Tanzania now requires health declaration for all arriving travellers

The Tanzanian Ministry of Health announced on October 17, 2026, that an online Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form is now mandatory for all arrivals to mainland Tanzania. This new requirement took immediate effect. Travellers must submit this declaration via the official AfyaMsafiri portal (afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz) before or upon arrival.

This expanded rule applies to all individuals entering mainland Tanzania, irrespective of their nationality or country of departure. Previously, the declaration was only required for those arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda. The health declaration form itself is not new, but its application has been significantly broadened.

The tightened health screening measures are a direct response to the evolving Ebola outbreak in East Africa. Officials specifically cited the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the emergence of cases in neighbouring Kenya. Kenya had recorded eight confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, by October 18, 2026, prompting Tanzania to extend its preventive measures.

All travellers are now subject to health screening at various entry points, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings. These checks typically involve temperature screening and assessments for potential infectious disease symptoms. Individuals displaying suspected symptoms may undergo additional medical examinations according to national health protocols. Furthermore, a mandatory 21-day health monitoring period is introduced for travellers deemed at high risk of infection.

It is important to note the distinction between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as they have separate health authorities. Zanzibar’s advisory, issued on October 9, 2026, targets travellers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or Kenya for health declarations. However, Zanzibar’s online portal broadly states that electronic health declarations are mandatory for all arriving travellers to the island. Visitors combining travel to both areas should follow the specific requirements applicable at each point of entry.

To complete the mainland Tanzania AfyaMsafiri health declaration, travellers begin by entering their passport number and selecting their entry point and expected arrival date. The form then requests personal information such as name, sex, age, nationality, and detailed trip information including flight number, purpose of visit, accommodation, and contact details. A separate declaration must be completed for each individual, including children.