— Planning · 6 min read
Tanzania Visas and Entry Requirements: What International Visitors Need to Know
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. We explain the online e-Visa and visa on arrival, typical fees and validity, the most common pitfalls and what to know about entering Zanzibar — from the perspective of a team that arranges trips every week.
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania, even as tourists. There are two ways to get one: online in advance (the e-Visa) or at the airport (visa on arrival). Both work, but the same few pitfalls catch people out every time, so it's worth knowing them first.
Visa rules and fees depend on your nationality and can change. Always check the official Tanzanian immigration website for the latest requirements for your passport before you book.
Visa types and fees
The standard single-entry tourist visa (Ordinary Visa) typically costs $50 USD and is valid for up to 90 days. Some nationalities — US citizens, for example — are issued a multiple-entry visa at a higher fee. Citizens of some countries do not need a visa at all, so check before you apply.
There is also an East Africa Tourist Visa, but it covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda only — it is not valid for Tanzania.
1. Applying online for an e-Visa (recommended)
Advantages: you skip the queue on arrival, and any problems with your documents are caught in advance.
Steps: 1. Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz 2. Create an account (email verification) 3. Fill in the online form (passport details, where you're staying, itinerary) 4. Upload the required documents: - The photo page of your passport - A passport-style photo - Proof of a return or onward flight - Hotel booking or letter of invitation 5. Pay by card 6. Approval usually arrives by email in 5–10 business days 7. Print your e-Visa and show it on arrival
We recommend applying at least 2–3 weeks before departure.
2. Visa on arrival
Available for eligible nationalities at the immigration counters of Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International and Zanzibar airports.
What you need: - Passport (valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages) - The visa fee in US dollars cash (new notes recommended; card payment may not be accepted) - Printouts of your return flight and hotel booking - Arrival card
Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours when busy. Late-night arrivals are often quicker.
Entering Zanzibar
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous, so you'll get an entry stamp even when arriving from the mainland. Your Tanzanian visa covers travel to Zanzibar, so no extra visa is needed.
Zanzibar airport may, however, ask for a yellow fever vaccination certificate, particularly if you have travelled through a yellow fever risk country. Check the current rules for your route.
Passport checklist
- Validity: at least six months from the date of entry
- Blank pages: at least two
- Damaged passports risk being refused
Common problems
- e-Visa not approved → often due to an unclear hotel booking or incorrect travel dates
- Refused on arrival → not enough passport validity, or missing documents
- Payment issues → bring new, undamaged US dollar notes; old or worn notes are often refused
If you'd rather leave it to us
The e-Visa form trips many people up when entering accommodation and itinerary details. When you book a tour with us, we help you prepare the documents and check your form, and if you choose a visa on arrival our guide meets you at the airport — at no extra cost.
To continue your preparations, see vaccinations and health and our packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Q.Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most nationalities need a visa, even as tourists, though some are exempt. Eligible visitors can apply online for an e-Visa (recommended) or get a visa on arrival. A standard single-entry tourist visa typically costs 50 US dollars and is valid for up to 90 days. Check the official immigration website for your nationality.
Q.Which is better, the e-Visa or a visa on arrival?
We recommend the e-Visa: you avoid the queue on arrival and any document problems are caught in advance. Approval takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2–3 weeks before you travel.
Q.Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Your Tanzanian visa covers Zanzibar. Because Zanzibar is semi-autonomous you will get an entry stamp even from the mainland, and you may be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate depending on your route.
