COVID-19 UPDATE: The information on this page provides important details regarding travel to and from Tanzania during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that the information is subject to change, and the last update was on 01/04/2022.

Vaccination of Guides

All full-time Tanzania Joy Tours guides have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Leaving Home

Before departing for Tanzania, please be aware of the pre-boarding testing requirements set by your international airline. Carefully review the requirements of your airline and the international airport(s) you will be traveling through. Many guests travel through Amsterdam, where specific rules apply. If you have a transfer in Amsterdam and do not leave the airport within a few hours or 1 day, you typically do not need to show a negative NAAT (PCR) or rapid test result on arrival in the Netherlands. Be sure to check the entry requirements of your final destination.

Arriving into Tanzania

When arriving in Tanzania, you are required to complete a Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours prior to your arrival. You can access the form here: Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form. After completing the form, you will receive a completion notification containing your Unique Health Code (UHC), which you must present upon arrival.

Additionally, all travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival. The test must be a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, with the sample collected within 72 hours before arrival in Tanzania. Travelers in transit for more than 72 hours will be required to undergo a rapid test upon arrival in Tanzania. The cost of the rapid test is $10 per traveler, and you can prepay online when completing your online Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form.

All travelers entering Tanzania may be subject to enhanced screening for COVID-19 and a rapid test, with a cost of $10 per traveler.

Traveling in Tanzania

While traveling in Tanzania, please adhere to standard COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and using hand sanitizers. Your guide and those working in the tourism industry will follow these protocols in public settings, airports, airplanes, and common areas of accommodations. All full-time Tanzania Joy Tours Kilimanjaro and safari guides have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

During safaris, much of your time will be spent in socially distanced and outdoor settings. However, if you plan to visit more populous areas like cities or towns, we recommend wearing masks when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Departing Tanzania

Before departing Tanzania, most travelers will need to undergo COVID-19 testing (PCR and/or Rapid Test). It is essential to understand the requirements set by your airline and the international airport(s) you will be departing from. The costs of COVID-19 testing (PCR Test: $50+ facility fees per person / Rapid Test: $10 per person) are the responsibility of the traveler. As your tour operator, we will assist in coordinating the timing, location, and payment for the tests.

PCR Test Procedures:

• PCR tests should be administered no more than 3 days before your scheduled departure.
• Your Final Summary Schedule will indicate the date when your test should be administered.
• Testing sites will vary based on your specific travel itinerary.

Testing Fee Payment:

• For mainland / northern safari circuit locations: Once your appointment is made, we will receive your testing payment Control Number (a unique number for each traveler). We will make the payment on your behalf, and you will reimburse this cost to your guide ($50 per person in cash).
• For Zanzibar: Once your appointment is made, we will prepay for the test and then forward your test scheduling confirmation. The location of the test will be based on your accommodation. Facility fees ($10-20 per person) will be paid on-site.

Testing Procedure (day of):

• Masks are required at the testing sites.
• Have your passport available for check-in and payment confirmation (provided by your guide).
• Sample collection usually takes place in the morning and may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Once the testing process is complete, a notification with your results and certificate will be sent to the email address used during registration. You can also check for updates using your passport number at the provided links.

Rapid Test Procedures (updated August 23, 2021):

If your airline requires a Rapid Test before boarding, arrive at your international airport of departure at least 5 hours before departure.

• All international airports (JRO, DAR, and ZNZ) have Rapid Test capacity.
• Pre-registration is not required.
• Payment of $10 can be made in cash by depositing it into the on-site bank.
• Results are provided within 15 to 20 minutes of taking the test.

Note: Currently, a Rapid Test is NOT required if you are transiting through Amsterdam (AMS). However, a valid NEGATIVE PCR test is still necessary.

Common PCR Testing Sites in the Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro/Moshi:

• Mawenzi Regional Hospital: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily
• Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center: Daily, $25 (Cash)

Arusha Region:

• Arusha Lutheran Center Referral Hospital: Daily, $25 USD (Cash)
• Mt. Meru Regional Referral Hospital: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily
• FAME Medical Health Center: 8:30 am – 11:30 am daily, $15 USD (Cash or credit accepted)

Mara Region / Serengeti:

• Seronera Airstrip (Musoma Regional Referral Hospital): 7:00 am – 10:00 am daily, Facilitation fee of approximately $10
• Kogatende Airstrip (Musoma Regional Referral Hospital): 8:00 am – 10:00 am daily, Facilitation fee of approximately $10

Zanzibar:

• Global Hospital (Stone Town): 7:30 am – 2:30 pm (Monday-Saturday), 8 am – 12 pm (Sunday)
• Testing sites on the East Coast of Zanzibar: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm (Monday-Saturday), 8 am – 12 pm (Sunday)

Please note that this information is subject to change, so it’s important to stay informed and follow the guidance of your tour operator and relevant authorities. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Safe travels, and we look forward to hosting you in Tanzania!