The Tanzania Traveller Health Surveillance Form - known as Afya Msafiri - is a digital health declaration managed by Tanzania's Ministry of Health. It is required for certain international travellers arriving in or transiting through Tanzania, and must be submitted before departure or arrival, depending on your route. This form is not a visa, entry authorisation, or immigration document. Completing it does not guarantee entry into Tanzania.
What Is the Tanzania Traveller Health Surveillance Form?
The Afya Msafiri system is Tanzania's official traveller health surveillance portal, operated by the Ministry of Health. It enables health authorities to monitor and respond to communicable disease risks at points of entry. When activated for specific disease outbreaks or travel corridors, eligible travellers are required to submit a health declaration online before they travel. The form is free of charge through the official portal at afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz.
Who Needs to Complete It?
Travellers Who Must Submit
As of the current guidance published on the official portal, the Afya Msafiri form is required for travellers arriving in or transiting through Tanzania from or via Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This requirement is linked to active outbreaks of Mpox or Marburg virus in those countries. Children travelling with a parent or legal guardian must also complete a separate form.
Exemptions and Special Cases
The portal does not currently indicate a universal requirement for all international tourists visiting Tanzania - scope is tied to specific origin or transit countries linked to active disease alerts. Requirements can change rapidly during active outbreaks, so always check the official portal within 48 hours of departure.
When to Submit
Submit the form at least 24 hours before you begin your journey or before arrival in Tanzania, if you are travelling from or through an affected country. Do not wait until you reach the airport or border crossing - border officers may require proof of submission on arrival.
What You Need Before You Start
How to Complete the Form Step by Step
1. Access the Official Service
Go to afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz. This is the only official government portal. Do not use any other website - unofficial platforms may charge fees or mishandle your data.
2. Enter and Review the Information
Enter your passport or travel document number, then fill in all required fields carefully. Review every entry before proceeding - errors in your name, passport number, or travel dates are common causes of problems at the border.
3. Submit and Save the Confirmation
Once submitted, save or screenshot your confirmation immediately. Store it somewhere accessible offline in case you do not have internet access on arrival.
What Happens After Submission?
On arrival, border health officers may ask you to present your confirmation reference. In some cases, officers conduct a brief health screening - particularly for travellers from high-risk countries. Your data is used for contact tracing and public health monitoring, in line with Tanzania's communicable disease response protocols.
How to Correct Errors or Retrieve the Confirmation
If you notice an error after submitting, do not submit a duplicate form. Return to the official portal and use your passport or document number to retrieve your existing submission, or contact the Ministry of Health directly at poe@afya.go.tz or +255-26-2323267.
Afya Msafiri vs Visa and Other Entry Documents
| Document | Purpose | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania e-Visa | Permission to enter Tanzania | Immigration Department |
| Afya Msafiri form | Health surveillance declaration | Ministry of Health |
| Yellow fever certificate | Proof of vaccination (if required) | Your health authority |
Completing the Afya Msafiri form does not replace your visa, nor does it serve as any form of entry authorisation. You must satisfy all immigration, visa, and health requirements independently.
Key Points Before You Travel
- Check the official portal within 48 hours of departure.
- Submit at least 24 hours before your journey begins, if your route triggers the requirement.
- The form is free.
- Each traveller needs a separate submission, including children.
- The form is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into Tanzania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the health surveillance form required for every traveller?
No, it is currently required only for travellers arriving from or via countries listed as affected by an active disease outbreak.
When should the form be completed?
At least 24 hours before you begin your journey or arrive in Tanzania, if your route triggers the requirement.
Is it an immigration form?
No, it is a public health surveillance declaration, separate from immigration or visa processes.
Who is currently required to use Afya Msafiri?
Travellers arriving in or transiting through Tanzania from or via Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Where can travellers verify current health rules?
The official Afya Msafiri portal at afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz.