Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Tanzania & Zanzibar
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and the beaches of Zanzibar — here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Tanzania, including Yellow Fever and malaria.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
For Tanzania, most travellers are advised to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid, with a combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio booster if you're not up to date. Depending on your trip, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Chikungunya may also be recommended. Antimalarial tablets are advised for nearly all trips, and a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you arrive from or transit a country with yellow fever risk.
These recommendations are a general guide based on UK travel health advice from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC). Whether you're heading for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro or the beaches of Zanzibar, we'll confirm exactly what you need — including the right malaria tablets for your route — at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Yellow Fever (if needed) must be given at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid, and malaria tablets may need starting before you go. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway — we'll do what we can.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Tanzania
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for nearly all trips.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers to Tanzania.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Yellow Fever (including certificate)
Certificate rule
A certificate is required if you arrive from — or transit — a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccine is also advised for some travellers; we'll confirm and issue the certificate.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Often advised — rabies is present and medical help can be far away on safari.
Chikungunya
Some travellers
Spread by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes and reported in Tanzania. A newer vaccine may be considered for some travellers — bite avoidance remains key.
Cholera
Some travellers
An oral vaccine is considered for higher-risk trips; safe food and water habits remain the main protection.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue occurs in Tanzania. The dengue vaccine may be considered for travellers aged 4 and over who have had a previous, laboratory-confirmed dengue infection — bite avoidance remains essential for everyone.
Measles (MMR)
Some travellers
Make sure you have had two documented doses of MMR, as measles still circulates in many regions.
Meningitis
Some travellers
Advised for risk areas, and required for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
BCG is usually only relevant for longer stays or close community contact, typically younger travellers who have not had it before.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Tanzania requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Tanzania
Tanzania only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk, and airport layovers over 12 hours in a risk country count. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Tanzania itself — this rule exists purely to stop the virus being carried in from elsewhere.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria in Tanzania and Zanzibar
Malaria risk is present across almost all of Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar, so antimalarial tablets are recommended for nearly all trips. Risk is lower only at high altitude (e.g. higher on Kilimanjaro). We'll recommend the most suitable tablets for your itinerary.
- Antimalarial tablets advised for safari and Zanzibar beach trips
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets
- Seek urgent medical help for any fever during or after your trip
FAQ
Tanzania travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Tanzania or Zanzibar?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll sort your vaccinations, Yellow Fever certificate and malaria tablets for your trip.