Tanzania Visa & Health Requirements
Visa types, vaccination requirements, altitude sickness prevention, and travel insurance — everything you need before you fly.
Tanzania eVisa Types
Tanzania requires a visa for most nationalities. The eVisa system (visa.immigration.go.tz) is the easiest way to apply. Process your visa at least 2–4 weeks before travel — do not leave it to the last minute.
| Visa Type | Cost | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $50 | 90 days | Most Kilimanjaro climbers need this. Allows one entry into Tanzania. Sufficient for a climb + safari combination. |
| Multiple Entry | $100 | Up to 1 year | Required if your itinerary includes crossing into Kenya or Zanzibar and returning to mainland Tanzania on separate bookings. |
| Transit | $30 | 7 days | Only for passing through Tanzania en route to another country. Not suitable for climbing Kilimanjaro. |
What You Need to Apply
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival
- Passport-sized digital photo (white background)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or our itinerary confirmation)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
- Credit or debit card for online payment
- Completed online application at visa.immigration.go.tz
- Travel insurance documentation (recommended to upload)
Yellow Fever Certificate
Tanzania requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). This is checked at immigration on arrival.
Important: Even if not strictly required for your nationality, we strongly recommend getting the Yellow Fever vaccine. It provides lifetime protection, and requirements can change without notice. Some airlines and transit countries also require proof of vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic 8–12 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses over several weeks.
| Vaccination | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required | Mandatory if arriving from endemic country. Lifetime protection after single dose. |
| Hepatitis A | Recommended | Spread through contaminated food and water. Two doses for lifetime protection. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended | Spread through blood and bodily fluids. Three-dose series over 6 months. |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Spread through contaminated food and water. Single injection, boosted every 2 years. |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Recommended | Check your booster is current (every 10 years). Essential for any outdoor travel. |
| Rabies | Consider | Pre-exposure series recommended if travelling to remote areas. Three-dose course. |
| Cholera | Consider | Oral vaccine. Low risk for most travellers but recommended if visiting rural communities. |
| Meningitis | Consider | Recommended during dry season when outbreaks are more common. |
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in Tanzania, particularly in low-lying areas. On Kilimanjaro itself, the risk decreases significantly above 2,000m as mosquitoes cannot survive at altitude. However, you will spend time at lower elevations before and after your climb — in Moshi (800m), Arusha, or on safari.
On the Mountain
Minimal risk above 2,000m. Mosquitoes are virtually absent at high altitude camps. However, the first day through the rainforest zone (1,800–2,800m) may have some exposure, particularly in the wet season.
Pre & Post Climb
This is where the real risk lies. Moshi, Arusha, and safari destinations are malaria areas. Take prophylaxis for the entire duration of your trip, including the required period after returning home. Options include Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine.
Physical Protection
Use DEET-based insect repellent (30-50%) on exposed skin at dusk and dawn. Sleep under treated mosquito nets at hotels. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings. Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is the primary health concern on Kilimanjaro. It can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness, or previous altitude experience. Understanding the three forms and their symptoms is essential for a safe climb.
AMS — Acute Mountain Sickness
Mild to Moderate- Headache (the hallmark symptom)
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
Choose a 7-9 day route for proper acclimatisation. Hydrate 3-4 litres daily. Walk slowly (pole pole). Consider Diamox prophylaxis after consulting your doctor.
HACE — High Altitude Cerebral Edema
Serious — Emergency- Severe headache unresponsive to painkillers
- Confusion and disorientation
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Altered consciousness or hallucinations
HACE is AMS that has progressed. Immediate descent is the only treatment. Our guides perform coordination tests (heel-to-toe walk) daily. Early detection and descent prevents progression.
HAPE — High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Life-Threatening — Emergency- Breathlessness at rest (not just during exertion)
- Persistent dry cough, progressing to frothy/pink sputum
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Gurgling or rattling sound when breathing
HAPE is fluid accumulation in the lungs. It can develop rapidly, sometimes overnight. Immediate descent and supplemental oxygen are critical. Our guides carry emergency oxygen on every trek.
Travel Insurance
Altitude Evacuation Coverage is Mandatory
Standard travel insurance does not cover Kilimanjaro. You need a policy that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking above 4,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m. We will ask for proof of insurance before your climb.
What Your Policy MUST Cover
- High-altitude trekking up to 6,000m
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical treatment and hospital admission in Tanzania
- Repatriation to your home country
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
What to Check
- No altitude exclusion clause (many policies cap at 3,000-4,000m)
- Coverage includes Tanzania specifically
- 24-hour emergency assistance phone line
- Policy is valid for the full duration of your trip
- Activities are listed as 'trekking' not just 'walking holidays'
General Health Tips for Climbers
Pre-Climb Check-Up
Visit your doctor 8-12 weeks before departure. Discuss Diamox, altitude risks, and any pre-existing conditions. Bring a medical letter if you take regular medication. Carry enough medication for your entire trip plus spare days.
Dental Check
Get a dental check-up before you travel. Altitude changes can aggravate existing dental problems, and tooth pain at 5,000m with no dentist is miserable. Fillings and pressure changes do not mix well.
Water & Food Hygiene
Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water. Our mountain crew boils all drinking water. At hotels in Moshi and Arusha, stick to bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks, unpeeled fruit, and street food before your climb.
First Aid Kit
Carry a personal kit: painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen), anti-diarrhoea tablets, blister plasters, rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication. Our guides carry a comprehensive kit, but having your own basics avoids delays.
Sun Exposure
UV radiation at 5,000m+ is severe. Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours, including ears, nose, neck, and the backs of hands. Lip balm with SPF prevents painful cracked lips. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses continuously above the tree line.
Rest Before Your Climb
Arrive in Tanzania at least one day before your climb starts. Jet lag and sleep deprivation worsen altitude sickness. Use the pre-climb day to hydrate, eat well, and adjust to the time zone. Avoid alcohol the night before.