Frequently asked Covid-19 related questions in Tanzania

Do I need a negative COVID-19 certificate to enter the country?

For travelers visiting Tanzania, effective from 12th January 2023

a. All travelers entering or transiting URT (United Republic of Tanzania) through land borders, sea ports or airports are advised to be fully vaccinated as per approved schedule of primary vaccination against COVID 19 in their respective countries.

b. All travelers entering or transiting URT Mainland through land borders, sea/lake ports or airports are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or RT-PCR certificate or perform Rapid Antigen Test on arrival unless stated otherwise by conveyance to be used or country of their final destination. However, for surveillance purposes Port Health Officials may at any time perform COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test free of charge for randomly selected travelers during arrival at points of entry.

c. On arrival, thermal and physical screening will be done. Passengers found to be symptomatic during screening will be immediately isolated and handled as per health protocol.

You can check the latest travel advisory from Tanzania at https://www.moh.go.tz/en/announcements

What is the process of getting a COVID-19 PCR test in Tanzania?

Below is the official link provided by the Tanzanian government to apply for covid test.

https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz/#/booking

Once you open the link you need to enter your passport number followed by the region and the hospital you want to get tested in. Below is the screenshot of the same for your reference:

Covid testing homepage

If you are in Moshi please select the Kilimanjaro region and If you are in Arusha please select the Arusha region.

region selection

Next select the required hospital/testing centre. We recommend Mawenzi regional referral hospital in Kilimanjaro region and Mount Meru regional referral hospital in Arusha region.

Next select the date when you would like to get the test done. Please note that the portal has a time frame of 2 weeks, hence you cannot select a date beyond 2 weeks from the date of application.

date selection

Once the date is selected, you will be asked to fill in your information. Under Traveller type select "Traveller".

Traveller type

Then select your nationality:

Nationality

Once you select your Nationality, you will be asked to fill in a series of personal details.

personal details

Once the details are filled, you will be able to book an appointment for Covid testing.

Kindly note: If you are applying for more than one person then you are required to give different email ID’s to get individual acknowledgement.

Where can I get the test done in Karatu?

You can get the test done in Karatu by selecting “Arusha region” under the region drop down and then choose the required hospital. We recommend Fame medical health center. Attached is the screenshot of the same for your reference:

Arusha region

Where can I get the test done in Serengeti?

You can take the test in central Serengeti by selecting Mara region in the drop down and then selecting Musoma regional Referral hospital under the drop down. Attached is the screenshot of the same for your reference:

serengeti region

These test results take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours. Kindly plan your trip keeping this time frame in mind.

How much does it cost for the RT PCR test and how do I pay for it in Tanzania?

As per the current government rule, the RT-PCR test costs USD 50 per person and it is usually paid via M-pesa or Bank transfer to the Tanzanian government, but since you don't have access to this you can pay it to our Briefing manager before departure in cash (USD) and he shall make the payment for you. However, please note that you will have to book the Covid test yourself by filling the form and provide us the control number (application number) to make the payment.

In addition to the RT PCR test costs charged by the government, sample collection centers in remote locations (Karatu, Serengeti) charge additional fees in the range of $10-17 per person which can be paid in cash directly at the sample collection centers. This is not applicable for sample collection centers in cities like Arusha/Moshi/Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam.

If you want us to handle all the charges and avoid any unnecessary delays, then you can pay this additional charges along with the test charges to our briefing manager before departure. The charges are USD 67 per person for COVID-19 test in Serengeti and USD 65 for COVID-19 test in Karatu.

Is advance booking or prior appointment needed?

Yes, prior booking has to be done through the above mentioned link.

The test centres in Arusha and Karatu are open from 8:30am to 12:30pm on all the days.

The test centres in Serengeti are open on all the days except for Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

How long will it take to get the results?

It takes a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of 72 hours to get the results. You will have to provide a working contact number while giving the sample, so that the hospital can contact you when you need to collect your results (Online/Offline).

How do I get my certificate online?

Click on the given link: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz/#/booking Click on the CERTIFICATE / CHETI button. Enter your passport details in the space given below and click on the search button.

Certificate

You can then download the certificate.

Attached below is the screenshot of the sample Covid certificate for your reference:

Certificate test

Kindly Note: Sometimes the results may take up to 3 working days hence kindly plan your travel keeping the time frame in mind.

Can I get a Rapid Antigen test? If yes, how much and where?

Yes, you can get a Rapid Antigen test done in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The tests cost USD 25 per person. To get this test done you will have to be present five hours before your scheduled boarding time.

Do I require a COVID negative certificate when entering Tanzania from Kenya?

Yes, a COVID negative certificate is required to enter Tanzania from Kenya.

Do I need to take a RT-PCR test before departing Tanzania even if my airlines & my destination country does not require the same?

If your airlines or your destination country does not require a RT-PCR test, we recommend you to check-in 5 hours early at airport and get a rapid test done as our clients have been asked for this in cases where they didn't require/posses RT PCR results while departing from Tanzania.

When and where should you get the tests done?

We recommend you to share your travel plan and your flight schedule with our travel consultant. They will go through your schedule, analyze and suggest the best time and location to get the test done so that you don’t spend extra time waiting for results.

What can you do while you are waiting for results?

There are various activities that one can do while waiting for the results to come. Instead of sitting in your room and counting time before the results are announced, you can explore more of our beautiful country. Below are some of the Day tour and 2 day safaris that we at Monkey Adventures offer:

For any more assistance you can always contact our team at [email protected] or whatsapp us at +1 (302) 246-7700. You can also use this link to start the chat - https://wa.me/13022467700