Visa & Entry Requirements
Everything you need to know about e-Visa applications, visa-on-arrival fees, and passport validity requirements for Tanzania.
Entry to Tanzania is straightforward for most nationalities, but the details matter — and getting them wrong can delay or derail a trip. Tanzania offers both an e-Visa (applied for online before travel) and a visa on arrival at major airports and land borders.
This guide covers who needs a visa, how to apply, what it costs, and the passport and entry rules you need to know before you book your flights.
The Short Answer
Most nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. Apply for an e-Visa online 15–20 days before travel — it’s faster, cheaper, and avoids queues on arrival.
Visa fees are typically $50 for most nationalities and $100 for US citizens (multiple-entry, 12-month visa). Visa on arrival is available at major airports but is more expensive and slower.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with at least two blank pages.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania — the same visa covers both. You’ll clear immigration again when entering Zanzibar.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The Tanzanian e-Visa system is simple to use. Here’s the process, start to finish.
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Check Your Eligibility
Most nationalities are eligible for the e-Visa. A small number of countries are exempt (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and some SADC nations). Check the official Tanzanian immigration website for your specific nationality.
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Gather Your Documents
You’ll need: a passport valid for 6+ months, a recent passport-style photo (digital), your flight itinerary, and a hotel or lodge address for your first night in Tanzania.
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Apply Online
Apply through the official Tanzanian e-Visa portal. Complete the form, upload your photo and documents, and pay the fee by credit card. The process takes about 15 minutes.
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Wait for Approval
Approvals usually arrive within 10–15 working days. Apply at least 15–20 days before travel to allow for processing delays. You’ll receive an approval letter by email.
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Print Your Approval
Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport. You’ll present it at immigration on arrival, where the visa is stamped into your passport.
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Arrive and Clear Immigration
At the airport, join the visa-holder queue (usually faster than visa-on-arrival). Present your passport, approval letter, and entry form. Immigration will stamp your visa.
Visa Types & Fees
Tanzania offers several visa categories. Most tourists need the Ordinary Visa (single or multiple entry).
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) | $50 | 90 days | Standard tourist visa for most nationalities |
| Ordinary Visa (US Citizens) | $100 | 12 months, multiple entry | US citizens are only issued multiple-entry visas |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | 12 months | For travelers re-entering Tanzania |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 7 days | For short layovers only |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | 90 days | Valid for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda |
Fees are set by the Tanzanian government and may change. Confirm current rates on the official immigration portal before applying.
Passport & Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
- Valid for 6+ months beyond travel
- At least 2 blank pages
- Undamaged and machine-readable
Return Ticket
- Proof of onward travel required
- Printed itinerary is sufficient
- Immigration may ask to see it
Proof of Accommodation
- First night’s address required
- Lodge confirmation or booking
- Needed for the e-Visa form
Yellow Fever Certificate
- Required if arriving from affected countries
- Not required for direct arrivals from Europe/US
- See our Health & Vaccinations guide
Visa on Arrival vs e-Visa
Both are available, but the e-Visa is almost always the better choice. Here’s how they compare.
| Factor | e-Visa (Online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Standard fee | Higher, varies by nationality |
| Queue at Airport | Shorter (visa-holder line) | Longer, especially at peak times |
| Processing Time | 10–15 working days | On-the-spot, can take 30–90 minutes |
| Payment | Credit card online | Cash USD, exact change preferred |
| Availability | Most nationalities | Major airports and some land borders |
| Recommended | Yes | If in a hurry |
Special Cases
Zanzibar Entry
Same VisaZanzibar is part of Tanzania, so your Tanzanian visa covers both the mainland and the islands. If you fly directly into Zanzibar, you’ll clear immigration there — the process is the same as arriving on the mainland.
If you’re arriving from the mainland by ferry or domestic flight, you’ll pass through a domestic arrivals channel and won’t need to go through immigration again.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Multi-CountryIf your trip includes Kenya and Uganda alongside Tanzania, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, 90 days) covers all three countries with a single visa. It’s issued on arrival or online and is valid for multiple entries within the region.
Note: this visa does not cover Zanzibar as a separate entry — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and is covered.
Extensions & Overstays
ImportantTourist visas are typically valid for 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged in advance at the Tanzanian immigration office in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar. Overstaying is a serious offence — fines and possible detention apply.
Children & Minors
NoteChildren need their own passport and visa — including infants. Some nationalities require additional documentation for minors travelling with only one parent or a guardian. Check requirements with your embassy before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, for most nationalities. A small number of countries are exempt (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and some SADC nations), but the majority of travellers need either an e-Visa or a visa on arrival.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost?
Standard tourist visas are $50 for most nationalities. US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months. Transit visas are $30, and the East Africa Tourist Visa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) is $100.
How long does the e-Visa take?
Approvals usually arrive within 10–15 working days. Apply at least 15–20 days before travel to allow for delays, especially during peak season.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes, at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) and some land borders. It’s more expensive and slower than the e-Visa, and requires cash USD in most cases.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa covers both. If you fly directly into Zanzibar, you’ll clear immigration there.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with a minimum of two blank pages. Some airlines will refuse boarding if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement.
Can I extend my visa in Tanzania?
Yes, but only in advance and only at designated immigration offices (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar). Overstaying is treated seriously and can result in fines or detention.
What happens if my e-Visa is denied?
Denials are rare for tourist applications. If denied, you’ll receive a reason and can usually reapply with corrected information. Contact the Tanzanian embassy or immigration office if you’re unsure why.
Continue Planning
Health & Vaccinations
Mandatory yellow fever certificate requirements, recommended vaccinations, and malaria prevention.
Read GuideMoney & Currency
Use of Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and US Dollars, ATM availability, and the importance of carrying cash in parks.
Read GuideTravel Insurance Guide
Importance of comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation from remote safari areas, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Read GuideReady to Plan Your Trip to Tanzania?
Our specialists can help you prepare your visa application and answer any entry questions before you book. Contact us to start planning today.
