Tanzania Strengthens Health Surveillance Measures to Safeguard Tourism and Public Safety
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has issued Travel Advisory No. 17 of 18th May 2026 following reported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Uganda. The advisory outlines enhanced public Health Surveillance measures aimed at protecting citizens, visitors, and the tourism industry while ensuring continued confidence in Tanzania as a safe and welcoming destination.
The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Health through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, confirms that Tanzania has activated Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) public Health Surveillance and measures at all official points of entry. These measures are being implemented alongside ongoing health protocols related to Mpox and Hantavirus outbreaks, in line with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the Public Health Act of 2009.
As Tanzania continues to receive increasing numbers of international travelers, the move demonstrates the country’s proactive approach toward safeguarding public health, maintaining tourism confidence, and ensuring preparedness against emerging health risks.
Key Measures Introduced Under the Travel Advisory
According to the advisory, all travelers arriving from or transiting through the DRC or Uganda are required to complete a Traveler’s Surveillance Form before departure or upon arrival. Health Surveillance screening procedures, including temperature checks, have also been strengthened at airports, ports, and border crossings across the country.
Travelers will additionally receive Health Surveillance and information and guidance on monitoring symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease or other infectious illnesses. The advisory also emphasizes strict adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures such as hand hygiene, use of sanitizers, and minimizing unnecessary physical contact.
The Government further stated that any conveyance suspected of contamination will undergo decontamination procedures at points of entry to prevent potential spread of infectious diseases.
Importantly, the advisory reassures international travelers and tourism stakeholders that Tanzania remains open for tourism and international travel while implementing precautionary safety measures aligned with global health standards.
Tourism Resilience and Traveler Confidence
For Tanzania’s tourism industry, Health Surveillance and preparedness and traveler confidence remain essential pillars of sustainable growth. Tanzania continues to position itself as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, attracting visitors to iconic attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and other world-renowned destinations.
The implementation of enhanced health surveillance measures reflects Tanzania’s broader commitment to tourism resilience – ensuring that the country remains prepared to manage potential global disruptions while protecting both visitors and local communities.
The tourism sector globally has learned important lessons from recent international health crises, reinforcing the importance of coordinated preparedness, rapid response systems, and strong public-private sector collaboration.
The Role of TATO in Supporting Tourism Safety and Industry Preparedness
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) continues to play a critical role in supporting government efforts aimed at strengthening tourism safety, crisis preparedness, and industry coordination.
As the leading umbrella body representing licensed tour operators in Tanzania, TATO works closely with government authorities, health institutions, airports, tourism stakeholders, and international partners to ensure that tourism operations align with national and international safety standards.
1. Supporting Communication and Awareness
TATO helps disseminate official travel information and Health Surveillance advisories to tourism stakeholders, international travel partners, and visitors. Timely communication ensures that travelers remain informed about entry requirements, safety measures, and best practices during their stay in Tanzania.
2. Promoting Safe Tourism Operations
TATO encourages its members to maintain high standards of hygiene, traveler care, and operational preparedness across the tourism value chain, including safari operations, accommodations, airport transfers, and guest services.
3. Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration
Through ongoing engagement with government institutions, TATO contributes industry perspectives that support effective policy implementation while protecting tourism business continuity and visitor confidence.
4. Building Tourism Resilience
TATO has consistently championed resilience within Tanzania’s tourism sector by supporting crisis response initiatives, sustainable tourism practices, and preparedness strategies that strengthen the industry against external shocks.
5. Protecting Tanzania’s Tourism Reputation
Maintaining Tanzania’s image as a safe, reliable, and professionally managed destination remains central to TATO’s mission. By supporting coordinated safety measures and responsible tourism practices, TATO helps reinforce international confidence in Tanzania’s tourism sector.
Tanzania Remains Open and Prepared
While global health developments continue to evolve, Tanzania remains committed to balancing public Health Surveillance and protection with tourism growth and economic stability. The enhanced measures introduced under Travel Advisory No. 17 demonstrate the country’s readiness to act proactively while ensuring safe travel experiences for international visitors.
For travelers planning safaris, mountain trekking, cultural tours, beach holidays, and business travel, Tanzania continues to offer extraordinary experiences supported by strengthened safety protocols and coordinated stakeholder collaboration.
As tourism continues to recover and grow globally, strong partnerships between government institutions and private sector organizations such as TATO remain essential in building a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready tourism industry for Tanzania and the East African region.
