USEFUL FACTS AND INFO

1. CLIMATE:
   Tanzania’s climate is predominately tropical. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid. The average day temperature is 30 degrees centigrade and Tanzania has two rainy seasons- the long rains from late March- May (locally known as Mvua za Masika) and short rains (locally known as Mvua za Vuli) from November to December.
   The long rains comprise of heavy downpours and storms while the short rains are less severe. The hottest time is from December to March before the long rains begin and the coolest months are June- August.
   The best chance of seeing wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during Dry seasons from late June to October, and the best time to see them calving is late January to April.
2. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES:
   Kiswahili and English
3. PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS :
   All visitors to Tanzania require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed. Visas are not required for visitors from some Commonwealth countries and other specified countries.
   Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at main entry points including international airports, sea ports and border posts, price is subject to nationality (insert link for visa application).
4. HEALTH :
   Visitors originating from or transiting through countries prevalent with yellow fever need to have VALID vaccination certificates. Visitors arriving directly into Tanzania from places like Europe, the USA, Japan and other non-yellow fever areas are not required to produce vaccination certificates. Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets and make use of mosquito nets and insect repellents where provided. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended before travel.
   All international travelers to Tanzania must complete an online health survey within 24 hours before they travel. Travelers will be provided a Unique Health Code (UHC) which must be presented upon arrival in Tanzania. All international passengers will be required to present a negative COVID 19 Test Certificate upon arrival. All travelers will be subjected to a Rapid Test upon arrival, the cost of the Rapid Test is $25 per person. Travelers arriving from countries with new COVID variants and high COVID 19 cases will be subject to a Rapid Test upon arrival as well as mandatory 14 day quarantine at your own cost.
5. CUSTOMS :
   Personal effects including binoculars, cameras, film, may be imported (temporarily) free of duty. A custom bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in professional video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit that should be obtained in advance. Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep cash sales receipts and ownership certificates for wildlife trophies for presentation to Customs officials on departure
6. CURRENCY :
   The unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tshs) which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can bring with them any amount of foreign currency but it is against the law to import or export Tanzanian Currency. Foreign currency in cash or in traveler checks may be exchanged at commercial banks, authorized dealers or forex bureaus operating at international airports, major towns and border posts.
7. BANKING :
   Banks and Bureaus are available at airports in all major towns.
   Banking hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
   You may also be able to use MoneyGram and Western Union services.