We traveled to Tanzania this Feb. We flew SFO-Istanbul-Nairobi-Kilimanjaro. Everyone on the Nairobi plane was asked for the YF certificate, however, when we said we never left the airport, the official waved us on.

Discussions on this topic rage at various Africa forums. Below is something I found which was dated early 2011. The uncertainty of what will actually happen when one arrives in Tanzania is raised in the second paragraph. Although it seems clear that travelers arriving from a non-endemic country should not need the YF certificate, one never knows what Tanzanian officials might actually do. If they stand firm one might need to have a jab at the point of entry. For that reason, I think many will suggest that it is wise to get the jab before leaving home.

"THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELLFARE

"REQUEST FOR CLEAR ELABORATIONS ON YELLOW FEVER REGULATIONS


"Tanzania’s position on Yellow fever requirement for travelers entering our country remains unchanged. All travelers coming from endemic countries are required to produce evidence of yellow fever vaccination. This travel requirement does not apply to those travelers coming from non-endemic countries. Travelers from non-endemic countries travelling through endemic countries are subject to yellow fever vaccination only if they stay outside the Airport or have a long connection up to twelve hours.

"As you have indicated in your letter, in some cases your clients encountered malpractices of yellow fever regulation. I would like to assure you that the Ministry will take stern measures against any health staff who contravenes the laid down procedures and protocol for yellow fever screening. In this context, we would like to request your collaboration with the Ministry on any malpractice that you might encounter."

This has been discussed and discussed on Trip Advisor forever with varied responses. In the end, the rules are set by the Tanzanian government and not the CDC or WHO. Most visitors just get the jab and be done with it.

So, on arrival it's hit-'n-miss whether you'll be asked to provide your certificate. Moreso, if heading to Zanzibar even if from mainland Tanzania.

Unless any in your party qualify for the 'waiver' due to: allergy to eggs, ages (over 60/yrs), contraindication with other drugs, where you can present such waiver... most visitors just get the jab (few side-effects, if any and I've never had any) and know you're set for 10/yrs whether in Tanzania or other countries that might require this jab.`

As to para #2 above...really! Doubt there would be anyone at the airport to which you could complain, but asking for a supervisor (if around), might work. But do you have the time to do this when in Africa things move 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly)

Why not get the jab? Unless you have medical condition about which your doctor feels the vaccination would harm you, be protected against yellow fever. Better safe than sorry. Plus, who would want to have big problem in the airport in Tanzania.

Agree with you, would rather get the jab here than in the airport in Tanzania. I just wanted to avoid it for my 8 yr old if possible due to the fact that the vaccine contains weakened live virus. Sounds a bit scary!

We flew London -- Nairobi -- Zanzibar in Oct 2011. We had our jabs and the immigration people in Zanzibar did ask to see our certificates. I understand your concern, my son was 6 at the time. But given all the conflicting information we felt it was easier to deal with it in the UK than in a Zanzibarian airport at 8pm!