REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Tanzania (except citizens of the Commonwealth and other specified countries) require a valid passport and visa. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or consulate or from main Tanzania entry points. Applicants can also write to the Principal Immigration Officer, PO Box 512, Dar es Salaam and request the required documents. Visitors entering Tanzania through a point where no immigration officer is on duty must report to the nearest immigration office within 24 hours of entry.
TRAVEL FEES
An airport tax in convertible foreign currency is levied on all visitors departing the country. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and is subject to inspection by customs officials.
CUSTOMS
Personal effects including: binoculars, cameras, and film may be imported temporarily free of duty. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. Liquor (1 pint) tobacco (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams) are tax free for individuals of 16 years and older. Visitors buying valuable gems, skin articles, makonde carvings and other local handcrafts must keep cash sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.
VISA INFORMATION
An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania.
Visas are required for all visitors except citizens of the Commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland.Visas are easy to obtain at any Tanzanian embassy abroad, the Visa fee is dependent on the type of passport held.A visitor’s pass which can be obtained free from any Tanzanian diplomatic mission or point of entry is required for all travelers. It is advisable to get one before you leave home.
BARGAIN , BARGAIN
When shopping in streets bazaars, travelers should always bargain. However some prices e.g in restaurants are fixed and you could be mistaken for a miser if you start haggling.
WHAT TO WEAR
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so light weight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly coloured clothes they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and
khaki are preferred. Short sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are deal, but pack a sweater: it can be chilly in the early morning and in the Evening.
Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible – walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde park and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket. good Socks and sturdy boots. Short for women are acceptable but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas.
WHAT TO TAKE
Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It is better not to get stung even if you are taking ant- malaria tablets. It’s best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take plenty of films; it is difficult to obtain outside the main centres, while traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns. Banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Beware of the ‘dodgy’ tour operators who advertise unbelievably cheap prices as you may be disappointed by sub-standard services, poor accommodation and inadequate tour vehicles. Accept the standard prices and research different companies to find a reputable tour operator.