Language

Swahili is the official and primary language of Tanzania and Zanzibar, and is also the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa. English is also an official language and common in commerce, administration and tertiary education. Arabic is spoken in Zanzibar and along the Muslim coast, with many local languages also spoken throughout the country. Attempting a few Swahili greetings and phrases will earn you lots of smiles!

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (divided into cents)

US dollars cash are by far the easiest foreign currency to exchange in Tanzania. It can either be changed to T-shillings, or used directly (but often at a lower rate). We recommend you only take US$ notes from 2006 or newer, and with the new large-head design. Older or torn notes are not accepted in Tanzania.

Euro can also be changed in many places. However the rate is not always as good.

In Tanzania credit cards are becoming more useful and the quite a few hotels now take payment by credit cards. Please be aware identity theft is common so please be careful when using them for payment, and never allow your credit card to be out of your sight at all times.

There are only a few ATM machines in major cities that are connected internationally and reliability is not guaranteed.

International Dialing Code

+255

Electricity

Electricity in Tanzania is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin types are D (3 pin round) and G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas

Visas are required for passport holders from the following countries:-

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

Travellers can now apply online for the Tanzania visa https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

A single entry visa costs USD$50 and is valid for a stay of up to 90 days.

A multiple entry visa costs USD$100 and is valid for 12 months. No one stay can be longer than 3 months in duration.

NB: American nationals who wish to visit Tanzania for tourism or holiday purposes MUST select a MULTIPLE entry visa while applying online. American nationals are not entitled to a single entry visa.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Multiple entry visas are not issued, however, those who travel between Tanzania and Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi will not need a new visa to re-enter Tanzania provided they re-enter Tanzania while the visa is still valid. Those who go from Tanzania to countries other than Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, will need to obtain a new visa at the entry point to Tanzania.

TRAVEL VIA KENYA

Kenya became a visa-free country in January 2024. However, all visitors to Kenya will need to apply online and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) (Kenya Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (eTA) (etakenya.go.ke) at least 2 weeks before the start of their journey.

The following documents are required for your eTA application:-

Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page.

Upload a photograph or passport-type photo of yourself.

Contact information, email address and phone number.

Details of your arrival and departure itinerary.

Copy of your itinerary or accommodation booking confirmation(s).

Credit card, debit card or other means of payment.

Processing time is minimum (3) working days, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.

You will need to print out the eTA approval and present it to an Immigration Official upon arrival in Kenya.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.