When travelling to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, it is advised to check the latest travel advice with Smart Traveller in case there is an increased risk of serious crime or civil unrest. If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro while in Tanzania you should also ask about the risk of altitude sickness while in Tanzania.
There are also some preventable diseases to be aware of before going to Tanzania, and you should speak to the Travel Vaccination Clinic doctor at least eight weeks prior to your travel date. This page is for general information only and does not substitute professional medical advice. You should make an appointment and speak to one of the Clinic doctors to discuss your individual situation and for professional advice.
Vaccines that may be recommended include:
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Malaria
- Rabies
Hepatitis A and Typhoid in Tanzania
There is a single combined vaccine against hepatitis A and typhoid available, so those who need both will only need to have one shot each time to be protected against both diseases. Those who are adventurous eaters or will be eating a lot of local produce are also recommended this vaccine.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water, so it is often advised to have this vaccination or a booster before travelling to Tanzania.
Learn more about hepatitis A on the hepatitis page.
Typhoid is a disease with flu-like symptoms. It can take up to two weeks for those symptoms to appear, and each year 50-70 Australians return home having contracted this preventable disease.
Polio
Polio may be present in Tanzania, so those who have not been vaccinated, or never had an adult booster shot may be recommended this vaccine. Adults only need one booster for Polio to protect them for the rest of their lives, and it is important that children travelling to Tanzania are up to date on this vaccine.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine may be recommended for people travelling to Tanzania who could meet a new partner, are considering getting a tattoo or piercing while there or undergoing a medical procedure. Hepatitis B is passed on through exchange of bodily fluids including blood so any activities involving needle exchange or exchange of fluids may pose a risk. You can also read about hepatitis b on the hepatitis page.
Malaria
You may be advised to take anti-malarial medication when travelling to Tanzania or to have medicine with you in case. Malaria is passed on through mosquito bites, so avoiding bites by wearing insect repellent, long, loose fitting clothes and using mosquito nets is important.
Visiting low altitude areas in Tanzania may pose more risk of Malaria than higher altitude parts.
Rabies
The rabies virus is present in Tanzania, and can be passed on from dogs, rats, bats or other mammals. The rabies vaccine may be recommended for people who will spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be working with animals while in Tanzania. Children who may come into contact with animals or not report contact with animals may also be at risk. The rabies page has more information on the rabies virus and the vaccination.
Do you need the yellow fever vaccine before going to Tanzania?
There is not a considered risk of yellow fever in Tanzania at present, so the vaccine is not recommended unless you have arrived from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever. The Tanzanian government will require proof you have been vaccinated against yellow fever if you arrive from a country where there is a risk. For more information on this, see the yellow fever page.