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Getting Your Tanzania Visa

Planning a safari or beach holiday in Tanzania? Before you set off to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or the beaches of Zanzibar, it’s important to make sure your travel documents are in order — starting with your Tanzania visa.

This guide explains the different types of visas available, how to apply, the cost, and what travelers need to know before arrival.

Learn everything you need to know about getting a Tanzania visa — requirements, online application process, visa on arrival, and essential travel tips for a smooth entry into Tanzania.

1. Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, citizens of certain countries are exempt.

You do not need a visa if you are from any of the following regions:

East African Community (EAC) member states (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Some Caribbean, Asian, and Southern African countries with visa-free agreements

If you’re not sure whether your country is exempt, you can check the official Tanzania Immigration website for the updated list of visa-exempt countries: https://visa.immigration.go.tz

2. Types of Tanzania Visas

There are several types of visas depending on your purpose of visit. Most tourists apply for the Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa.

Main visa categories include:

Ordinary Visa (Single Entry): Valid for 90 days, ideal for tourists, safari travelers, and business visitors.
Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for up to 12 months, for frequent visitors (must spend at least 90 days outside Tanzania between visits).
Transit Visa: Valid for 7 days, for travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another destination.
Business Visa: For short-term business visits.
Student Visa: For academic or research purposes.

3. How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online

The easiest and most reliable way to obtain your visa is through the official Tanzania eVisa system.

Step-by-step process:

Visit the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Click “Apply for a New Visa.”
Fill out your personal details, travel information, and upload the required documents:
- Passport photo (recent, color)
- Copy of your passport (bio-data page)
- Return flight itinerary (optional but recommended)
- Hotel booking or safari itinerary
Choose your visa type (Ordinary Visa for most tourists).
Pay the visa fee securely online using a credit/debit card.
Wait for approval (usually 5–10 business days).
Download and print your Visa Grant Notice to present upon arrival.

4. Visa Fees

Visa fees depend on your nationality and type of visa.

Typical fees:

Single Entry Visa: USD $50
Multiple Entry Visa: USD $100
Transit Visa: USD $30

Note: U.S. citizens must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa ($100), valid for one year.

5. Visa on Arrival in Tanzania

If you prefer, you can also get a visa on arrival at major entry points, including:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha/Moshi)
Zanzibar International Airport
Namanga Border (from Kenya)

While this option is convenient, it can involve longer waiting times. It’s highly recommended to apply online in advance to avoid delays after a long flight.

6. Entry Requirements

To enter Tanzania, make sure you have the following:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
At least one blank visa page
A return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or safari itinerary)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a risk country)

7. Visa Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Print your eVisa approval and keep it with your passport.
Carry some cash in USD for emergencies or entry fees.
Be honest about your travel plans on your application.
Apply at least two weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re visiting Zanzibar, remember it has the same visa and entry requirements as mainland Tanzania.

8. Extending Your Visa

If you wish to stay longer, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar.
Extensions are granted up to a total of 6 months stay, depending on your visa type and reason for extension.

Getting your Tanzania visa is a straightforward process if you prepare in advance. Whether you’re heading on a Serengeti safari, exploring Zanzibar’s beaches, or visiting local culture in Arusha, having the right visa ensures your journey begins smoothly.

Apply early, carry your documents, and get ready to experience the magic of Tanzania — where adventure, wildlife, and warm hospitality await.