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Tanzania Yellow Fever Vaccine : A Simple Guide

Confused about Yellow Fever rules? Find out if you need a vaccination certificate for Tanzania, Zanzibar, or if you are transiting through Kenya/Ethiopia.

One of the most common questions we receive at Kilinyota Safaris is: “Do I need a Yellow Fever shot?”

The information online can be confusing. The short answer is: It depends on where your journey starts.

Tanzania (including Zanzibar) is technically a “low risk” country. The government requires the vaccine primarily to prevent the virus from entering the country, rather than to protect you from catching it there. Here is the official breakdown for 2026/2027.

1. When is the Vaccine NOT Required?

If you are traveling directly from a non-endemic country, you do not need a Yellow Fever certificate.

  • Examples: Direct flights from the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, or the Middle East (Dubai/Doha).
  • The Rule: If you fly from London to Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR), you will likely not be asked for a certificate.

2. When IS the Vaccine Mandatory?

You must present a Yellow Fever certificate if:

  1. You are arriving from an Endemic Country: This includes neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Ethiopia.
  2. You have a Long Transit: If you have a layover in an endemic country (like Nairobi or Addis Ababa) that is longer than 12 hours, or if you leave the airport during your layover.

Kilinyota Warning (The “Namanga” Border): If you are crossing the land border from Kenya to Tanzania (Namanga border post), immigration officers almost always ask for the Yellow Fever card. If you are doing a combined Kenya-Tanzania safari, this vaccine is essential.

3. What About Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the rules are the same.

  • Flying from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar: No new check is required (it is a domestic flight).
  • Flying from Kenya to Zanzibar: Yes, you need the certificate.

4. Exemptions & Medical Waivers

  • Age: Children under 1 year old are exempt.
  • Seniors: Travelers over 60 years old are often advised against the vaccine due to side effects.
  • Medical Conditions: If you have a medical reason why you cannot take the vaccine (e.g., egg allergy, immune suppression), you must carry an official Medical Waiver Letter from your doctor.

Note: This letter must be on official letterhead, signed, and stamped. Immigration officers will accept this in place of the yellow card.

5. Timing is Key

If you need the vaccine, you must get it at least 10 days before travel. The certificate only becomes valid 10 days after the injection.

  • Validity: The World Health Organization (WHO) has ruled that the Yellow Fever vaccine is valid for life. If you have an old yellow card from 15 years ago, it is still valid!

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