If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, one important health question often comes up:Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania? The answer depends on where you are traveling from, not your nationality.
Below is a clear, simple, and accurate guide to Tanzania’s yellow fever requirements.
Is Yellow Fever Present in Tanzania?
No.
Tanzania is not a yellow fever–endemic country.
However, Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.
Who Needs a Yellow Fever Vaccination to Enter Tanzania?
You MUST show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if:
You are arriving from
OR transiting (more than 12 hours) through
a yellow fever–risk country.
Common Yellow Fever–Risk Countries Include:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Senegal
- Brazil
- Colombia (Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America)
Who Does NOT Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?
You do NOT need a yellow fever vaccination if:
You are traveling directly from:
- Europe
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Middle East
- Asia
You are only transiting through a non-risk country.
Important Transit Rule (Very Important)
You WILL need a yellow fever certificate if:
- You transit through a yellow fever–risk country for more than 12 hours,
even if you don’t leave the airport.
Example:
- Europe → Kenya (15-hour layover) → Tanzania → Certificate REQUIRED
- Europe → Kenya (3-hour layover) → Tanzania → Usually NOT required
Always check your layover duration.
Yellow Fever Rules for Zanzibar
Zanzibar follows the same rules as mainland Tanzania.
Certificate required if arriving from a risk country
Not required if arriving directly from non-risk countries
Age & Medical Exemptions
Who Is Exempt?
- Children under 1 year old
- Travelers with medical contraindications
If exempt, you must carry:
- A medical exemption letter
- Signed and stamped by a certified medical professional
When Should You Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
- At least 10 days before travel
- The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination
- The vaccine provides lifetime protection
The certificate is known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) (yellow card).
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Certificate?
If required and you don’t have it:
- You may be denied entry
- You may be quarantined
- You may be vaccinated at the airport (not recommended)
This is strictly enforced at airports and border crossings.
Yellow Fever vs Malaria (Common Confusion)
| Disease | Vaccine | Required for Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Yes | Only if from risk country |
| Malaria | No | Not required (medication recommended) |
Tanzania is malaria-risk, but there is no malaria entry requirement.
Official Recommendation (Best Practice)
Even if not required:
- Consult a travel clinic
- Carry your vaccination records
- Bring your yellow card if previously vaccinated
Border rules can change, and officers may ask questions.
Quick Summary
Tanzania does not require yellow fever vaccination for all travelers
Certificate is required only if arriving from or transiting through a risk country
Zanzibar follows the same rules
Vaccine must be taken 10 days before travel
Certificate is valid for life
