Tanzania Health Recommendations & Information

Last Updated: October 25, 2022.

For the latest CDC information on travel to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, please review the CDC's information directly.

Tanzania Vaccine Recommendations (Based on CDC Guidelines)

Routine Vaccinations

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Cholera

Vaccination may be considered for adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. Areas of active cholera transmission are localized to the regions of Arusha (last case reported April 2019), Dar es Salaam (last case reported July 2019), Songwe (last case reported March 2019), and Tanga (last case reported July 2019) in Tanzania. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Tanzania. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Tanzania, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
• People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
• People who are taking long trips or moving to Tanzania
• Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.¹ Generally not recommended for travelers to Tanzania. Note: Yellow fever vaccine availability in the United States is currently limited.

*Additional Vaccinations may be recommended based on traveler’s medical history

Prophylactic Medication Recommendation for Tanzania (based on CDC guidelines)

Malaria Prophylactic Medication

Atovaquone-Proguanil(Malarone), Doxycycline, Mefloquine, or Tafenoquine.  Chloroquine not recommended secondary to drug resistance.

Current Health Issues / Notifications for Tanzania

Dengue

Because dengue is spread by mosquito bites, all travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or under an insecticide-treated bed net.

COVID-19 

• Sustained community spread of respiratory illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring globally. Some countries have widespread sustained spread.
• Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and should consider postponing nonessential travel.
• Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Travelers should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
• Travelers that are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should stay home and call ahead before seeking medical care.