Official Import Rules
Tanzania requires an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), a government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries.
Parasite treatment required.
Arrival through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro (JRO).
Medical Roadmap
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel)
Apply for import permit from Ministry of Livestock
Health certificate within 10 days of travel
Government endorsement of health certificate
Arrive at Julius Nyerere (DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) airport
Inspection by veterinary officer on arrival
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Tips
Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar are the main expat areas. Dar es Salaam has the best vet care. Zanzibar has a visible and beloved community cat population. Vet care outside major cities is limited.
Vets & Common Parasites
Limited but improving veterinary care. Dar es Salaam has a few good clinics. Arusha (safari hub) has some vet services. Zanzibar has basic care. Rabies and tick-borne diseases are concerns — keep vaccinations and prevention current.
Find Vets in TanzaniaExit Rules — Leaving Tanzania
Exit requires a health certificate and export permit from the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and follows the same import rules. Zanzibar has a famous community cat population and is generally cat-friendly.
Basic care is available in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. For complex medical issues, Nairobi (Kenya) is the nearest city with advanced veterinary facilities.
Yes. Rabies is present in Tanzania. Keep your cat's vaccinations current and consider keeping cats indoors, especially in areas with stray animals.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Tanzania with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.