Everything you need to know before visiting Tanzania for a safari, Mount Kilimanjaro trek, Zanzibar holiday, or business trip.
Tanzania welcomes visitors from around the world with straightforward visa procedures. Whether you are planning a safari in the famous Serengeti National Park, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or a trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, understanding the visa requirements before travel will help ensure a smooth arrival.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism, leisure, business, conferences, or other short-term visits. However, some nationalities are visa-exempt and may enter without obtaining a visa. Travelers should always verify current requirements with the Tanzania Immigration Department before departure.
This is the most common visa for safari travelers and holidaymakers. It is issued for a single entry and is valid for tourism, leisure, visiting friends and family, health treatment, and other lawful short-term activities. The visa is generally issued for a stay of up to three months.
Tourist Visa Fee: USD 50 for most nationalities.
A multiple-entry visa is intended for travelers who need to enter Tanzania several times within a specified period. American citizens visiting Tanzania for tourism are generally required to obtain a multiple-entry visa rather than a standard tourist visa.
Fee: USD 100.
Travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination may qualify for a transit visa.
Validity: Up to 7 days.
Fee: USD 30.
Designed for short-term business activities such as meetings, professional assignments, audits, and consultations.
Fee: USD 250.
Most travelers should prepare the following:
Tanzania offers an online visa application system (eVisa), allowing travelers to apply before departure.
Official Tanzania Immigration information can be found at:
While official processing times may vary, traveler experiences suggest approvals can range from a few days to several weeks. During busy periods, applicants should apply well in advance of travel. Community reports indicate processing experiences vary considerably.
We recommend applying for your eVisa at least 3–4 weeks before arrival to avoid any unexpected delays.
Many visitors are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival at major entry points, including:
Travelers should arrive with:
Possessing a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into Tanzania. Immigration officers may request additional documentation, including:
Final admission is determined by immigration authorities at the port of entry.
Travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission may be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Requirements can change based on current health regulations and travel history. Travelers should check the latest health guidance before departure.
Some applications may take longer than expected. Submit your application well before travel.
Your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity upon entry.
Ensure that names, passport numbers, and travel dates exactly match your passport and flight bookings.
Always use the official Tanzania Immigration website when applying for an eVisa. Some third-party sites charge unnecessary service fees.
Yes. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. A valid Tanzania visa covers travel to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Yes, many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, subject to immigration regulations.
Most travelers pay USD 50 for an ordinary tourist visa, while U.S. citizens generally require a USD 100 multiple-entry visa.
An ordinary tourist visa is generally issued for stays of up to three months.
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