Tanzania Covid-19 restrictions and PCR tests

Even amid the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, going on a safari in Tanzania is a major decision that many people make once in a lifetime especially when new variants like Delta and Omicron are evolving every now and then. Tranquil Journeys is dedicated to ensuring that your journey is as safe and pleasurable as possible. While we have always considered that our visitors’ safety is vital in allowing them to fully enjoy and make the most of their safari experiences, we have taken a number of new precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and employees during these unpredictable times.

We can assist you in finding answers to your inquiries or contacting the appropriate authorities on your behalf.

Tanzania Covid-19 Restrictions

Upon arrival in Tanzania, all passengers must provide a COVID-19 PCR test certificate that is negative. Within 96 hours of arriving in Tanzania, you must take the test. An online Traveller’s Surveillance Form is required for all travelers traveling to Tanzania. This form must be filed at least 24 hours prior to your arrival.

How much do PCR tests and Rapid testing cost?

All passengers entering Tanzania will undergo enhanced COVID-19 screening, which will include a mandatory rapid test. Rapid testing costs 10 USD per traveller for mainland Tanzania arrivals and 25 USD for Zanzibar arrivals. The charge can be paid in cash on arrival or online through the Traveller Surveillance Form.

Do children also require PCR tests to travel to Tanzania?

Children under the age of five are exempt from both pre-departure PCR tests and fast arrival tests.

Temperature scanning is also being implemented by the Tanzanian government for all international travelers arriving in the country.

Airports in Tanzania that conduct PCR tests

Below are the airports that provide PCR testing services.

Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
https://www.jnia.go.tz/
+255 22 284 2402/3
info@jnia.go.tz

Kilimanjaro International Airport
https://www.kilimanjaroairport.go.tz/
+255 27 255 4252
kadco@go.tz

You can read more about Kilimanjaro International Airport here.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
https://www.zaa.go.tz/index
+255 24 223 3674
info@zaa.go.tz

Where to get PCR tests in Tanzania

We are only acting as a middleman to assist travelers who have booked a safari with us in passing the COVID-19 exam. Because all testing is done by third parties with no relation or affiliation with us, we are not liable or responsible for any defects, delays, or problems encountered during the testing process, or for the performance or non-performance of the testing facilities. Please follow the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health and the airlines.

Please note that the information provided has been well investigated. We cannot, however, guarantee accuracy because information and details change frequently. Always double-check travel restrictions before booking and leaving, both in your home country and in the country you’re visiting.

Arusha: PCR Testing is done at Selian Hospital and Mount Meru Hospital. Cost: USD 90 per person. Open daily 08:00 to 15:00.

Rapid test that is required by KLM is done at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Cost: USD 25 per person. Guests must arrive 6 hours before their flight to do the test. We suggest booking a day room at Airport Planet Lodge for the guests to use whilst waiting for their test results.

Moshi: PCR Testing is done at KMCM Hospital. Cost: USD 90 per person. Open daily 08:00 to 15:00.

Karatu: PCR Testing is done at Family Clinic. Cost: USD 90 per person. Open daily 08:00 to 15:00.

Dar es Salaam: PCR Testing is conducted at Aga Khan Hospital and IST Clinic. Cost: USD 100 per person to be paid at the center via credit card. Hospital facilitation fee: 50 USD per person. Transport fee: will be advised at time of booking. Cash or Card accepted. Open daily 08:00 to 15:00.

A PCR rapid test that is required by KLM is done at Dar es Salaam International Airport. Cost: USD 25 per person. Guests must arrive 6 hours before their flight to do the test. Due to the high traffic levels in Dar es Salaam guests will have to wait at the airport until their flight departure.

Zanzibar:  PCR and RAT Testing is done at Migombani COVID-19 Centre. Cost: A PCR test costs USD 80 while RAT test costs USD 25 per person to be paid online via credit card at the time of booking the test. Transport fee: will be advised at time of booking.  Open daily 08:00 to 15:00.

The rapid test required by KLM is conducted at the Migombani COVID-19 Centre. Cost: USD 25 per person. Guests must arrive 6 hours before their flight to do the test. We suggest booking a day room in Stone Town for the guests to use whilst waiting for their test results.

Quarantine regulations

If you test positive for COVID-19 when you arrive in Tanzania, you may be required to quarantine in a government-designated hotel at your own expense. You will be required to self-isolate for 14 days if you are a returning resident.

You must follow any additional screening procedures imposed by the authorities.

Data Collection

Tanzania’s government is compiling information on all overseas travellers coming into the country.

Tanzania Entry Requirements

Visas

Tanzania requires a tourist or business visa for all American and British passport holders. Tanzania has implemented an e-visa system, in which applications can be submitted and approved online prior to travel. The Tanzanian High Commission in London is no longer able to issue visas.

It is also feasible to obtain a single-entry tourist or business visa upon arrival at Tanzania’s principal ports of entry, provided that all immigration conditions are met. It’s possible that you’ll be required to show documentation of your return trip. On arrival, you will not be able to obtain a multiple entry visa.

Visit the Tanzanian Immigration website for further information about visas.

If you want to work or volunteer in Tanzania, you’ll need a legal work permit, which you can apply for online through Tanzania’s immigration website. This should be arranged by your employment or volunteer organization prior to your departure.

You can be arrested, detained, and fined before being deported if you overstay the validity of your visa or permit. Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) British passport holders have reported to the British High Commission that they are subjected to increased levels of harassment from immigration officials. In these circumstances, you should remain cool and request that the British High Commission’s Consular Section be notified immediately.

Passport Validity

From the date of your arrival in Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Emergency Travel Documents for the United Kingdom & USA

For entry, airside transit, and exit from Tanzania, USA, and UK Emergency Travel Documents with a minimum validity of six months are acceptable.

Requirements for yellow fever certificates

Visit the CDC, TravelHealthPro website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre to see if you require a yellow fever certificate.

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