Tanzania Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Tanzania
• Tanzania Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Tanzania FAQs

A travel insurance plan is not a requirement for entry to Tanzania, though it’s a good idea to have a travel insurance plan that has medical expense coverage since many U.S. healthcare plans may not provide international coverage, which could mean you’re out any medical costs that may occur on your trip. Additionally, a travel insurance plan can give you a variety of other coverages such as Baggage Delay , Trip Interruption, Trip Cancellation and more to help protect your travel investment.

Travel Guard’s Deluxe Plan is a great option for travelers visiting Tanzania since it has the highest benefit limits, including for medical expense coverage which can be essential in helping protect your travel investment. Other popular coverages include Missed Connection, Baggage Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and other beneficial coverages. Since Tanzania is full of exciting activities like mountain climbing and scuba diving, and you may want to consider adding the Adventure Sports Bundle to provide coverage for certain activities that are typically excluded in your base plan. Finally, all of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance, so you don’t have to deal with unexpected events on your own.

Travel insurance plans usually cost between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To help ensure travelers to Tanzania are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Tanzania, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Tanzania.

Tanzania is a diverse and beautiful country with amazing national parks and beautiful beaches. The country is generally considered safer than some other African nations; however, crime remains a concern, particularly in urban areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft of unattended items and scams are common at tourist attractions and crowded areas. Violent crimes, including armed robbery and carjacking, can also occur, especially in major cities during the overnight hours. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid carrying valuables or displaying large amounts of cash and should avoid walking alone or venturing into isolated areas – especially after dark. 

Tourists have also been targeted in express kidnappings, in which a victim is forced to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs before being released. The victims were targeted after getting into unlicensed taxis or being approached by friendly strangers. In addition to using reputable transportation services, visitors should exercise caution and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.  

While Tanzania is relatively stable, political tensions and occasional protests can occur. Travelers should monitor local media, avoid large gatherings and follow advice issued by local authorities and consular officials. 

Road conditions in Tanzania can be poor, with potholes, unpaved roads and a lack of street lighting. Traffic accidents are common due to unsafe local driving practices, overcrowded vehicles and poorly maintained roads. Public transportation is unsafe and unreliable. Travelers should use prebooked transportation through hotels or tour operators. If traveling to remote areas or during the rainy season, visitors should consider booking a local guide through a reputable tour service. Remote travel should only be conducted during daylight hours with a reliable 4x4 vehicle equipped with emergency repair supplies. Police checkpoints are common, and travelers should always carry identification and any necessary travel documents. 

Tanzania's wildlife is one of its main attractions, but it also poses risks. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and follow the guidance of experienced guides when on safaris. Be aware of the potential for natural hazards such as flooding and landslides during the rainy season, particularly in mountainous regions. 

Tanzania is a culturally diverse country with various ethnic groups and religious practices. Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly and be mindful of cultural sensitivities, particularly in Zanzibar, Pemba and other predominantly Muslim areas. 

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency. 

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, which can be exchanged from U.S. dollars at a local bank before departure, an airport exchange kiosk or an ATM once you arrive. Debit and credit cards are accepted by larger vendors, though there is usually a 5% price increase, so it’s best to carry cash on your person. If you are using your credit or debit cards, be sure to let your bank know of your travel plans to help avoid interruption in accessing your finances.

The official languages of Tanzania are Swahili and English, which means you can find English speakers throughout the country. Though it is always a good idea to learn common sayings and phrases or download a translation app that works offline to avoid confusion.

Yes, tourists visiting Tanzania require a visa in addition to a passport that is valid six months past your arrival and has a blank page for your entry and exit stamps.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is located in Dar es Salaam. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Tanzania is warm year-round with average temperatures around 80°F and four seasons, which give the country different variations of rainfall and heat. This means Tanzania has two wet seasons from November to January and again from March to May.

The most popular time of year to visit Tanzania is in the dry season in the months of July to September, when temperatures are ideal for hiking and enjoying the beaches and once-in-a-lifetime events like the Great Migration are occurring. For better prices and less crowding, consider visiting during the country’s shoulder season from October to February when you can still enjoy beautiful weather and unique wildlife. The cheapest time to visit Tanzania is during one of its rainy seasons from November to May, with March and April being the cheapest to travel, though the rain may ruin any planned safaris and the time of year may limit lodging options.

The dial code for Tanzania +255, which can be used to reach cell phones and landlines in the country. When calling from the U.S. remember to use the exit code of +011, followed by the area code and seven-digit number of the caller you’re trying to reach. To call home from Tanzania, use the U.S. dial code of +1 followed by the 10-digit number you’re contacting. Be sure to contact your phone provider before departure to help avoid service interruptions and unwanted fees during your trip.

Tanzania uses both a different voltage and outlet type than the U.S., meaning to use your electronics, you will need a voltage converter as well as a travel adaptor to connect to the wall plugs. We recommend a universal adaptor that can be used on other trips in the future.

Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, though tourists are not always targeted by law enforcement. Still, its best practice to limit the information you share as well as practicing other safety protocols for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Before planning on taking your kids to Tanzania for a safari, be sure to check if there are any age restrictions for the safari you plan to book as some have a minimum age requirement of six or older.

There are several recommendations for vaccinations and preventative medication from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, including Cholera and Malaria vaccines. Visit the official CDC website for a complete and up-to-date list of information.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Tanzania. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!