Tanzania Visa Guide

1. Visa Requirements Overview

Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania, except citizens from a few exempt countries in East and Southern Africa.
You can obtain a Tanzanian visa in one of three main ways:

  1. E-Visa (Online Application) – Recommended and easiest.
  2. Visa on Arrival – Available at main entry points.
  3. Embassy / Consulate Application – For special or long-stay visas.

Visa required for: Most non-East African nationalities (e.g., USA, UK, EU, Canada, India, etc.)
Visa exempt: Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe (for short stays).

 

 2. Tanzania E-Visa (Online Application)

Website: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa

Steps to Apply:

  1. Visit the official e-visa portal.
  2. Fill out the online form (passport details, travel purpose, entry point, photo).
  3. Upload passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
  4. Pay online using Visa/MasterCard.
  5. Wait for email confirmation and approval letter (3–10 working days).
  6. Present approval letter at the entry point.

Entry Points for E-Visa:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha/Moshi)
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
  • Namanga Border (Kenya–Tanzania)
  • Tunduma Border (Zambia–Tanzania)

 

 3. Visa Types and Costs

Visa Type Validity Description Cost (USD)
Ordinary (Tourist) Visa 90 days For leisure, family visit, or short-term travel $50
Multiple-Entry Visa 12 months For frequent travelers (esp. US citizens) $100
Business Visa 90 days For short-term professional or business purposes $250
Transit Visa 7 days For travelers passing through Tanzania $30
Student Visa Up to 2 years For studies or internships $50–$550 (depends on duration)
Residence Permit (Class A/B/C) 1–2 years For work, business ownership, or dependents Fees vary by category

 4. Zanzibar & Mainland Tanzania

Zanzibar and the mainland share one unified visa policy.
You do not need a separate visa to travel between Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, or Arusha once you’ve entered Tanzania.

 

 5. Visa Extensions

  • Can be extended at the Immigration Offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar.
  • Tourist visa extensions usually allow up to 90 additional days (max 180 days total).
  • Apply at least two weeks before expiry.

 

 6. Entry Requirements

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiration).
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic countries).
  • Sufficient funds for stay.

 

 7. East Africa Tourist Visa (Optional for Combined Trips)

If you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda as well, you can apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa.

Feature Details
Validity 90 days (multiple entries)
Cost USD 100
Valid in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda (not Tanzania)
Note Tanzania is not part of this visa, so you’ll still need a separate Tanzanian visa.

 8. Points of Entry

Airports:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)

Land Borders:

  • Namanga (Kenya)
  • Holili/Taveta (Kenya)
  • Tunduma (Zambia)
  • Rusumo (Rwanda)
  • Kasumulu (Malawi)

 

 9. Processing Times

  • E-Visa: 3–10 working days (sometimes faster).
  • Visa on Arrival: 15–30 minutes at airports.
  • Embassy Application: 5–7 working days.

 

 10. Useful Tips

  • Apply 2 weeks before travel for e-visa to avoid delays.
  • Print your visa approval letter and keep a digital copy.
  • Bring $50 or $100 in cash (USD) for visa on arrival, just in case of system issues.
  • The visa clock starts from your entry date, not issue date.