Jump to Section
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South Africans do not require a visa if intending to stay for a maximum of up to 90 days, provided that the passport is valid for six months from date of entry. Otherwise, a visa is required for longer stays. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination. Read More
Passport/Visa Note:
Most visitors entering Tanzania require a visa. Passports must contain one unused visa page. Visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar airports, costing between US$ 50 and US$ 200 depending on nationality, payable in cash. Visa must be paid with notes of US $50 or US $100.
All visitors also require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Tropical in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar between 25 °C – 35 °C. Mildly cool on the safari circuit as low as 10⁰ in the evenings and early mornings but warm during the day. April and May is the rainy season..
The best time to travel is between 01 June and 15 February.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Tanzania |
| Capital City: | Dodoma – political capital Dar es Salaam – commercial capital |
| International Airports: | Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR) Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Area: | 945,000 km² |
| Population: | 45 million |
| Time Zone: | GMT +3 |
| Religion: | Equal split between Christianity and Islam with various other minority faiths. |
| Language: | Kiswahili. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. |
| Currency: | Tanzanian Shilling (US Dollars are widely accepted) |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. There is typically a 5% credit card transaction fee. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Arusha – yes, Dar es Salaam – yes, Zanzibar – only in Stone Town (Close to airport and cultural areas of interest). There are no ATM’s near the beach resorts. |
| Dialling Code: | +255 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220v |
| Water: | It is advisable to drink only bottled or distilled water. |
| Business Hours: | Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 |
| Banking Hours: | Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 |
| Photography Restrictions: | Allowed at tourist sites but prohibited at airport/military/police/security |
| Tipping: | It is customary to tip people, around 5% of service value at restaurants, for porters $1, for guides about $3-$5 per client per day. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Vaccination against yellow fever if passing via an infected area. It is advisable to start taking anti-malaria tablets before arrival, and for the duration of your stay as prescribed by your Doctor. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Flexible at beach resorts and safari lodges. Modest dressing encouraged when in Zanzibar, Stone Town or any urban areas.Tops should cover shoulders and shorts/skirts should be below the knees. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Use of only right hand to shake, greet, receive etc |
FESTIVALS
- Wanyambo Festival – early January
- Sauti za Busara Festival – February
- Kilimanjaro Marathon – March
- Nyama Choma Festival – March
- Unification Day – 26 April
- Karibu Travel and Tourism fair – June
- Festival of the Dhow Countries- July
- Zanzibar International Film Festival – July
- Mwaka Kogwa Festival – Third week of July
- Serengeti Cultural Festival – July
- Bagamoyo Arts Festival – October
- Goat Races – October
- Swahili Fashion Week – November/ December
- Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival – November / December
MAP
“Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake”