Key Facts
You have booked your Kilimanjaro climb or Serengeti safari, your flights are confirmed, and excitement is building. Then one question stops you in your tracks: do I need a visa for Tanzania, and how do I get one? The good news is that Tanzania's visa process is straightforward, and most travelers can complete it entirely online in under 30 minutes. Most foreign nationals need a tourist visa at USD $50 (US citizens pay USD $100). Apply through the official eVisa portal, pay online, and receive approval by email within 5-10 business days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Who Needs a Visa for Tanzania?
The short answer: almost everyone. Whether you are flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport for a mountain climb, landing in Dar es Salaam for a business meeting, or touching down in Zanzibar for a beach holiday, you will need a valid visa unless your passport is from one of the few exempt countries.
Tanzania requires a visa from most foreign nationals, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. The process is simple: apply online through the official eVisa portal, pay the fee, and receive your approval by email. No embassy visits, no paper forms, no stress.
East African Community (EAC) Nationals
Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan enjoy special provisions and typically do not require a visa. However, regulations can change, so always verify with the Tanzania Immigration Department before traveling.
Types of Visas
Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Most common for leisure travelers, safaris, and Kilimanjaro climbs.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Fee: USD $50 (most nationalities)
Multiple-Entry Visa
Required for USA passport holders and if you plan to exit and re-enter Tanzania.
Validity: Up to 12 months
Fee: USD $100
Transit Visa
For travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another destination.
Validity: Typically 7 days
Fee: USD $30
Business Visa
For business meetings, conferences, or commercial activities.
Validity: Varies
Fee: Varies by type
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa
There are three ways to get your Tanzania visa. One is fast, reliable, and stress-free. The other two involve queues. We strongly recommend the first option.
Option 1: Online eVisa (Recommended)
The fastest and most convenient method. Apply from anywhere in the world.
- Visit the official portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create an account with your email address
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents (passport photo, passport bio page)
- Pay online via credit/debit card
- Receive approval via email (usually 5-10 business days)
- Print your eVisa approval to present at immigration
Pro tip: Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing time.
Option 2: Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate
If you prefer in-person service or cannot pay online.
Find your nearest Tanzanian diplomatic mission and apply in person. Processing times may be longer than the eVisa route.
Option 3: Visa on Arrival
Available at major entry points (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar airports and some land borders).
Note: Not recommended due to long queues, potential delays, and limited payment options. Always better to arrange in advance.
Visa Fees & Processing Time
Tanzania visa fees are straightforward and consistent across nationalities, with one notable exception: US citizens pay double. Here is the complete breakdown.
| Visa type | Nationality | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist | Most countries | $50 |
| Multiple-Entry | USA & selected countries | $100 |
| Transit Visa | All countries | $30 |
eVisa applications typically process in 5-10 business days. Some approvals come through in 24-48 hours, but always allow extra time.
Online payment via credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard). Fees are non-refundable once paid.
Important: Fees can change. Always verify current rates on the official eVisa portal before applying.
Tanzania Visa Fees by Country
Not sure what your nationality requires? Use the search below to find your country and see the current visa requirement, fee, and a direct link to the official eVisa portal.
| Country | Visa requirement | Fee (USD) | Immigration |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | eVisa or visa on arrival | $100 | eVisa portal |
Start typing your nationality above to see its visa requirement. Example shown for United States.
Note: "Referral visa" nationalities must obtain prior approval from the Commissioner of Immigration before travelling and cannot use visa on arrival. Always verify on the official Tanzania eVisa portal before you book.
Required Documents for a Tanzania Visa
Having the right documents ready before you apply saves time and avoids rejection. Here is exactly what you need for a smooth eVisa application.
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Tanzania. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
Passport photo
Recent passport-style photo in digital format (JPEG/PNG). Must be clear, against a white background.
Passport bio page copy
Scanned copy or clear photo of your passport information page.
Travel itinerary
Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or tour confirmation (may be requested for verification).
Yellow fever certificate
Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Carry your vaccination certificate with you.
Visa on Arrival: Why We Do Not Recommend It
Technically, you can get a visa on arrival at major Tanzanian airports and some land borders. In practice, it is one of the most stressful ways to start a vacation. Here is what you are signing up for if you skip the eVisa.
Why we do not recommend visa on arrival
- Long queues: Especially during peak travel seasons (December-March, July-October)
- Limited payment options: USD cash often required; not all entry points accept cards
- Unpredictable process: Immigration officers have discretion; approval not guaranteed
- Higher stress: After a long flight, dealing with visa paperwork adds unnecessary pressure
Our advice: Always arrange your eVisa before departure for a smooth, stress-free arrival.
Tanzania Visa Exemptions
A small number of countries enjoy visa-free or simplified entry to Tanzania. If your passport is from one of these nations, you may be able to enter without applying in advance, but always double-check before you fly.
East African Community (EAC) members
Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan have special provisions and typically do not require a visa.
Commonwealth & select African nations
Some Commonwealth members and African nations may have simpler or fee-waived entry. Requirements vary by nationality.
Diplomatic & official passports
Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt depending on bilateral agreements.
Always verify: Check with the Tanzania Immigration Department or your nearest Tanzanian embassy to confirm if you qualify for an exemption.
Troubleshooting Common Visa Issues
Even with the best preparation, things can go sideways. Here are the most common problems travelers face and exactly how to fix them.
Payment declined or not processing
- Contact your bank to ensure international transactions are enabled
- Try a different credit/debit card (Visa and Mastercard work best)
- Clear your browser cache or try a different browser
- Use a VPN if accessing from a restricted region
Processing delays
- Most delays are due to unclear or incomplete documents
- Ensure passport scans are high-quality and all text is readable
- Double-check all information matches your passport exactly
- If delayed beyond 10 business days, contact the eVisa support team
Lost eVisa approval
- Log back into the eVisa portal using your credentials
- Download and print your approval again
- Always keep digital and printed copies when traveling
Issues at immigration
- Present your eVisa approval letter or stamped passport
- Have return/onward flight tickets readily available
- Show proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or tour voucher)
- Carry proof of sufficient funds (credit card, cash, bank statement)
- Be patient and polite with immigration officers
Tanzania Arrival Checklist
Your plane is about to land. Immigration is ahead. Here is exactly what you need to have ready in your hand luggage for a smooth entry.
Have these ready when you land in Tanzania:
Frequently Asked Questions
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania. A limited number of countries, mainly East African Community members, have visa-free or simplified entry. Always check the official eVisa portal or your nearest Tanzanian embassy before travelling.
A standard single-entry tourist visa costs USD $50 for most nationalities. US citizens and some other nationals require a multiple-entry visa at USD $100. Transit visas cost USD $30.
Most eVisa applications are processed within 5-10 business days. Some approvals come through in 24-48 hours, but apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to be safe.
Visa on arrival is available at major entry points but is not recommended due to long queues, limited payment options, and unpredictable processing. Apply online via the eVisa portal before you travel.
Yes. You can apply for a visa extension at the Tanzania Immigration Department offices. A single-entry tourist visa is initially valid for up to 90 days from entry.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country. Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) when entering Tanzania.
Yes. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Your single Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, a separate immigration checkpoint exists at Zanzibar airport if arriving from mainland Tanzania.
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a digital passport photo (white background), a scan of your passport bio page, travel itinerary or hotel booking, and a Visa or Mastercard for online payment.
Ready? Plan Your Tanzania Trip
The Tanzania visa process is one of the easiest parts of planning an African adventure. Apply online through the official eVisa portal, pay the fee, and you are done. The whole process takes under 30 minutes, and most approvals arrive within a week. The only real mistake is leaving it too late.
From visa assistance to Kilimanjaro climbs and Serengeti safaris, Masatu Tours handles every detail. Our Moshi-based team knows Tanzania inside and out, and we reply within hours.
Official resources:
More Tanzania Travel Guides
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Tanzania Safari Packages
Serengeti, Ngorongoro & beyond
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Complete arrival guide for JRO
Last updated: September 16, 2026. Visa policies change, always verify current requirements on the official Tanzania eVisa portal before applying.
