Tanzania Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Health & Safety in Tanzania

Overall, Tanzania is considered a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is relatively rare, though isolated incidents of robbery and carjacking have been reported. Travelers should avoid walking alone at night and use registered taxis or ride-hailing services instead of public transport. Be on the lookout for petty crime, like bag snatching and tourist scams, in busy cities and popular areas.

For travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Tanzanian health and safety, you should always consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Tanzania, as well as the country-specific guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

U.S. travelers should also register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure, which will enable the State Department to reach out in case of emergencies and to send timely updates on health, weather, safety, and security in your destination.

Before traveling to Tanzania, U.S. travelers should ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, hepatitis A and B, rabies, and typhoid. If you are arriving from a high-risk country, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.

Malaria is common in Tanzania, so consider taking antimalarial medication and always use insect repellent and mosquito nets. Waterborne illnesses, such as cholera and traveler’s diarrhea, can also be concerns, making it essential to drink bottled or purified water and avoid raw or undercooked food.

Tanzania is famous for its national parks and wildlife encounters, but visitors should always follow safety guidelines and listen to advisories from local authorities to prevent dangerous animal encounters.

In forested and rural areas, insects, such as tsetse flies and mosquitoes, can pose health risks, so wearing long clothing and using insect repellent is advised. Encounters with aggressive monkeys or baboons can happen in certain areas, even ones that are well-populated by humans, and feeding wildlife should always be avoided.

Tanzania experiences occasional natural disasters, including seasonal flooding and rare earthquakes. The rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December, can cause localized flooding and travel disruptions. Coastal areas, including Zanzibar, may also experience strong storms or cyclones. Travelers should monitor weather updates, especially if visiting during these periods, and follow local advisories. Do not travel when conditions are dangerous.

Road conditions in Tanzania can vary from well maintained in major cities to hazardous and unpaved in rural areas. Traffic accidents are common due to reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles. It’s almost always safer to hire a private driver or use reputable transport services, rather than drive yourself.

If you take motorcycle taxis, known as boda bodas, always wear a helmet and be aware of the heightened risk. In general, travelers should exercise caution when using public transportation and opt for domestic flights when covering long distances.