Recently updates on Covid-19 in Tanzania
Recently updates on covid-19, KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional obligation to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no more than 4 hours before departure. Rapid testing is performed on all airports that KLM flies from and to: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.The cost for this test is 25 USD per person/test. To be paid in cash at the airport.
Reserve enough time for this test to prevent any issues, and arrive at the airport at least 6 hours before departure.
Where to get a PCR test in Arusha
A PCR test can be taken in Mount Meru Regional Hospital
and in Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. No need of appointment to get the PCR test at Mount Meru Hospital. You can make the payment right there because there many Banks or your company you booked the tour or traveling with can help you to make the payment for your pcr test.
Opening hours in Arusha for PCR Test in Arusha
Monday to Saturday = 08:00am – 16:30pm
Sunday = 09:00am – 13:00pm
Where to get a PCR test on Zanzibar
Emergency operation center (eoc) – lumumba (stone town)
The Ministry of Health Zanzibar has currently designated three locations for Covid PCR tests in Tanzania:
- Emergency operation center (eoc) lumumba (stone town)
- Global Hospital in Vuga
- North Valley Hospital in Nungwi
The cost of PCR test in Tanzania
The cost of the test is 100 USD.
In Zanzibar private hospitals charge 150 USD.
In the Serengeti the cost are $100 for the test and $17 for the handling fee.
Where to get a PCR test in the Serengeti National park
To be able to get the PCR test in the Serengeti park during Tanzania safari, you also have the register via the normal website: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
After registering, a control number will be generated. Pay the test fee, which is equivalent to 100$ in TZS, following the instructions provided when the control is generated.
For taking a test in the Serengeti there is a small extra handling fee covering the extra cost with taking a test in the Serengeti National Park. The payment of the the handling fee should be via Mpesa, through Vodacom pay ‘Number 5106362 Tanzania Association of Tour Operators’. African Safari and Tours Safaris can assist with this. The handling fee is 40,000 TZS or roughly $17
Time for the PCR test in Serengeti at the Testing Center in Seronera in Serengeti National Park between 08:00am and 12:00am. There is no need of appointment.
The test should travel to Dar es Salaam to the laboratory for the physical testing. The results take 48 hours to be delivered to you via email, WhatsApp – like with tests taken in Arusha & Zanzibar.
How to take a PCR test in Tanzania from Arusha or in Zanzibar
Since 4th of January 2021 new rules have been implemented by the Tanzanian government.
You need to register on the official test site: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz , with your passport and telephone number. You should do this 3 to 5 days before you plan to take your test.
Choose a hospital, pay and get tested.
Roughly, this is the procedure on arrival in the hospital:
Get in a line to pay for the test. Cash is preferred, although cards are accepted. Using cards to pay might cause some trouble or delay. After paying, you’ll receive a receipt, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don’t lose it!
You’ll then proceed to another line. You’ll present your paid receipt and submit your personal information and flight details. In the third line, you will then declare how you want to get the results, on-line via WhatsApp or email or a printed copy. We recommend you through email since you will need a printed result to present at the Airport.
You will then receive a control number, and when it’s your turn, you get tested. The samples are taken from your throat and nose. Your guide from African Safari and Tours Safaris will be there at anytime to help whenever you will need help on the PCR test during your safari with us.
How long does it take to get the result?
It will take up to 48 hours to get the results since the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing. If your airline has strict regulations regarding the validity time of the certificate make sure you perform your sample taking in the morning – so it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day of the sample taking.
Will I get the results on time to comply with the requirements of the airline or the country I’m traveling to?
The date stated on your certificate is the date the test was performed in Dar es Salaam, not the date the sample was taken. So in short, yes you can meet all requirements
Are you interested to book your African safari with African Safari and Tours Safaris?
Contact us for your next travel to Tanzania and you will get the classic quote on affordable price!
Hope this information will be helpful for you all African travelers and the ones doing Tanzania Safari Tours.
