Traveling to Tanzania means immersing yourself fully in African nature, with everything that entails. Taking care of your health before you leave is just as important as choosing your destination. In this guide you'll find everything you need to know about vaccines for traveling to Tanzania: which ones are mandatory, which are recommended, and what other health precautions you should keep in mind.
Vaccines Required to Travel to Tanzania
Tanzania does not require any mandatory vaccines for most travelers. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required of any tourist arriving from an endemic country, or who has made a layover of 12 hours or more in one of those countries.
Yellow fever endemic countries are divided into two regions:
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Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
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Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad only), and Venezuela.
Recommended Vaccines for Tanzania
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all travelers be up to date on the following vaccines before traveling to Tanzania:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Flu (influenza)
- MMR vaccine: measles, mumps, and rubella
- Polio. There is currently a Level 2 alert (enhanced precautions) due to active circulation of the poliovirus. Getting vaccinated before your trip is essential.
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Cholera
Other Health Recommendations for Traveling to Tanzania
Beyond vaccines, there are other health risks you should be aware of before traveling to Tanzania. Many diseases in the country are transmitted through insect bites, water, or contact with animals, and not all of them have an available vaccine.
Protection Against Insects
Mosquitoes are the main disease vectors in Tanzania and can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and other infections. Flies and ticks also pose a risk worth considering.
To reduce the risk of bites, follow these recommendations:
- Use a high-efficacy insect repellent and apply it several times a day.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in natural areas.
- Choose accommodations with mosquito nets on beds and windows, or with air conditioning.
- If you get a bite, don't scratch the area. Bring an antihistamine or anti-itch cream.
Malaria: Mandatory Prophylaxis
Malaria is endemic in Tanzania and there is no vaccine available for travelers. It is essential to consult a doctor before your trip to get the appropriate antimalarial medication. Some treatments must be started days or weeks before arriving in the country, so make sure to consult your doctor well in advance.
Wild Animals
Wild animals can transmit diseases such as rabies. Avoid any direct contact with animals, especially if you cannot verify their health status.
Water and Aquatic Environments
Avoid contact with fresh water that may be contaminated, whether for swimming, drinking, or even touching it. Exposure to this type of water can carry a risk of leptospirosis and schistosomiasis, two diseases present in the region.
