Tanzania Visa Guide: Requirements, Costs & How to Apply

Most visitors to Tanzania need a visa before or upon arrival. The good news is that Tanzania has a straightforward online application system, and the process is far simpler than it used to be. Here’s everything you need to know.

Do You Need a Visa?

Tanzania requires entry visas for citizens of most countries, with a small number of exceptions. Currently, citizens of countries in the East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC) do not require a visa. Citizens of a handful of other nations also have visa-free access.

For the vast majority of travellers — including citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia — a visa is required. Always check the most up-to-date requirements with the Tanzanian Embassy or the official immigration portal before travel, as policies can change.

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Tanzania e-Visa

The Tanzania e-Visa is the simplest and most reliable option for most travellers. You apply online, receive a pre-approved visa electronically, and present it on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha/Moshi), or other official ports of entry.

Cost: approximately $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa (as of 2026). Check the official immigration portal for current fees.

Processing time: typically 2–5 working days, though some applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least two weeks before travel to avoid last-minute stress.

Requirements:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date)
• Scanned copy of passport bio page
• Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
• Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter
• Proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if travelling from or through a yellow fever-endemic country)
• Credit or debit card for payment

Where to apply: Use the official Tanzania immigration website (search “Tanzania Immigration Services Department e-Visa”). Avoid third-party agencies charging inflated fees — the official portal is straightforward to use.

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Visa on Arrival

Tanzania still offers visa on arrival at major international airports and the Namanga land border (crossing from Kenya). The cost is the same as the e-Visa — approximately $50 USD (as of 2026), payable in cash (USD) or by card.

However, we recommend the e-Visa over visa on arrival for two reasons:

1. Long queues at Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports during peak season can add 1–2 hours to your arrival
2. Having a pre-approved visa means less uncertainty if you don’t have exact USD cash on hand

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The East Africa Tourist Visa

If you plan to visit Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in a single trip, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EAV) is exceptional value. For approximately $100 USD (as of 2026), you get a single visa valid for multiple entries across all three countries within 90 days.

This visa is ideal for travellers combining a Tanzania safari with a gorilla trek in Uganda or additional game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Apply through the Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda immigration portals.

Note: Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan are not included in the EAV despite being part of the EAC.

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Visa on Arrival: Land Borders

Tanzania has several land border crossings used by overlanders and independent travellers. Major crossings include:

• Namanga (Tanzania–Kenya): busy crossing on the main Arusha–Nairobi route
• Isebania (Tanzania–Kenya): used for access to western Tanzania and the Serengeti from Kenya
• Mutukula (Tanzania–Uganda)
• Kasumulu (Tanzania–Malawi)

All these crossings offer visa on arrival, but queues and processing times vary widely. The Namanga crossing can be slow during weekends and peak travel periods.

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Visa Extensions

Tourist visas are typically issued for 90 days (single entry). If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Department offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, or Zanzibar. Extensions are possible but require additional documentation and a fee.

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Zanzibar Entry

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, but it uses the same Tanzania visa. There is no separate Zanzibar entry requirement — your Tanzania visa (whether e-Visa or visa on arrival) covers both mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago. You will go through a short immigration check when arriving on Zanzibar, but it is a formality.

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Yellow Fever Certificate

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever-endemic country. This includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. Border officials can and do ask for your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow booklet).

Even if you’re travelling directly from a non-endemic country (e.g., UK, USA, Australia), we strongly recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine — it’s valid for life and is required if you plan to travel elsewhere in Africa after Tanzania.

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Entry Requirements Checklist

Before flying to Tanzania, confirm you have:

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond departure date)
• Tanzania e-Visa approved, OR cash USD for visa on arrival
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel/accommodation confirmation for first night
• Yellow fever certificate (if coming from endemic country)
• Travel insurance documents — compare Tanzania travel insurance or see our Tanzania Travel Insurance guide
• Proof of sufficient funds (rarely checked but technically required)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying on a third-party visa service: The official Tanzania e-Visa portal is easy to use. Third-party services charge an unnecessary premium.

Applying too late: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Processing can take up to 5 working days.

Incorrect photo format: The application requires a specific photo size and white background. Rejections due to photo issues add days to processing.

Missing yellow fever certificate: If you’re transiting through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or any East African hub, you may be flagged on arrival without a yellow fever certificate.

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Plan Your Trip

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