Practical facts before you fly
Entry rules for Tanzania change, and since 1 October 2026 there is a new insurance requirement on the mainland. This page lists the rules with their dates. Check them again close to your departure, because rules can change after the date shown.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the park, an embassy or a health authority, and it gives no medical advice. For vaccinations and malaria prevention, ask a doctor or a travel-medicine clinic.
The visa facts below are for German citizens, as stated by the German Federal Foreign Office. If you hold another passport, check the rules for it with the Tanzanian immigration authority or an embassy before you book.
Visa, insurance and luggage rules
Status of the German Federal Foreign Office on 23 October 2026, unchanged since 20 October 2026, unless noted.
Visa for German citizens
A visa is required, and an e-visa is recommended. Allow at least 10 working days for processing. A visa on arrival is not guaranteed. The fee is $50, also for children. Read more in the Tanzania visa guide.
Mandatory health insurance
Since 1 October 2026 the mandatory insurance covers the mainland, not only Zanzibar. It costs $44 and covers up to 92 days. Holders of a Tanzanian residence permit are exempt. The Foreign Office states that the mainland and the Zanzibar insurance are recognized by each other. Ask about the rate for children when you book.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags may not be brought into Tanzania or taken out. Small resealable bags for cosmetics and liquids in hand luggage are exempt. This is not a ban on all plastic items.
Documents to keep with you
Keep your passport, your visa or e-visa confirmation and your insurance proof in hand luggage. If a vaccination certificate applies to your route, bring it too.
Serengeti safaris and Tanzania trips
Guided Serengeti safaris and multi-day trips, with live prices and availability. Check which fees, flights and insurance each one includes.
Health: dated facts, not advice
These are statements by health and travel authorities with their dates. They do not replace a doctor.
| Topic | What the authority states | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow fever, entry from Germany | The German Federal Foreign Office lists no entry requirement for direct travel from Germany. | 23 October 2026 |
| Yellow fever, entry from risk countries | The US CDC lists proof of vaccination from age 1 for arrivals from countries with a risk, including an airport transit of more than 12 hours. | 23 April 2025 |
| Malaria, Foreign Office | High risk all year below 2,500 m, national parks included. | 23 October 2026 |
| Malaria, US CDC | Transmission areas below 1,800 m. | 23 April 2025 |
The two authorities give different altitude limits for malaria. Do not work out a risk-free zone yourself. Ask a doctor or a travel-medicine clinic well before your trip about vaccinations and malaria prevention for your own situation. This page gives no recommendation on medicines.
Money and park fees
How park fees are paid and what to confirm.
Ways to pay
The park authority lists Visa and Mastercard at the gate, mobile money, a bank transfer for tour operators and online reservation. Confirm which payment methods your gate accepts before you travel.
The 24-hour fee
The conservation fee is valid for 24 hours. Ask your operator how that period counts for your entry and exit. See the park fees page for the figures.
Residents and East African citizens
Resident and East African rates need proof such as a residence permit or a valid ID. Living in East Africa and being a citizen of an East African country are not the same thing.
Rules in the park
Your guide will brief you. These are the basics.
Stay in the vehicle
Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out. Do not leave the tracks without permission.
Do not feed or disturb animals
Keep quiet and do not feed or disturb the animals. Take your rubbish with you and leave natural objects where they are.
Drones
Drones are restricted and need special permits.
Speed, night driving and fires
Earlier park rules set 50 km/h and no driving between 19:00 and 06:00, and allowed fires only at approved campsites. Ask your guide for the current rules. The gate closes at 18:00.
Activities
Game drives, balloon flights and guided walks are offered. Special activities can need extra permits and advance booking. See the balloon safari page.
Tanzania safari tips: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
German citizens need a visa, and an e-visa is recommended. The German Federal Foreign Office lists $50 and at least 10 working days for processing (status 23 October 2026). For other passports, check the rules with the immigration authority.
Do I need travel insurance?
Mandatory health insurance for the mainland has applied since 1 October 2026. It costs $44 and covers up to 92 days. Holders of a Tanzanian residence permit are exempt.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria prevention?
This page gives no medical advice. The authorities' statements are in the health table above, with their dates. Ask a doctor or a travel-medicine clinic well before you leave.
Can I bring plastic bags?
Plastic bags are banned for import and export. Small resealable bags for cosmetics and liquids in hand luggage are exempt.
How do I pay the park fee?
The park authority lists Visa and Mastercard at the gate, mobile money, bank transfer for tour operators and online reservation. Confirm the methods for your gate in advance.
Can I get out of the vehicle?
Only when your guide says it is safe. The basic rule is to stay in the vehicle, keep quiet and not feed or disturb the animals.