your driver knows the exact address, since several beach areas have similar names.

Nairobi to Arusha: shuttle and road transfer

Some travellers land in Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and continue to Arusha by road. The route crosses the Namanga border post, where you complete exit and entry formalities. Plan for a long day, carry your passport and visa documents, and check border hours before you set off.

A private road transfer is more flexible than a shared shuttle because it can wait during border formalities and make comfort stops. Note that both Kenyan and Tanzanian officials may check documents, and queues vary. If your flight reaches Nairobi late, an overnight stay there is often wiser than a night drive.

Luggage, car seats, roads and safety

Luggage is loaded by your driver, and vehicles are planned around your party size, so tell us if you have extra bags such as camera cases, golf clubs or Kilimanjaro duffel bags. Car seats for children can be requested ahead of time, which is much easier than trying to arrange one on arrival.

Road conditions are generally good on the main route from the airport to Arusha, though you may meet speed bumps, livestock, pedestrians and slow lorries. Night driving needs extra care. Wear seatbelts, keep valuables out of sight and keep your phone with you rather than in the boot.

• Keep your passport and valuables in your carry-on.
• Confirm your hotel name before you leave the airport.
• Tipping in general is appreciated but never obligatory; ask us for current guidance on what is customary.

Your first night and the start of your safari or climb

Accommodation on arrival night is strongly recommended for most itineraries. A night in Arusha or Moshi lets you rest, repack and meet your guide for a briefing before your safari or Kilimanjaro climb begins. If your flight lands very late, the first night may be short, so we plan the next morning with a gentle start.

On the morning of your safari or climb, your driver or guide collects you from the hotel at the agreed time. For a Kilimanjaro climb, this might be a drive to the gate on the mountain. For a safari, it may be the first leg towards Tarangire, Lake Manyara or the Serengeti.

Health first: talk to a travel clinic early

Book an appointment with your doctor or a travel clinic, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations need more than one dose, and some medicines need to be started before you travel. A clinician who knows your medical history is the right person to decide what suits you; we cannot give medical advice and nothing here replaces it.

Ask about routine vaccinations to be up to date, such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles, mumps and rubella. Travellers to Tanzania also commonly discuss hepatitis A and typhoid, and depending on your plans and circumstances, other vaccines may come up in the conversation. Bring your itinerary so the clinic can see whether you are visiting Arusha, the northern safari circuit, the southern parks, Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.

• Take a printed list of the places you will visit and the dates.
• Mention any existing conditions, allergies and regular medications.
• Ask whether you will need to carry a letter for prescription medicines.
• Keep a copy of your vaccination record with your travel documents.

Health checks before Kilimanjaro

If you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, tell your doctor your route and that the summit, Uhuru Peak, is 5,895 m. Ask for a health check that covers your heart, lungs, blood pressure and any medication you take. Altitude sickness basics are worth learning: headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep can be early signs, and a slow pace, steady hydration and honest reporting to your guide are the foundation of a safe climb.

Ask your doctor whether medication for altitude is appropriate for you; do not take anything without advice. Fitness matters too. Build up with regular hikes, stair climbing or hill walking for several months, ideally with a loaded daypack and the boots you will wear on the mountain. Our Kilimanjaro guide explains routes, pacing and acclimatisation in more detail.

Travel insurance for safari and Kilimanjaro

Take out comprehensive travel insurance when you book, so that cancellation cover applies from the start. A sensible policy covers emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, and lost baggage. Remote parks can be hours from a hospital, so evacuation cover matters.

If you are climbing, read the small print. Your policy must cover trekking up to 5,895 m, because many standard policies stop at a lower altitude. Check any exclusions for pre-existing conditions and keep your policy number and emergency phone line somewhere easy to find.

• Medical cover with evacuation by air where necessary
• Cancellation and curtailment cover
• Cover for baggage, passports and equipment
• Altitude cover to 5,895 m for Kilimanjaro
• Cover for any adventure activities you plan, such as hot air balloon flights or diving

What to pack for safari and Kilimanjaro

Pack light and in layers. For what to pack for safari, choose neutral clothing colours such as khaki, olive and beige, avoiding bright colours, and pack long sleeves for sun and insects, a warm layer for cool early mornings, a hat, sturdy walking shoes and sunglasses. Light aircraft flights often have strict luggage limits, so use soft bags rather than hard suitcases; they fit better in vehicles and small aeroplane holds.

Packing for Kilimanjaro is different: you will need a layered system from base layers to a down jacket, waterproofs, broken-in boots, gloves, a warm hat and a headtorch. See our packing guide and our Kilimanjaro guide for detailed lists, and do not buy new boots just before you fly.

• Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries
• A reusable water bottle
• Any prescribed medicines in hand luggage
• Basic first aid kit contents: plasters, antiseptic wipes, rehydration salts, pain relief, antihistamines, blister care and any items your doctor recommends
• Plastic bags are banned in national parks, so use cloth or reusable bags

Culture, safety and responsible travel

Tanzanians are welcoming, and a few courtesies go a long way. Greet people before asking a question; a simple jambo or hujambo is appreciated. Swahili and English are the main languages used in tourism, and learning a few phrases is always welcome. Dress modestly in towns and villages, with shoulders and knees covered, and respect local customs.

On Zanzibar, which is predominantly Muslim, cultural etiquette matters more still. Cover up away from the beach, avoid swimwear in Stone Town, respect prayer times and take care during Ramadan with eating, drinking and public displays of affection. Ask permission before photographing people, avoid photographing government buildings and officials, and never pay for a photo without agreeing a price first. Drones need permits, so leave yours at home unless you have arranged permission.

For safety tips, use common sense: keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night in towns, use reputable transport and keep copies of documents. Responsible and ethical travel means choosing operators who respect wildlife and communities, keeping distance from animals, taking all litter out, avoiding single-use plastic, buying local crafts fairly and supporting community projects. Tipping customs are generally appreciated for guides, drivers and camp staff; we explain this in the payments section without fixed amounts.

Why we ask for a deposit

A booking deposit is not simply a fee; it is what lets us commit to suppliers on your behalf. Deposits secure camps, lodges, vehicles, flights and permits, many of which have their own payment and cancellation deadlines. In the high season, popular camps in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire can sell out months ahead, so a prompt deposit protects your dates.

The final balance covers the remainder of those arrangements. Paying it by the due date means everything is confirmed before you travel, and you can concentrate on preparing rather than worrying about payments.

Currency conversion, exchange rates and bank fees

Our prices are in US dollars. If your bank account is in another currency, the exchange rate on the day of your transfer decides what you actually pay, so check rates before you send and consider asking your bank for a fixed rate. Banks often charge bank fees for international transfers, and sometimes an intermediary bank charges too. You are responsible for ensuring the full invoiced amount arrives, so ask your bank whether you can cover all fees from your side.

For foreign exchange tips, compare your bank with a specialist transfer service, avoid exchanging cash at airports where rates are poor, and keep proof of the exchange rate. If you use a card, your card issuer may add a foreign transaction fee, so check your terms.

Insurance, group bookings and special arrangements

Buy travel insurance soon after you pay your deposit. It should cover cancellation, medical costs and evacuation, and for a Kilimanjaro climb it must cover trekking to 5,895 m. Insurance protects you where our refund terms cannot, for example if illness stops you from travelling.

For group bookings, tell us at the start who is paying. We can invoice one lead booker or issue separate invoices, but each person's payment must be clear, and a group deposit is due on acceptance like any other. If someone drops out, the cancellation terms in our Booking Terms still apply to the booking, so agree among yourselves how to share any cost.

Payment plans are sometimes asked about. Any arrangement different from the standard schedule must be agreed in writing before it takes effect; we cannot promise it, and nothing is agreed unless confirmed in writing.

What happens if a payment is late

If the balance has not arrived by the due date, we will contact you quickly. We may be unable to hold your camps, lodges or flights, and if the delay continues we may have to treat the booking as cancelled under our Booking Terms. If you expect a delay, tell us early so we can see what is possible. Receipts and written confirmations are issued for every payment, and you should keep invoices and receipts together with your itinerary, along with your payment timeline.

Why a call helps

Reading about Tanzania is useful, but how to plan a Tanzania trip is a different question for every traveller. The right park depends on the month, the length of your stay, how much driving you will accept and what you most want to see. A conversation settles these points faster than a long email thread.

A call also lets you judge us. You can hear how we answer, what we recommend against, and whether the tailor-made safari we describe sounds like the trip you want. That is a fair thing to expect before you share dates or pay a deposit.

• Compare seasons and parks against your actual travel dates
• Hear trade-offs openly, including where a route is too rushed
• Get a rough sense of cost before a formal safari quote
• Decide whether Kilimanjaro, a safari, Zanzibar or a combination suits you

Best times to call from different regions

These are general suggestions rather than fixed rules, and we will work around you. Our working day in Arusha usually suits an early morning call in Europe, which is mid morning to lunchtime in East Africa. Travellers in the United States often find an early morning call, before work, lines up with our afternoon or early evening.

From the Gulf, India and Singapore, an afternoon or evening call in your own time is normally fine. From Australia, an evening call at home matches our morning. If you are unsure, suggest two or three options and we will pick the one that works.

Prepare your questions

Good questions make a short call far more useful. These questions to ask a safari operator are worth raising with us, and with anyone else you are comparing.

• What exactly is included in the price, and what is not?
• How many people share a safari vehicle, and is a window seat guaranteed?
• What are the park fees, and are they inside the quote?
• How does the payment schedule work, and what happens if plans change?
• What is the realistic season for what I most want to see?
• How will you look after us if someone is unwell on the trip?

What you receive afterwards, and your privacy

After the call you receive a written proposal covering the route, accommodation, transfers, activities, inclusions, exclusions and the total price. It forms the basis for any custom itinerary changes, and we are happy to revise the proposal more than once.

What you tell us on the call, including health or mobility details, is used only to plan your trip. Please read our Privacy Policy for how we handle personal information, and tell us if you would rather not share something by message.

Prefer not to call?

You can reach us on WhatsApp at +255 682 044 971 or by email at info@theexpeditiontourstz.com, or start with the trip planner on this site and tell us what you have in mind. Many travellers begin in writing and book a call later, and either route is fine.