Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTI persons. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
(255) 22-229-4122; EMER: +(255) 22-229-4000, dial '1' for an emergency operator; US Embassy Dar Es Salaam, 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; DRSACS@state.gov; https://tz.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
255
Local Emergency Phone
112, 999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Tanzania: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands
Currency (Code)
Tanzanian shillings (TZS)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
Kiswahili or Swahili, Kiunguja, English, Arabic
Major Religions
Christian 63.1%, Muslim 34.1%, folk religion 1.1%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Mount Kilimanjaro; Serengeti National Park; Zanzibar beaches; Ngorongoro Conservation Area; Lake Manyara National Park; Mafia Island; Tarangire National Park; Olduvai Gorge; Arusha National Park; Old Arab Fort in Stone Town
Major Sports
Track and field, soccer, basketball, cricket
Cultural Practices
In Tanzanian culture, the right hand is considered clean and therefore used for eating, greeting people and giving and receiving objects.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10% is conventional in restaurants. Hotel and airport porters should be tipped $1-2 (USD) per bag.
Souvenirs
Kanga cloth; Masai tribal arts and crafts including basket-ware, wood-carved items, and African drums; tanzanite jewelry, spices, ceramic tile
Traditional Cuisine
Ugali na Maharage ya nazi — dough prepared with cornmeal (maize meal), cassava flour, sorghum, or millet served with beans and vegetables cooked in coconut milk
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2023
