Yellow fever vaccination - all about vaccinations in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Is it true that vaccinations are required when traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar? Is a yellow fever vaccination certificate required?

What dangerous infectious diseases are spreading across Tanzania, and is the devil as scary as he is portrayed to be? Let's figure it out and finally bring complete clarity to this issue.

Truths and myths about vaccination before traveling to Tanzania

About vaccinations for travelers to Tanzania

Newcomer tourists are often seriously concerned about health issues when traveling to an exotic African country. It is the question of the need for vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania that still tops the list of questions when traveling to Tanzania or Zanzibar.

You can, of course, put all the hospitals, medical units, and private clinics in your city to shame before your vacation and... never find out the truth about whether you need to get vaccinated while planning your coveted vacation.

Here's some devastating news for you right away: citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus entering from their homeland do not need vaccinations to travel to Tanzania!

How so? And here’s how – we explain in detail below.

WHERE TO GO IN ZANZIBAR

We will give you a few examples of excursions that you can book for your tourists from Coral Travel. Tour operator experts advise booking excursions in advance, from Moscow. This way you will protect your tourists: there will definitely be places and there will be a guaranteed Russian-speaking guide, of which there are not many on the island and at the last moment you can simply not get into a group with a Russian-speaking guide.

Tourists will definitely enjoy the Safari Blue excursion. This is an exciting full day boat trip. This day will be eventful and mind-blowing: tourists will swim on an uninhabited island, take photographs and enjoy the dolphins, go snorkeling, where they will be able to see all the “bohemia” of the sea.

Snorkeling and diving in Zanzibar are considered the best in the world. Another plus: right during the excursion, tourists will try local delicacies: octopus, lobster, squid, lobster, barracuda and other seafood combined with exotic fruits and South African wine.

A trip to Prizon Island will also be interesting: a prison was once built here, but it never accepted a single offender. The island has virgin beauty, Seychelles turtles crawl and strange flowers grow. The excursion is very educational and will appeal to both children and adults.

And, of course, you can’t miss a sightseeing tour to the oldest city on the island - Stone Town , a city that changes your mind. Stone Town is not sleek, like European cities, it is real, alive, shabby in places, smelling of spices and aromas of true African life. This is its beauty.

Among other things, it has all the components of an ancient city: appropriate architecture, museums, houses with the famous Zanzibar carved doors, the oldest of which date back to 1664.

The Sultan's palace has been preserved in the city, it is called the “House of Miracles”, since it was the first building where electricity, running water and an elevator appeared, there is a hotel-museum, which was once the home of Freddie Mercury, and there are also many souvenir shops in Stone Town .

Vaccination against yellow fever

The most sensational and most controversial among all is the vaccination against amaryllosis, or yellow fever. This topic has generated a wagon train of controversy, and accessible and transparent information for Russians on this issue is desperately lacking. Shall we correct this omission?

Immunization against yellow fever

Vaccinations carried out according to epidemic indications

According to epidemic indications, when traveling to a country with a potentially dangerous risk of infection, vaccinations are carried out against the following infections:

• tick-borne encephalitis;
• yellow fever;
• typhoid fever;
• hepatitis A;
• mumps;
• meningococcal infection;
• pneumococcal infection;
• rabies.

These vaccinations can be carried out in local clinics. But before this, you need to find out from your local general practitioner whether you need such a vaccination before leaving, and also check whether a vaccine against these infections is available at the clinic.

Vaccinations for epidemic indications must be carried out if you are planning to travel across the territory of the Russian Federation, for example, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Such a vaccination will not be superfluous when visiting forests in Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belarus and other countries. When traveling to Thailand, India and a number of other disadvantaged countries from an epidemiological point of view, you may need vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid fever, yellow fever and other dangerous infections. For example, when visiting countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, vaccination against rabies, yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended.

When visiting which countries is yellow fever vaccination required and how is it carried out?

The list of countries before visiting which it is necessary to vaccinate against yellow fever can be clarified using the information from the Rospotrebnadzor letter “On the prevention of yellow fever.”

In our list we provide a list of those states that are endemic themselves and require vaccination upon entry upon arrival from endemic regions:

• vaccination is required upon entry into the country: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Congo, Peru, Togo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, French Guiana, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan;
• vaccination is required when entering from a country endemic for this disease (it is not required from other countries, but the country has a risk of contracting yellow fever in some of its areas): Bolivia, Venezuela, Gambia, Guyana, Guinea, Kenya, Colombia, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Senegal, Suriname, Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea;
• vaccination may be required when entering the country from other endemic countries for this infection: Zambia, Rwanda, Somalia, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Eritrea.

Vaccination against yellow fever is carried out once and repeated once every 10 years (if necessary). Vaccination should be carried out no later than 10 days before leaving for an enzootic area. The injection is performed subcutaneously under the shoulder blade or intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle area.

When visiting which countries is vaccination against Japanese encephalitis required and how is it carried out?

The carriers of this infection are mosquitoes and it is recommended that tourists traveling from April to October be vaccinated against it. Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is recommended when visiting the following countries:

• China;
• India;
• Taiwan;
• Japan;
• Thailand;
• Butane;
• Bali;
• Maldives;
• Iran;
• Iraq;
• Bangladesh;
• Vietnam;
• Myanmar;
• Brunei;
• Indonesia;
• Cambodia;
• Kuwait;
• Nepal;
• Malaysia;
• Pakistan;
• South and North Korea;
• Sri Lanka;
• Philippines.

The vaccine, in the absence of contraindications to its use, is administered 2 times with a break of 28 days and can be administered simultaneously with other vaccinations. The last dose is administered at least 1 week before the start of the trip.

Doctor, is this serious?

The yellow fever virus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by infected females of several species of sandflies, mainly Aedesaegypti sandflies, as well as Haemogogus. In addition to humans, the disease also affects other primates.

The infection does not spread directly from person to person or from primate to person. The clinical picture of the disease includes fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pain, especially in the back, and headache. In 15% of patients, the liver is affected, causing the skin to become yellow.

Among English sailors in the 17th century, the name “Yellow Jack” was used - it was their ranks that were most thinned by the disease that they contracted in Central America and Africa.

Upon arrival at an English port, the ships displayed a yellow quarantine flag, which meant that there were feverish patients on board. Apparently, the flag was called “Yellow Jack” by analogy with the flag of the British Empire - “Union Jack”.

Vaccination and prevention of diseases common in Africa

Malaria

is one of the most common diseases in Africa. Its symptoms are chills, headache, profuse sweating. It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. There is currently no perfect vaccine against malaria. Therefore, tourists should protect themselves from possible bites using repellents and clothing.

Preventive medications, such as Lariam, malarone, etc., can reduce the risk of disease. Tourists should consult a doctor before use. Taking medications begins 14 days before the trip and stops a month after returning. It is better to abstain from alcohol during this period.

Yellow fever.

One of the most common and dangerous diseases on the continent, the virus attacks the blood, kidneys and liver, causing headaches, fever, muscle pain and vomiting. Yellow fever is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Vaccination should be completed at least 10 days before departure.

Hepatitis.

The hepatitis A virus attacks the liver and is accompanied by headache, fever, nausea and loss of appetite. Transmitted through dirty objects, water and food. The hepatitis A vaccination course lasts about 6 months - you must complete a course of three vaccinations.

As for hepatitis B, it is even more dangerous. The disease has a long incubation period—up to six months. It is transmitted through sexual contact or blood, including through piercings, acupuncture or tattooing. It is worth noting that if a tourist was vaccinated against hepatitis A and B in childhood, revaccination is not necessary.

Cholera.

An extremely unpleasant intestinal infection that is accompanied by severe vomiting and dehydration. Transmitted through food and water. Today there are two vaccines, but they both do not guarantee complete immunity.

Typhoid fever.

An infection that affects the liver and blood vessels. Spread through contaminated food and water. A person feels a headache, fever and nausea, which is why typhus is often confused with other diseases. Vaccination must be completed 2-3 weeks before departure - during this period immunity will be developed for 2 years.

Diphtheria.

This is an infectious disease of the oral cavity that has many complications. The diphtheria vaccine is given at birth. But often people forget to do revaccination, which needs to be done once every 10 years. Therefore, the tourist will almost certainly need to be vaccinated again.

Meningitis.

The virus affects the brain and spinal cord and is transmitted through airborne droplets. The vaccination can be done a week before departure.

Tuberculosis.

In Russia, all children are vaccinated against tuberculosis at birth. If for some reason your tourists do not have vaccinations, it is worth getting it 2 months before departure.

Do you have any questions? The World Health Organization website has sections on each disease, describing symptoms, treatment, vaccination and prevention.

Yellow fever situation in Tanzania and Zanzibar: rapid review

It’s unfortunate that for many tourists, the fear of unknown exotic infections becomes the No. 1 obstacle to traveling to Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. What’s even more annoying is that such fears are actually not substantiated by anything other than a lack of truthful information laid out on the shelves.

In the Masayev village

In defense of the position “why going to Tanzania is dangerous for your health,” you can come up with a bunch of pseudo-arguments. But there will be very few of them that are adequate, based on real data. And there certainly won't be any associated with the yellow fever virus.

What is the actual situation with amaryllosis in this region? Let's start with the fact that the situation with yellow fever in Tanzania is very strictly monitored by both the local Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and international health services.

The last case of yellow fever in the country occurred in 1992. And in 2011, by decision of the WHO, Tanzania was finally removed from the list of countries with a risk of yellow fever infection.

Despite this, you will find too much incorrect information on this topic on the World Wide Web. On many popular medical resources and websites for travelers, you will read that vaccinations are mandatory for traveling to Tanzania. And this, as you understand, is a statement completely opposite to the truth.

Do you need a PCR test for coronavirus to travel to Tanzania in 2021?

1. From May 4, 2021, all holidaymakers in Tanzania must provide a negative PCR test for coronavirus, which must be done no later than 72 hours before arriving in the country. The certificate must be in English.
2. 24 hours before entering Tanzania, you must complete the online travel health monitoring form on the website of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tanzania.
3. Upon arrival, all foreign citizens undergo temperature screening, and those arriving from countries with “high incidence rates” (the list of countries is updated daily based on WHO data) must take a rapid antigen test for COVID-19. The cost of the test is $25 per person.
4. Passengers transiting through Tanzania and planning to stay in the country for more than 72 hours will be required to take a rapid antigen test for coronavirus. Transit passengers also need a negative PCR test for coronavirus, done 72 hours before in the country of departure.

There is no smoke without fire?

Why is the situation so escalated around yellow fever and vaccinations before going on vacation?

There are three main reasons for this:

1. Sub-Saharan Africa, that is, the part of the continent located south of the Sahara Desert, is home to many diseases unknown to Europeans. Tanzania is geographically located here. So they brush it with the same brush as countries where such a danger actually exists, without understanding the facts.
2. The potential risk of amarillosis - very low - exists here due to environmental conditions favorable for the virus. This is a hot climate, humidity, dense tropical forests (only in some regions of the country). However, this requires, at a minimum, that an infected person enter the country.
3. Some of Tanzania's neighbors are yellow fever endemic countries. Namely, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi (land borders), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (lake border).

However, the countries of Kenya and the DRC are not holoendemic for yellow fever, meaning that only a portion of the total area of ​​these countries is at risk of transmission.

The map shows yellow fever-endemic states in yellow; dark gray – with an insignificant potential risk of infection, light gray – states that are not endemic for yellow fever

So why is there no reason to worry, you ask, because suddenly someone will come to Tanzania or Zanzibar from neighboring countries that are not so free from this infection? Read below why!

TANZANIA CALLS TO WEAR MASKS AND EVEN KEEPS STATISTICS ON COVID

The late Tanzanian President Magufuli declared the country free of coronavirus in 2021 and categorically denied the need for vaccination. He recommended treating COVID-19 with steam inhalations, medicinal herbs and prayers.

The current Tanzanian government has reversed course, with officials now calling for social distancing and emphasizing the need to wear masks in public. In May, entry requirements into the country were tightened.

Tanzania has not updated the number of confirmed coronavirus cases for more than a year due to concerns about the effectiveness of tests, but has now resumed sharing data with the Africa Centers for COVID-19 Control and Prevention. According to the latest data, the country has recorded 858 cases and 29 deaths during the pandemic.

Vaccination certificate

“When entering Zanzibar or Tanzania, a tourist from Russia will be asked for a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever in order to protect him from infection during his vacation” - a fable in the full sense of the word.

It's just the opposite. The truth is that the Tanzanian authorities ask for a vaccination certificate from citizens of certain countries (see map above) to ensure that they do not “import” the disease into Tanzania. An unexpected turn, huh?

Control at all border posts is strict, so the probability of introducing infection into Tanzania or Zanzibar tends to 0%.

That is, it turns out that in no case will they ask for my certificate, because I am a citizen of Russia (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, or another country not familiar with such an infection)? - you ask, and here you will get an ambiguous answer. You do not need any vaccinations for Tanzania, with just two exceptions:

1. You enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar, after traveling through Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and other endemic countries.
2. Your layover at an airport in an endemic country (for example, a layover in Nairobi) exceeded 12 hours.

Agree, the scenarios are quite rare, but also possible. In these two cases, even for Russians it is necessary to be vaccinated against amaryllosis, and to have the corresponding certificate in hand along with the passport.

Record on yellow fever vaccination certificate

In addition, such a vaccination will not interfere with you if you are going to Tanzania for a long time - for example, on a business visa. And at the same time, you plan to visit neighboring and other African countries. After all, vaccination “gives” you lasting immunity against the disease for 10 years.

At the moment, it is necessary to officially update the “virus database” every decade for the certificate to be considered valid. But according to the latest research, the yellow fever vaccine preserves immunity throughout life. So, who knows, maybe pretty soon the vaccination certificate will become lifelong.

HOW TO GET A VISA TO TANZANIA AND HOW TO GET THERE

Many tourists mistakenly believe that the flight to Zanzibar is very long and painful. You can reassure your clients - their fears are in vain.

Coral Travel tours to Tanzania are formed on the basis of regular transportation (using the technology of dynamic packaging of flights from GDS). Connecting flights are operated daily by Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, KLM.

Experts advise, whenever possible, to give preference to carriers that fly through the Middle East. The average travel time in this case is 10-15 hours (including connecting time), which is comparable to flights to other popular resorts among Russians - Thailand, the Dominican Republic, etc.

And for New Year's trips, Coral Travel took blocks of seats on Oman Air flights with a short connection in Muscat for the dates - from December 27, 2021 to January 4, 2021 and from January 3 to 11, 2021, the duration of the tours is 9 days.

For these blocks, guaranteed places have already been taken in five popular hotels that are most adapted to the needs of Russian tourists: Riu Palace Zanzibar 5*, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa 5*, Sultan Sands Island Resort 4*, Ocean Paradise Resort 4*, My Blue 4 *.

Tourists will not have any problems obtaining a visa to Tanzania. It can be issued either at the airport of arrival for 50 euros, as 99% of Russian tourists who come to the country do, or in one day and 60 euros in Moscow. A visa is issued for a period of 90 days.

Coral Travel strongly recommends warning tourists that when applying for a visa at Zanzibar airport, officers may ask you to pay for the visa by cashless means, so the tourist must have with him not only cash, but also a bank card that is accepted abroad (Visa or Mastercard ).

You don’t have to exchange the local currency – Tanzanian shilling – dollars and euros. In general, it is better to come to Zanzibar with dollars; they are accepted everywhere, even in small shops. Advice: these must be small bills, otherwise you may not have change.

Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?

The vaccination must be done 10 days before entering Tanzania. The vaccine is not given to pregnant women, children under 1 year of age and allergy sufferers with intolerance to chicken protein. The vaccination is easily tolerated, without side effects.

In Moscow, immunization against yellow fever with an international certificate can be done in state medical institutions:

• Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1;
• City Clinic No. 5;
• Vaccination point No. 6 of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Polyclinic No. 1” of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation;
• Center for medical prevention of DMZ - for children.

And in private clinics:

• He is a Clinician;
• GMS Clinic.

The vaccine against yellow fever is live and can be produced either in Russia, Turkey (Sanofi Pasteur) or China (Tiantan Bio).

Yellow fever vaccine

In addition to Moscow, you can get vaccinated in a number of other cities of the Russian Federation:

• Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia;
• Arkhangelsk;
• Cherepovets, Vologda region;
• Kaliningrad;
• Murmansk;
• Saint Petersburg;
• Krasnodar;
• Novorossiysk, Krasnodar region;
• Volgograd;
• Rostov-on-Don;
• Stavropol;
• With. Bulgakovo, Ufa district, Republic of Bashkortostan;
• Kazan;
• Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic;
• Samara;
• Ulyanovsk;
• Chelyabinsk;
• Ekaterinburg;
• Tyumen;
• Permian;
• Republic of Tyva, Kyzyl;
• Krasnoyarsk;
• Irkutsk;
• Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia;
• Barnaul, Altai region;
• Kemerovo;
• Novosibirsk;
• Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha;
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka region;
• Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai;
• Nakhodka, Primorsky Krai;
• Blagoveshchensk, Amur region;
• Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region;
• Anadyr, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

At the moment, this list is exhaustive. However, please remember that vaccine availability may be limited when you need it.

Therefore, if you are sure that you need a vaccination certificate before your trip, make sure to check the availability of the vaccine in your city in advance and book an appointment to visit the vaccination office.

The cost of vaccination in Moscow on average starts from 3,000 rubles. - in public hospitals, and reaches 9,000 rubles. — in private clinics without queues and with full medical support.

How to get to Zanzibar now

You can get to the resort either independently or as a package tour. The easiest way to organize a trip is a package tour. All tour operators offer programs to Zanzibar, since this is now a very popular destination.

The largest selection of tours in this direction is offered by Coral Travel. Transportation is carried out 2 times a week. You can fly direct to Tanzania from the following cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Rostov-on-Don.

The flight duration is 9-12 hours. Vouchers are designed for a stay of 7-12 nights.

Additional optional vaccinations when traveling to Zanzibar and Tanzania

Once you've understood the situation with yellow fever on mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago - making sure it's completely safe and that you don't need to be vaccinated to go on holiday - you'll want to know what the situation is like with other infectious diseases in the country.

There is a list of recommended vaccinations - to do or not to do - the choice is yours

Should I get vaccinated against other diseases? Is any medical certificate required to enter the country? We repeat: officially no.

No other vaccinations are required to travel to Tanzania. But we will provide a list of recommended vaccinations at your discretion and for your peace of mind below.

Again, it makes sense to give such vaccinations to those travelers who intend to have a long and lasting relationship with Africa. So, vaccinations in decreasing order of priority:

1. Against hepatitis A. Such a vaccination will not hurt, because there is a possibility of contracting this disease through food or water (by the way, in this regard, we recommend drinking only bottled water).
2. For typhoid fever . The rationale is the same as for vaccination against hepatitis A. It is relevant for those who are going to travel around the countryside and taste food in places far from tourist standards.
3. From hepatitis B , which is most often transmitted through sexual contact, or through the use of unsterile needles or other medical instruments.
4. From cholera. This is a very rare disease among travelers. By drinking clean water and food and washing your hands thoroughly, there is no need for vaccination.
5. From rabies. This infection is carried by dogs and other mammals, so if you are not traveling to Tanzania, for example, on a mission as a veterinarian or volunteer at an animal shelter, or planning long-term hikes through dense forests with tents, do not fool yourself.

What vaccinations do I need to get?

Before traveling to Zanzibar, tourists are concerned about the need for vaccination, since it is prevention that helps against possible infectious diseases. Getting one or another vaccination in this case is voluntary , since Russians can officially cross the Tanzanian border without going through this procedure.

Note! Mandatory vaccination may be required only for tourists arriving from areas with an unfavorable epidemiological situation .

However, travelers should take into account that Tanzania's climate is hot, tropical and humid, which contributes to the spread of a number of infectious diseases . Therefore, 1.5-2 months before the planned trip, experienced tourists still advise seeing a doctor and getting the recommended vaccinations , which definitely won’t be amiss if the trip is planned with a child.

Just in case, we'll tell you about insurance.

The best insurance option for traveling abroad is purchasing an electronic policy online.

• Tripinsurance policy can be purchased while already traveling
• policies cover the COVID-19 coronavirus without reservations or restrictions at all rates
• best clinics and doctors on call
• insurance limits up to 1 million euros

We described the situation with tides in Zanzibar in detail here. Local fruits with prices and tips for choosing are described here.

For yellow fever

• Yellow fever (amaryllosis) is an acute viral disease transmitted Aedes and Haemogogus mosquitoes The disease begins abruptly and is accompanied by fever with body temperature up to 39-41, severe chills, headache, myalgia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. The first symptoms usually appear 3-6 days after infection.

“Yellow” fever is called because some patients develop jaundice . In 15% of patients, the liver is affected, and the skin acquires a corresponding shade. There is currently no special treatment for this disease.

It is worth noting that the last case of amaryllosis in Tanzania was recorded in 1992. Now the risk of yellow fever is very low, and Zanzibar is not an endemic region for the incidence.

It is possible to prevent amaryllosis with the help of effective and safe vaccinations that are quite affordable. Several types of vaccines are used in the Russian Federation. This is a vaccine from a domestic manufacturer, as well as vaccines produced in Belgium and France. All of them comply with the requirements of the World Health Organization. The vaccination is done 10 days before entering Zanzibar .

Additional optional vaccinations

For hepatitis A

Vaccination against hepatitis A is one of the recommended ones, since travelers have a risk of “catching” this disease from water or food , as well as through direct contact with an infected person.

There are several types of vaccines in Russia: domestically produced, produced in France, Belgium and the USA.

For hepatitis B

Vaccination against hepatitis B can be considered the second most important. Transmission of the virus occurs in most cases through contact with the blood or other biological fluids of an infected person, as well as through the use of unsterile needles and other medical instruments. Hepatitis B can be contracted, for example, by getting a tattoo or violating safety rules.

Modern vaccines currently used in Russia are products of domestic, American, and Belgian production. A vaccine from Israel and the joint development of doctors from Russia and Cuba .

For typhoid fever

The infection can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, poor sanitation and lack of safe drinking water. To protect against typhus, several types of vaccines are used: preoral, inactivated (in injection form) and dry preparations.

For rabies

Wild animals living in Tanzania can carry rabies. Vaccination is recommended for those who travel to Zanzibar on a mission as a veterinarian or volunteer , as well as for those who enjoy camping in dense tropical forests.

And finally, what diseases generally prevail in Tanzania?

Tanzania, like the rest of the world, is experiencing inevitable globalization in all areas. Life, although not yet boiling, is confidently boiling.

Life of local residents of Zanzibar

That is why in Tanzania and Zanzibar the so-called diseases of civilization are becoming more and more common, the undisputed leaders among which are diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

According to Tanzanian medical institutions, the aforementioned non-communicable diseases already prevail over infectious diseases, which have been the scourge of Africa for many centuries.

We agree that the trend of transition from infectious diseases to “diseases of civilization” cannot be called too positive, however, of course, this information is a great relief for travelers.

Restrictions for tourists in Zanzibar

• There are no restrictions related to coronavirus in Zanzibar. Everything works as usual, there is no need to wear a mask. But there are a number of other features that need to be taken into account while in Tanzania.
• The majority of the population here is Muslim, so it is better to dress more modestly on excursions and not wear swimsuits outside the hotel. Tourists can be on the hotel premises without a mask and in any open clothing.
• Also, don’t just take pictures of local residents without permission. According to unspoken rules, you need to offer a small amount of money for a photo.
• It is prohibited to bring food purchased from markets to the hotel. Some hotels may fine you for this.

What have we learned about vaccinations in Tanzania?

To make your trip safe and comfortable, you should arm yourself with truthful information about protecting your health. During your short-term, up to a month, vacation in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, contracting any infection tends to be 0%.

To protect yourself from food-borne infections, take precautions - wash your hands, drink bottled water, and avoid questionable foodservice establishments.

Officially, no vaccinations are required when traveling to Tanzania, including vaccination against yellow fever. The exception is if you are entering from an endemic area or planning further travel to other African countries.

The vaccine is safe and effective, the international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is valid for 10 years.

Now you know everything you need to know about vaccinations for travelers to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and we are sure that no horror stories will scare you anymore.

Do you need vaccinations to travel to Zanzibar?

For travelers from epidemiologically safe countries coming to Zanzibar and any other region of Tanzania, vaccinations are recommended, but no one will specifically require them. Tourists can be vaccinated against infections that can be contracted in Africa at their own discretion. Many people refuse immunization because Tanzania has a high level of healthcare, and dangerous diseases found in neighboring countries have been practically eradicated.

But there is an exception to this rule: if the path to Zanzibar lies for a person through countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation, for entry into which vaccination is required, then it becomes mandatory when crossing the border of Tanzania.

Zanzibar: important information for Russian citizens planning a stay in the country

Dear friends! We are pleased to announce great news - we are reopening Zanzibar! The program starts with flights from Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport) to Tanzania on the island of Zanzibar – 10.25.2020. Departures from St. Petersburg from 11/10/2020, from Kazan from 11/13/2020.

Tours to the island of Zanzibar are now available for booking!

View tours

Memo for Russian citizens planning a trip to Zanzibar

Travel preparation and safety precautions

IMPORTANT:
Prevention is better than cure!
The need to comply with dress code standards in Zanzibar

Visa

The cost of a visa on arrival is $50 (payment by credit card). To save time at the airport of Zanzibar Island when obtaining a visa on arrival, it is recommended to print and fill out the following documents in advance: 1. Application form for a visa on arrival link to the document 2. Migration card on arrival link to the document Read more at

Air travel:

In accordance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor and airline regulations, passengers without masks will not be accepted for transportation. Passengers must wear a mask at all times while on board the aircraft and have a sufficient number of masks for the entire duration of the flight at the rate of 1 mask per 3 hours of flight.

Arrival airport

During the flight, passengers must have personal protective equipment - masks and gloves. The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is taking various preventive measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country. There is currently a downward trend in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, but there is a possibility of its importation from other countries. In this regard, the Government has formed Recommendations regarding international travel No. 5 dated August 20, 2020: 1. Upon arrival, all passengers undergo medical screening (temperature measurement). There is no mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. 2. All passengers are required to submit a correctly completed passenger surveillance form to the port health authorities upon arrival.

. Sample Passenger Observation Form 3. A negative COVID-19 test certificate is not required to enter the country, but passengers with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection may be tested. The cost of the test is $80. If the test result is positive and COVID-19 is detected, the cost of the test will be reimbursed by the ERV insurance company. Insurance is included in the tour package. In case of a negative result, the tourist can continue his vacation without restrictions. However, the tourist pays all costs for the test at his own expense.

Nordwind airline requirements for a certificate (certificate) with PCR test results for those flying abroad https://nordwindairlines.ru/ru/covid-19/pcr-test

Important! In order to preserve the environment and ecology, visitors to Tanzania are prohibited from importing plastic bags and packages in luggage and hand luggage. The exception is reusable resealable plastic bags for packaging medicines and toiletries, which will not be left in Tanzania.

On a rest

1. While in the country, all travelers must adhere to infection prevention and control measures such as hand hygiene, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. 2. All hotels in Zanzibar charge an accommodation tax of 1 USD per night per guest. The tax is collected at the hotel reception for all adults and children aged 6 years and older.

Payment for medical services

If during a vacation the Insured suddenly discovers similar symptoms of illness (high temperature, cough, runny nose, etc.), then he needs to call the Service Center at the phone number specified in the insurance policy and follow the operator’s instructions. All treatment costs will be covered by the ERV policy. Based on the results of treatment, if the period of stay in Tanzania exceeds the number of days of rest on the paid voucher, the flight to Russia is paid for by the insurance company ERV or the tour operator PEGAS Touristik. Upon returning home, all expenses incurred will be reimbursed under the ERV health insurance policy, incl. for medications, necessary tests as prescribed by the doctor, hotel accommodation (300 USD) and return tickets. Therefore, you must be prepared for additional expenses and keep all receipts and receipts for payment for services provided. If a tourist finds himself in a difficult situation, including related to a coronavirus infection, the tour operator PEGAS Touristik will provide assistance in resolving issues and the necessary support.

On departure from Zanzibar:

Tourists fill out the Migration Card upon departure - an example of filling out Attention! In accordance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor and airline regulations, air passengers without masks will not be accepted for transportation. Passengers must wear a mask at all times while on board and have a sufficient supply for the entire duration of the flight at the rate of 1 mask per 3 hours of flight.

Upon arrival in the Russian Federation

Important!

Citizens of the Russian Federation arriving on the territory of the Russian Federation by air must ensure that
the electronic form is filled out on
the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services (mandatory for those arriving at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports)
before departure to the Russian Federation
(the completed Registration of Arrivals in the Russian Federation form must be printed or show from the smartphone screen during check-in (non-flight).

Within four calendar days, starting from July 31, 2021, Russian citizens must undergo a one-time

laboratory testing for COVID-19 using the PCR method and posting information about the result of the study in a special form on the Unified Portal of State Services. Until the results of laboratory tests for COVID-19 are obtained, it is necessary to comply with the isolation regime at the place of residence (stay). NEW! If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 within the last 12 months or have information about a history of COVID-19 disease in the last 6 months, a laboratory test for COVID-19 using the PCR method is not required. Information about a past illness or vaccination must be posted within four calendar days on the Unified Portal of State Services by filling out the form “Providing information about test results, past illness or vaccination against a new coronavirus infection for those arriving in the territory of the Russian Federation” (https://www .gosuslugi.ru/400705/1). Information about past illness or vaccination against a new coronavirus infection is posted electronically on the EPGU based on information received from the unified state information system in the field of healthcare.

Sources:

Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United Republic of Tanzania https://tanzania.mid.ru/ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL No. 5 dated August 05, 2021 Link to the document Recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation for tourists: https://www.rospotrebnadzor.ru/about /info/news/news_details.php?ELEMENT_ID=15053 Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated July 13, 2020 No. 18: https://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202007130036 Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated 09/18/2020 No. 27: https://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202009230029?index=1&rangeSize=1 https://www.atorus.ru/news/press-centre/new/54304. html Detailed information about the country: Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated 04/16/2021 https://publication.pravo.gov.ru/Document/View/0001202104200067 Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated 07/28/2021

Conditions will be updated as official information becomes available.

Always yours, PEGAS Touristik

Published:

18.09.2020

Updated: