Travel update as Britons in Africa will be subject to new entry requirements – expect mandatory checks
Tanzania is a popular holiday destination, worth-renowned for its incredible safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro and the flawless beaches of Zanzibar.
However, before visiting the East African tourist spot, it’s important to check the latest travel guidance.
Britons visiting Tanzania have been issued a travel warning by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as entry requirements are reevaluated.
Holidaymakers will be subject to body temperature checks due to the risk of Mpox and Marburg virus disease (MVD).
Mpox
Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) shared that Tanzania confirmed its first cases of Mpox virus disease.
This followed laboratory testing in Dar es Salaam on March 9, which marked the first outbreak of the disease in the country.
The government took immediate action to control the outbreak, drawing from experience with the recent Marburg outbreak in January 2025.
Measures include isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing and intensified public awareness campaigns about symptoms and prevention.
“WHO with its partners remains committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the Mpox outbreak under control as soon as possible,” said Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative in Tanzania.
“We have strongly collaborated in the fight against Marburg and will surely overcome Mpox with strong collaboration.”
With this outbreak, Tanzania became the 23rd country affected by Mpox in the African region.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus. It spreads mainly through close contact with infected individuals. The disease causes a “painful” rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. In severe cases, it can be “deadly”.
TravelHealth Pro stated: “On March 11, 2025, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health announced a travel advisory in response to the declaration of a mpox outbreak on March 10, 2025. Travellers arriving at border ports may be subject to additional health checks. The Mpox clade has not been reported.”
TravelHealthPro provides essential information on Mpox, including prevention and vaccines for specific travellers.
Marburg virus disease (MVD)
The Tanzanian government mandated body temperature checks at all entry points following an outbreak of MVD in the Kagera region.
The measure was introduced on January 21 as part of enhanced health screening procedures.
The World Health Organisation confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the Biharamulo and Muleba districts of the Kagera region, in north-western Tanzania.
As of January 20, 2025, authorities had reported 25 suspected cases and one confirmed case across these two districts.
The FCDO stated: “Travellers leaving the Kagera region must fill out an online form and comply with exit screening measures.”
TravelHealthPro offers essential advice on the Marburg virus disease in Tanzania and how travellers can stay safe, including what to do before they go, while they are there and when they return.
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General health risks in Tanzania
The FCDO highlighted several health risks for travellers to Tanzania, including Marburg virus disease in the Kagera region, dengue, malaria and cholera.
Altitude sickness is also a risk in parts of Tanzania, with the FCDO advising travellers to read more about this on TravelHealthPro.
Before travelling to Tanzania, Britons should consult the FCDO’s latest travel guidance for the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
For a safe, well-informed trip anywhere abroad, it’s always advisable to consult the FCDO’s advice.
In a recent travel warning, Britons in South Africa were issued holiday guidance as tourists are “targeted” in violent attacks.