Travel Alert: Tanzania Boosts Ebola Screening Amid Outbreak Concerns

The Tanzanian government has implemented reinforced health screening and surveillance protocols for all international travelers entering the country. These stringent measures have been enacted in response to an ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a recently reported case involving a patient who traveled from the DRC to Kenya. The new requirements, effective immediately, mandate that all incoming travelers provide comprehensive health information and undergo thorough screening processes at all designated points of entry, including airports, land border crossings, and seaports. This proactive approach aims to prevent the potential spread of EVD into Tanzania.

According to Travel Advisory No. 18, issued by Dr. Grace Magembe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, these measures align with the International Health Regulations (2005), as amended in 2024, and the Public Health Act of 2009. A crucial component of these regulations is the mandatory completion of an online Traveller's Health Surveillance Form, accessible via https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz. Travelers are required to fill out this form either before their departure to the United Republic of Tanzania or upon arrival, providing accurate information and retaining the generated confirmation QR code or reference number for verification by port health authorities.

Upon arrival, all travelers will undergo health screening, which includes temperature checks, at specific entry points. Any individual exhibiting suspected symptoms of Ebola or other infectious diseases will be managed strictly in accordance with the National Entry and Exit Screening Standard Operating Procedures. Furthermore, the government has underscored the critical importance of continuous health monitoring for travelers and the prompt reporting of any suspected infections. Travelers will also be provided with essential information on how to respond if they develop symptoms of Ebola or another infectious disease, with advice to report to the nearest health facility or point of entry, or contact authorities via the toll-free number 199 or email [email protected].

To enhance surveillance beyond the initial entry-point screening, travelers identified as being at high risk will be subjected to a mandatory 21-day follow-up period. This follow-up will be conducted through daily automated messages or other designated communication channels, and travelers are obligated to cooperate and respond to these messages throughout the entire follow-up duration, even if they have exited the country. Additionally, the advisory emphasizes that both travelers and transport operators must adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures, which include maintaining proper hand hygiene, utilizing hand sanitizers, and avoiding unnecessary physical contact. Any conveyance discovered to be contaminated through contact with a suspected case, cargo, or human remains associated with Ebola or another infectious disease will undergo thorough decontamination at the point of entry.

Lastly, travelers departing Tanzania are advised to familiarize themselves with and comply with the specific entry requirements of their destination or transit countries. Dr. Magembe stated that this advisory would be periodically reviewed and updated as necessary, depending on the evolving public health situation and the potential need for additional preventative measures.