Tanzania Holidays
Zanzibar's spice-scented shores and the whitest sand in East Africa. Compare flights and Zanzibar resorts for your Tanzania beach holiday.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Tanzania
Wed
Thu
Fri
SPF level in Tanzania
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Tanzania
Get a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania.
Apply for an e-visa before travel; single-entry visas are also available on arrival.
Ensure your passport expires at least 6 months after arrival and has one blank page.
Carry a return or onward ticket for border control checks.
Buy mandatory inbound insurance for your first port of entry, mainland or Zanzibar.
Good to know:
Have a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a transmission-risk country.
Declare dutiable goods and do not take wildlife products without certified permits.
Safety in Tanzania
Tanzania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid walking alone or at night, keep valuables hidden and carry a passport copy.
Use taxis arranged through your hotel or tour operator, and do not accept lifts from strangers.
In Zanzibar, dress modestly in public or risk fines of 700 US dollars or more.
During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public outside hotels and restaurants.
Do not board an overloaded or unseaworthy ferry; check the life jackets and emergency exits.
Bonus tips:
Keep drinks with you and be wary of strangers offering rides or invitations.
Use ATMs inside banks to reduce the risk of card cloning.
Saily eSIM for Tanzania
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Driving in Tanzania
A UK driving license is valid for up to six months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Tanzania drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Tanzania
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that your policy covers the activities you plan to undertake, such as trekking or safaris. It's crucial to have insurance as medical facilities can be limited in some areas, and treatment can be expensive.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Tanzania has a risk of malaria, so preventative medication is strongly recommended. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach upsets. Avoid swimming in fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. Medical facilities in major cities are adequate, but may be limited elsewhere.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in Tanzania, particularly in larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented businesses. However, cash is still widely preferred, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. It's advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Tanzania
Tipping is customary in Tanzania for various services. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation for good service. Amounts can vary depending on the quality of service and your personal discretion.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill, if service is not included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip (e.g., a few thousand TZS) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 10% for good service, especially for longer journeys or assistance with luggage.
Hotel Porter
1,000-2,000 TZS per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000-5,000 TZS per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 USD per person per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For a safari guide, consider a higher amount.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Tanzania. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 25,000 TZS (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Tanzania
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. However, internet speeds can be variable, and connectivity may be unreliable in more remote locations.
Average speed
10 Mbps
While WiFi is becoming more widespread in Tanzania, it's not as ubiquitous as in some other countries. It's advisable to check with your accommodation or establishment about WiFi availability and speeds before relying on it.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
111
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Tanzania
Country code
255
To call Tanzania from abroad, dial 255 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Umoja House, Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone
+255 22 229 0000
Website
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha Airport
Seronera Airstrip
Lake Manyara Airport
Recent updates
Health
Travellers arriving in Tanzania from Uganda no longer face heightened Ebola health screening; it remains in place for arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Entry Requirements
All visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, except residents, must now have inbound travel insurance.
You only need to buy cover for your first port of entry; insurance can be bought online or at arrival ports.
Arriving in Zanzibar requires insurance from ZIC through Visit Zanzibar, while arriving on the mainland requires insurance from NIC; other policies are not accepted.
Natural Disasters
Wildfires have been reported in the Kilimanjaro area as of 6 October.
The Rongai, Lemosho and Londorosi climbing routes are closed, with climbers redirected to alternative routes.
Follow local authorities’ instructions and contact your tour operator if you are in an affected area or have planned trips there.
Beaches in Tanzania
Nungwi Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.