Visa & Entry Requirements for Tanzania

Introduction

Before you set off on a safari or beach holiday in Tanzania, it’s important to understand the country’s visa and entry regulations. Most international visitors need a visa to enter, but the process is straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about passports, visas, and border entry rules.

1. Passport Requirements

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your travel dates.

  • You must have at least two blank pages for stamps.

  • Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel.

💡 Tip: Make photocopies or keep a digital copy of your passport separately in case of loss.

2. Who Needs a Visa?

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. Citizens of some African and Commonwealth countries are visa-exempt, but most visitors from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East will need one.

You can check the latest list of exempt countries on the official Tanzania Immigration website.

3. Types of Tourist Visas

  • Single Entry Visa (Tourist Visa): Valid for up to 90 days, commonly used by safari and holiday travelers.

  • Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for up to 12 months but requires proof of frequent travel or business reasons.

  • Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania on the way to another destination (valid up to 7 days).

  • East Africa Tourist Visa: A special visa allowing travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with one permit. (Note: Tanzania is not part of this visa, so a separate Tanzanian visa is required.)

4. How to Apply for a Tanzanian Visa

There are three main ways to get your visa:

a) E-Visa (Recommended)

  • Apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration website.

  • Payment is made by credit card.

  • Processing takes about 10 days (apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel).

b) Visa on Arrival

  • Available at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) and some border posts.

  • Payment in cash (USD) is usually required.

  • Queues can be long, so this option is less convenient.

c) Tanzanian Embassies / Consulates

  • You can apply at a Tanzanian mission abroad before traveling.

  • Recommended for travelers who prefer to arrange everything in advance.

5. Visa Costs (Approximate)

  • Single Entry Tourist Visa: USD $50

  • Multiple Entry Visa: USD $100

  • Transit Visa: USD $30
    Fees can vary by nationality — always check official updates.

6. Yellow Fever & Health Entry Requirements

  • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from (or transiting more than 12 hours through) a country with yellow fever risk.

  • Travelers coming directly from Europe, North America, or many Asian countries are usually exempt.

💡 Tip: Even if not required, some border officers may still ask, so keep the certificate handy.

7. Extensions & Overstays

  • Tourist visas can often be extended at immigration offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar.

  • Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or complications when leaving the country.

8. Entry Points into Tanzania

  • Airports: Julius Nyerere International (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International (Arusha/Kilimanjaro), Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar).

  • Land Borders: With Kenya (Namanga, Taveta/Holili), Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Final Thoughts

Getting your visa for Tanzania is simple, and with the right documents, you’ll breeze through the airport or border. We recommend applying for the e-Visa in advance to save time and travel stress.

Once your entry is secured, you can focus on what really matters — the adventure that awaits in Tanzania’s wild landscapes.