Tanzania Tourist Visa

The Tanzania tourist visa is generally used by visitors traveling for tourism purposes, including:

• Tanzania safari holidays
• Kilimanjaro climbing
• Zanzibar holidays
• Wildlife photography
• Beach vacations
• Cultural tours
• Leisure travel

For many eligible travelers, the tourist visa is an Ordinary Visa.

However, United States passport holders traveling for tourism are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, according to Tanzania’s official visa guidelines.

Always check the requirements for your specific passport before applying.

How Much Does a Tanzania Visa Cost?

The official Tanzania Immigration Services Department currently lists the following visa fees:

Important: Visa fees can change. Check the official Immigration Services website before making payment.

Some nationalities may have different visa requirements, so do not assume that the standard USD 50 fee applies to every traveler.

Tanzania Visa Requirements

For a typical tourist visa application, travelers should be prepared to provide the required documents requested by Tanzania Immigration.

The official eVisa guidelines indicate that applicants should provide items including:

• A valid passport
• Passport biographical information page
• Passport photograph
• Return or onward ticket
• Completed visa application
• Other supporting documents where required

The official eVisa system provides the current requirements during the application process.

Passport Requirements for Tanzania

Your passport must meet Tanzania’s validity requirements.

The official Tanzania eVisa terms state that applicants should have a passport with at least six months of validity and at least one unused visa page.

Before traveling, check:

• Passport validity
• Blank visa pages
• Passport condition
• Name and date-of-birth details
• Visa information

Make sure the details on your visa application exactly match your passport.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online

The easiest option for many travelers is to apply through the official Tanzania eVisa system.

Step 1: Visit the Official Tanzania eVisa Website

Go to the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal.

Tanzania Official eVisa Application Portal

Avoid unofficial websites that charge additional service fees or make misleading claims about visa processing.

Step 2: Start a New Application

Select the option to begin a new visa application.

The official system requires basic information such as your email address and passport number to generate an application ID.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Visa

Choose the visa category that corresponds to your purpose of travel.

For tourism, this will generally be the appropriate tourist visa category for your nationality.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Enter your personal and travel information carefully.

You may be asked for:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport details
• Travel dates
• Accommodation information
• Purpose of travel
• Contact information

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the documents requested by the visa system.

Make sure photographs and document scans meet the required specifications.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

After completing the application, you will receive payment instructions through the official system.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Review everything carefully before submitting.

Tanzania Immigration advises applicants to keep their Application Identification Number, which can be used to track the application.

Step 8: Track Your Application

Applicants can track their visa application online and may receive updates by email.

The official system also allows applicants to download their Visa Grant Notice once the application has been approved.

How Long Does a Tanzania Visa Take?

Visa processing times can vary depending on nationality, application type and whether additional review is required.

Travelers should therefore apply well before their planned departure date rather than waiting until the last minute.

This is especially important for travelers whose nationality falls under Tanzania’s Referral Visa category.

Tanzania Immigration advises applicants in the Referral Visa category to submit applications at least two months before travel and wait for approval before starting their journey.

If your nationality requires referral approval, do not assume that you can simply obtain a visa at the airport.

What Is a Referral Visa for Tanzania?

Some nationalities are subject to Tanzania’s Referral Visa procedure.

Applicants in this category must apply online and wait for approval before traveling, or obtain the required approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration.

Tanzania Immigration advises travelers in this category to apply well in advance—its current guidelines recommend at least two months before the planned travel date.

If you are unsure whether your nationality is subject to referral requirements, check the official visa information before booking flights.

Can I Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Some nationalities are eligible to obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival.

However, eligibility is nationality-specific.

Tanzania Immigration’s current guidelines list numerous nationalities that are eligible for both online visa applications and visa-on-arrival facilities.

Even when visa on arrival is available, applying online before traveling can make your arrival process easier.

Do not assume that every traveler is eligible for visa on arrival.

If your nationality is in the Referral Visa category, you should obtain the required approval before traveling.

Can I Get a Tanzania Visa at the Airport?

Eligible travelers may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points.

However, the availability of visa-on-arrival facilities depends on nationality and applicable immigration rules.

For a smoother safari holiday, we generally recommend checking your visa requirements and applying online in advance whenever the online option is available.

Tanzania Visa for US Citizens

US citizens traveling to Tanzania for tourism should pay particular attention to the visa category.

According to Tanzania’s official visa guidelines, US passport holders traveling for tourism are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa rather than the ordinary single-entry tourist visa.

The official fee currently listed for a Multiple Entry Visa is USD 100.

Always verify the current requirements before applying.

Tanzania Visa for UK Citizens

UK citizens should check their current visa requirements through the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa system before traveling.

Do not rely on information from an old blog or third-party website because visa rules and procedures can change.

Tanzania Visa for Canadian Citizens

Canadian travelers should check their nationality-specific requirements through the official Tanzania visa portal before traveling.

The official system provides the applicable visa application information and requirements.

Tanzania Visa for European Citizens

Visa requirements vary according to nationality.

Travelers from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and other European countries should verify their individual requirements before traveling.

Do not assume that every European passport has identical visa requirements.

Tanzania Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian passport holders should check the current Tanzania Immigration requirements before traveling.

Some nationalities may have additional requirements or referral procedures, so checking the official visa portal is essential.

Tanzania Visa for East African Citizens

Tanzania has special arrangements for citizens of certain countries and regional groups.

Tanzania Immigration states that nationals of EAC member states are among those who do not require a visa to enter Tanzania, subject to the applicable rules.

Travelers should still ensure that they meet Tanzania’s entry requirements.

Tanzania Visa for Zanzibar

A common question is:

“Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?”

No separate Zanzibar tourist visa is normally required when entering Zanzibar as part of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Tanzania eVisa system specifically states that its online visa applies to travel to both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

For example, if you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport for a safari and then fly to Zanzibar, you do not normally need a second Tanzania tourist visa simply because you are traveling to Zanzibar.

Tanzania Visa for a Safari

If you are visiting Tanzania for a safari, your visa application should reflect tourism as your purpose of travel.

You may be asked to provide travel details such as:

• Arrival date
• Departure date
• Accommodation
• Return or onward travel
• Passport information

Your safari itinerary and accommodation details can help you provide accurate information when completing the application.

Tanzania Visa for Kilimanjaro Climbers

Travelers coming to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro generally travel under the tourism purpose.

When applying, make sure your travel details and supporting information are accurate.

If your trip includes:

Kilimanjaro + safari + Zanzibar

you can generally organize these as part of the same Tanzania trip without obtaining separate tourist visas for each destination.

Tanzania Visa and Safari Entry Requirements

A visa is only one part of entering Tanzania.

Travelers should also make sure they have:

• Valid passport
• Appropriate visa or visa exemption
• Return or onward travel arrangements
• Accommodation information
• Appropriate travel insurance
• Any health documentation required by current regulations
• Sufficient travel documentation

Tanzania Immigration states that travelers must enter the country through designated formal entry points.

Tanzania Visa Entry Points

International travelers can enter Tanzania through designated airports, land borders and other official entry points.

Important international airports include:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

If you are coming specifically for a northern Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro International Airport is particularly convenient for destinations around Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Common Tanzania Visa Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using an Unofficial Visa Website

Always start with the official Tanzania Immigration website.

Official Tanzania Immigration Services Department

Official Tanzania eVisa Portal

2. Applying Too Late

Do not wait until the day before your flight.

Apply sufficiently early, especially if your nationality requires referral approval.

3. Entering Incorrect Passport Information

Check every detail before submitting your application.

4. Assuming Visa on Arrival Is Available

Eligibility depends on nationality.

5. Forgetting Your Application ID

Keep your application identification number so you can track your application.

6. Booking Non-Refundable Travel Before Visa Approval

If your nationality requires prior approval, understand the visa process before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

Tanzania Visa Checklist

Before traveling to Tanzania, make sure you have:

• Passport valid for at least six months

• At least one blank visa page

• Appropriate Tanzania visa or confirmation of visa exemption

• Visa Grant Notice if you applied online

• Return or onward ticket

• Safari or accommodation information

• Travel insurance

• Copies of important travel documents

• Any required health documentation

Tanzania Visa FAQs

How much is a Tanzania tourist visa?

The official fee for an Ordinary Visa is currently USD 50, while a Multiple Entry Visa is listed at USD 100. Visa fees depend on the visa category and can change.

Can I apply for a Tanzania visa online?

Yes. Tanzania has an official online eVisa application system. Applicants can complete the application, submit documents, make payment and track the application online.

How long does a Tanzania visa last?

Visa validity depends on the visa type and applicable nationality-specific rules. Check the visa granted to you and the current official Immigration guidelines.

Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?

Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, but not everyone is eligible. Travelers should check their nationality before departure.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Tanzania eVisa system covers both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Can I visit Tanzania for a safari with a tourist visa?

Yes. Tourism, including safari holidays, is a common purpose for the Tanzania tourist visa.

Do US citizens need a Tanzania visa?

Yes. US citizens traveling to Tanzania for tourism are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa under Tanzania’s current visa guidelines.

What happens if my Tanzania visa application is rejected?

The official eVisa system notifies applicants by email regarding whether their applications have been accepted or rejected.

Should I apply for a Tanzania visa before booking my safari?

It is sensible to understand your visa requirements before making travel arrangements. If your nationality requires referral approval, Tanzania Immigration specifically advises waiting for approval before starting your journey.

Final Thoughts: Tanzania Visa for Your Trip

Getting your Tanzania visa organized is an important part of preparing for your African adventure.

Whether you are visiting for a Serengeti safari, Kilimanjaro climb, Ngorongoro Crater safari, Zanzibar beach holiday or cultural tour, check the visa requirements for your nationality before traveling.

For many travelers, the official Tanzania eVisa system provides a convenient way to apply online.

The most important things to remember are:

1. Check whether your nationality requires a visa.
2. Check whether you are eligible for an online visa or visa on arrival.
3. Make sure your passport meets the validity requirements.
4. Apply through the official Tanzania Immigration website.
5. Keep your Application ID and Visa Grant Notice.
6. If you are subject to referral requirements, apply well in advance.
7. Recheck the official requirements before departure.

Planning a Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro climb or Zanzibar holiday? Contact our Tanzania travel team and we can help you plan your itinerary, airport transfers, accommodation and safari arrangements.