Tanzania Safari: Tanzania Yellow Fever Requirements: Tanzania is classified as a Yellow fever low-risk country by the World Health Organization because no yellow fever virus has been erupted there. Yellow fever vaccination is, however, recommended for visitors to Tanzania. If you are traveling to Tanzania from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must show proof of vaccination. However, only if the transit period at the airport is 12 hours or longer for travelers transiting in Yellow Fever-endemic areas
Tanzania’s yellow fever requirements can be perplexing at times, but we’re here to help! Tanzania is a yellow fever-free country, making it a safe place to visit if you want to avoid the virus. We answer all of your questions about the yellow fever virus and whether a yellow fever vaccine is required in Tanzania on this page.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
This vaccine is not required for the vast majority of visitors to this beautiful country! Tanzania currently has a low risk of yellow fever, according to the World Health Organization. If you live in a country where there is no risk of yellow fever, you do not need the yellow fever vaccine as part of your Tanzania Safari travel vaccinations.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites. Yellow fever symptoms typically appear 3–6 days after exposure and include fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Yellow fever is a serious illness, with approximately 15% of those who contract it developing a serious or life-threatening illness. Because Tanzania is free of yellow fever, there is no need for a yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling directly from Europe or the United States.
Tanzania’s yellow fever requirements
Only proof of yellow fever vaccination is required upon arrival if you are traveling from a country where the virus is present. This list currently excludes all European and American countries. However, there is one thing to keep in mind. If you are passing through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for more than 12 hours, you must receive the yellow fever vaccination. If this is the case for your trip to Tanzania, we strongly advise you to consult with your doctor and confirm your Tanzania vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before departing.
What Countries Have a Risk of Yellow Fever Transmission? Here are the countries with the highest risk of yellow fever transmission:
AFRICA: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda
AMERICAS: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
Receiving the yellow fever vaccination
The yellow fever vaccination is given in a single dose and should be given at least 10 days before traveling to a high-risk yellow fever country. A single dose of yellow fever vaccine can provide lifelong protection against the virus, so make sure you have proof of vaccination from your doctor or health professional. If you are required to get a yellow fever vaccine before traveling, you must also show proof of vaccination upon arrival in Tanzania.
You can still travel to Tanzania with an official letter from your doctor if your doctor advises against the vaccine due to underlying health issues or other health-related factors. If you show it to an immigration officer upon arrival, the requirement will be waived, and your trip will proceed as planned.
“Contact the Focus East Africa Tours Team for more information on yellow fever vaccination requirements when traveling to Tanzania”
