Vaccines for Traveling to Tanzania from Spain: Complete Guide 2025
Planning a trip to Tanzania or Zanzibar is exciting: spectacular safaris, paradisiacal beaches, Kilimanjaro... But before booking flights, there is a crucial step that many Spanish travelers underestimate: vaccinations. What are the mandatory vaccinations in Tanzania? What prophylaxis do you need? Where to get vaccinated in Spain? In this complete guide I explain exactly what vaccinations you need to go to Tanzania, which ones are mandatory, which ones are recommended, where to get them in Spain, real prices and all the practical details to travel protected.
Mandatory vaccinations Tanzania: what you need to know
Let's start with the most important: the only mandatory vaccination to enter Tanzania is yellow fever, but only under specific conditions.
Yellow fever certificate: when is it mandatory?
Tanzania requires the International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever yes:
- You are traveling from a country with risk of transmissionIf you are traveling directly from Spain, you do NOT need the yellow fever vaccine (Spain is not a risk zone).
- You have spent more than 12 hours in an airport in a country at risk.: This is key. If you fly Spain → Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) → Tanzania, and your stopover in Addis Ababa exceeds 12 hours, you DO need the certificate. Short stopovers do not require a certificate.
- You combine Tanzania with other destinationsIf your itinerary includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or other African countries with yellow fever, you will need the certificate.
Countries at risk of yellow fever (partial list): Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, among others. See complete list at Ministry of Health.
Important about the certificate
- Validity: The certificate is valid for life from 10 days after vaccination.
- Where to get vaccinated: Only in International Vaccination Centers authorized in Spain.
- Always carry it: Controls may ask for it both on arrival and departure from Tanzania.
- Without certificate: You may be refused entry or vaccinated at the airport (not ideal conditions).
Recommended vaccinations for travel to Tanzania
Although not mandatory, these vaccines are highly recommended by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the WHO:
Hepatitis A (strong recommendation)
WhyIt is transmitted by contaminated food and water. In Tanzania, the risk is high even in good hotels.
Dose1 dose protects immediately. Second dose at 6-12 months gives immunity for life.
WhereHealth center, travel clinics or International Vaccination Center.
Price30-50€ in public health care, 50-80€ in private clinics.
Hepatitis B (strong recommendation)
WhyTransmitted by blood, sexual intercourse, unsterilized medical instruments. Risk in case of accident or medical necessity.
Dose3 doses (0, 1 month, 6 months). There is an accelerated schedule (0, 7, 21 days + booster at one year).
ImportantIf you plan your trip with less than 6 months, use an accelerated guideline.
Price: 20-40€ per dose (60-120€ total).
Typhoid Fever (strong recommendation)
WhyFecal-oral transmission by contaminated food/water. Common in Tanzania.
Dose1 injection or 3 oral capsules.
Protection: 2-3 years.
Price: 25-40€.
Tetanus-Diphtheria (check your calendar)
WhyTetanus enters through wounds. In Tanzania, cuts, scratches or accidents are possible.
DoseIf you have not had a booster in the last 10 years, get one before traveling.
PriceFree of charge in Spanish public health care.
Rabies (depending on your type of travel)
Recommended if:
- Travel to rural or remote areas
- Contact with animals (walking safaris, working with wildlife)
- Long trips (more than 4 weeks)
- Adventure activities
NOT requiredStandard tourist trips to Zanzibar beaches and safaris by vehicle.
Dose3 doses (days 0, 7, 21-28).
Price40-60€ per dose (120-180€ total) - the most expensive.
ImportantPre-exposure vaccination does NOT eliminate the need for post-bite treatment, but reduces doses needed and allows time to reach hospital.
Meningococcal meningitis (consideration)
Recommended ifYou travel during the dry season (June-October) to northern areas of Tanzania or if there are active outbreaks.
Dose1 injection.
Protection: 3-5 years.
Price: 50-70€.
Vaccinations for traveling to Tanzania from Spain: recommended schedule
Ideally, plan your vaccinations 6-8 weeks prior to travel. Here is a practical calendar:
8 weeks before:
- Hepatitis B (1st dose)
- Rabies (1st dose) - if required
- Yellow fever - if necessary
7 weeks before:
- Rabies (2nd dose)
4 weeks before:
- Hepatitis B (2nd dose)
- Typhoid fever
- Meningitis - if necessary
3 weeks before:
- Rabies (3rd dose)
2 weeks before:
- Hepatitis A (can be applied until the last minute)
- Tetanus-diphtheria (if necessary)
If you have less timeMany vaccines protect quickly (Hepatitis A, yellow fever in 10 days, typhoid). Consult with specialist on accelerated guidelines.
Malaria prophylaxis: essential for Tanzania
Malaria has NO vaccinebut preventive medication (prophylaxis) is available. Tanzania has malaria risk throughout the country, including Zanzibar.
Antimalarial drugs available in Spain
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone):
- AdvantagesBetter tolerated, fewer side effects, short regimen (start 1-2 days earlier).
- DurationDuring trip + 7 days after
- Price50-80€ (12 tablets), 80-150€ complete trip
- More recommended by Spanish physicians
Doxycycline:
- AdvantagesMore economical, it also protects against other infections
- DisadvantagesPhotosensitivity (sunburn easier), should be taken 1-2 days before, during and 4 weeks after.
- Price: 20-40€ complete trip
- Good option if budget is tight
Mefloquine (Lariam):
- AdvantagesWeekly pattern (more comfortable)
- DisadvantagesNeuropsychiatric side effects in some people (nightmares, anxiety, dizziness).
- Price: 40-60€
- Less recommended currently
Where to get antimalarial prophylaxis
International Vaccination CenterYou are prescribed after consultation. You pick up medication at the pharmacy with a prescription.
General practitionerYou can prescribe if you have knowledge of traveler's medicine.
Private travel clinicsConsultation + prescription in one visit.
ImportantStart the prophylaxis according to indications (from 1 day to 2 weeks before according to medication). Do NOT wait until you arrive in Tanzania.
Where to get vaccinated to go to Tanzania from Spain
International Vaccination Centers (recommended)
They are the official option of the Spanish Ministry of Health for international travelers.
Advantages:
- Travel Medicine Specialists
- Official yellow fever certificate issued
- Public prices (more economical)
- They can give personalized advice
Main centers in Spain:
- Madrid: C/ Francisco Silvela, 57 / C/ General Oráa, 39
- Barcelona: C/ Bergara, 12
- Valencia: C/ Micer Mascó, 31
- Seville: Av. de la Innovación, s/n
- Málaga: C/ Carlos Haya, s/n
AppointmentMandatory. Book online or by phone 4-6 weeks in advance (they fill up fast in summer).
Official website: Ministry of Health - Foreign Health
Private travel medicine clinics
Advantages:
- Faster appointments
- Flexible schedules
- Personalized attention
Disadvantages:
- More expensive (consultation 60-100€ + vaccinations)
Well-known clinics:
- CIMA Clinic (Barcelona, Madrid)
- Hospital Clinic (Barcelona)
- Hospital La Paz (Madrid)
Your health center
What they can doVaccines of the Spanish calendar (tetanus, hepatitis A and B sometimes).
What CANNOTYellow fever (only in International Vaccination Centers), rabies generally, international certificates.
Total vaccine costs for Tanzania
Minimum scenario (tourist Zanzibar, direct flight from Spain):
- Hepatitis A: 40€.
- Typhoid: 30€.
- Tetanus (if necessary): 0€.
- Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone): 100€.
- Total: 170€.
Full scenario (safari + Zanzibar, long trip):
- Yellow fever: 20€.
- Hepatitis A: 40€.
- Hepatitis B (3 doses): 90€.
- Typhoid: 30€.
- Rabies (3 doses): 150€.
- Meningitis: €60
- Malaria prophylaxis: 100€.
- Total: €490
Standard scenario (majority of travelers):
- Hepatitis A: 40€.
- Hepatitis B: 90€.
- Typhoid: 30€.
- Malaria prophylaxis: 100€.
- Total: 260€.
Other important health measures
Mosquito repellent
In addition to the prophylaxis, use repellent with DEET minimum 30% o Icaridin 20%:
- Brands: Relec Extra Fuerte, Goibi Xtreme, Off!
- Apply every 4-6 hours
- Also in clothing (permethrin)
Water and food
- Drink only bottled (sealed) water.
- Avoid ice in beverages
- Eat hot, well-cooked food
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid raw salads in questionable places.
Basic first aid kit
- Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Antihistamine (stings, allergies)
- Antidiarrheal (loperamide)
- Oral saline (rehydration)
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (under prescription)
- Dressing materials (band-aids, gauze, antiseptic)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Thermometer
Travel insurance with medical coverage
Essential for Tanzania. Public health care is limited and private health care is very expensive.
Minimum recommended coverage:
- Medical expenses: €50,000
- Repatriation: €100,000
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Tropical diseases included
- Medications
Recommended insurance companies:
- IATI Insurance (specialized in travelers)
- Intermundial
- AXA
- Mapfre
Price30-70€ for 2 weeks depending on coverage.
ImportantRead the fine print. Some policies exclude activities such as safaris, diving or trekking if you do not declare them.
Frequently asked questions about vaccines for Tanzania
What vaccinations are required to travel to Tanzania from Spain?
Only yellow fever is mandatory, but only if you are traveling from a country with risk of transmission or you have made a stopover of more than 12 hours in one. If you fly directly Spain-Tanzania with short stopovers (Amsterdam, Dubai, etc.), you do NOT need yellow fever. However, the Tanzania mandatory vaccinations may change, so always check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling. Although only one is mandatory, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid fever because of the real risks of contagion in Tanzania.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis to go to Zanzibar?
Yes, you definitely need antimalarial prophylaxis for Zanzibar. Although the risk is slightly lower than in mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar remains malaria endemic all year round. The WHO and the Spanish Ministry of Health recommend preventive medication (Malarone or Doxycycline) for all of Tanzania including Zanzibar. Transmitting mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. In addition to prophylaxis, use DEET 30%+ repellent, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long-sleeved clothing at night. There is no vaccine against malaria, only prevention with medication. According to the World Health OrganizationTanzania reports malaria cases annually, even in tourist areas.
How far in advance should I get vaccinated to go to Tanzania?
The ideal is to start the vaccination process 6-8 weeks before the trip to complete all the necessary doses (especially hepatitis B which requires 3 doses in 6 months, or rabies with 3 doses in 21-28 days). However, if you have less time, many vaccinations for travel to Tanzania from Spain protect quickly: hepatitis A in 2 weeks, yellow fever valid 10 days later, typhoid immediately. The absolute minimum is 2 weeks before to have basic protection. Make an appointment at the International Vaccination Center as soon as possible (they fill up months before in high season). If traveling too soon, consult with specialist about available accelerated guidelines.