Tanzania Visa

Visa rules and fees are set by the Tanzanian government and can change. Always check the official immigration site or your nearest Tanzanian embassy before you apply.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most travellers from Europe, North America, Australia and much of Asia need a visa. Citizens of some countries — including most East African Community members — can visit without one. The official e-visa site lists which nationalities need a visa and which must apply in advance through an embassy.

How to apply for the e-visa

1. Go to the official site, visa.immigration.go.tz. Avoid look-alike sites that charge extra fees.
2. Fill in the form for an ordinary (tourist) visa — or a multiple-entry visa if you are a US citizen.
3. Upload a scan of your passport photo page, a passport-style photo and your return or onward flight ticket.
4. Pay the fee online by card.
5. Track your application on the official site. When it is approved, download your visa grant notice from the status page — print it and carry it with your passport.

What you need

• A passport valid for at least six months after your arrival date, with at least one blank visa page.
• A recent passport-style photo.
• Your return or onward flight details.
• Your first address in Tanzania — your hotel in Arusha or your safari itinerary. We send this with your booking confirmation.

How long does it take?

The immigration department says applications are normally processed within ten days. Some are quicker, some take longer in the busy season — so apply at least three to four weeks before you travel, and never leave it so late that a delay would stop your trip.

Can I get a visa on arrival?

Visas on arrival have been available at the main international airports, including Kilimanjaro International Airport, for many nationalities. But the queues can be long after a long flight, the rules can change and some nationalities are not eligible. The e-visa is quicker and more certain — we recommend it to all our guests.

Visiting Zanzibar and Kenya

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so your Tanzania visa covers it. Zanzibar does ask every visitor to buy its own mandatory travel insurance. If your trip includes Kenya — for example a Serengeti and Maasai Mara combination — you also need entry clearance for Kenya; a single-entry Tanzania visa may not be enough to re-enter, so tell us your full route and we will advise.

See also all entry requirements.