Tanzania Visa Requirements 2026: Complete e-Visa Guide, Fees & How to Apply
Tanzania Visa Requirements 2026: Complete e-Visa Guide, Fees & How to Apply
Tanzania's visa process is one of the more straightforward in East Africa for most nationalities — a short online application, a modest fee, and an approval that arrives by email within a few working days. What catches travelers out is not the process itself but a handful of rules that differ from what people expect: the fact that Tanzania no longer issues visas at its borders or airports, the specific requirement that forces American passport holders into a different visa category, and the separate insurance requirement that applies to anyone planning to spend time on Zanzibar.
This guide covers Tanzania visa requirements in full for 2026, including who needs a visa, the different visa types and their fees, the documents required, a step-by-step application walkthrough, and what to expect on arrival. It is written specifically for travelers planning a Tanzania safari, a Kilimanjaro climb, a Zanzibar beach stay, or a combination of the three.
For everything that comes after the visa is sorted, the Tanzania safari tours page is the next stop. Travelers still deciding on timing can use the best time to visit Tanzania guide, and the Tanzania safari cost guide covers what to budget beyond the visa fee.
Important change effective January 30, 2025: Tanzania no longer issues visas on arrival at airports, land borders, or seaports. All visitors who require a visa must obtain a Tanzania e-visa online before travelling. Arriving without one will result in denial of entry. Apply at the official portal: visa.immigration.go.tz
Quick answer: most international travelers visiting Tanzania for tourism need a Tanzania e-visa, which costs $50 USD and is valid for up to 90 days. US passport holders are the main exception — they must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa at $100. East African Community nationals (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) are visa-exempt. Apply at least two to three weeks before departure. Processing typically takes up to 10 working days.
Who Needs a Tanzania Visa
Tanzania's entry requirements fall into three categories depending on nationality. The category a traveler falls into determines whether they need to apply for a visa in advance, are exempt on arrival, or require a lengthier referral process.
| Category | Who This Covers | What's Required |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required (e-visa) | UK, EU, Australia, Canada, India, and most other nationalities traveling for tourism | Apply online before travel — no on-arrival option |
| US citizens — special rule | All holders of a US passport, regardless of purpose of visit | Multiple Entry Visa only — $100; ordinary visa not available to US nationals |
| Visa-exempt | EAC member states: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC; plus select other nationalities under bilateral agreements | No visa required — valid passport sufficient for stays up to 90 days |
| Referral visa | Certain nationalities whose applications require approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration in Dar es Salaam | Apply 6–8 weeks ahead — do not book flights until approval received |
The referral visa category applies to a specific list of nationalities determined by Tanzania's Immigration Department. Travelers who fall into this group should confirm their status directly with the nearest Tanzanian embassy before making any bookings, and should not purchase flights or accommodation until visa approval is confirmed. A full list of referral nationalities is maintained at immigration.go.tz.
Tanzania Visa Types and Fees (2026)
Tanzania issues six visa types. The table below covers those relevant to travelers visiting for tourism, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (Single Entry) | $50 | Up to 90 days | Most nationalities visiting for tourism, holiday, conference, or family visits — except US citizens |
| Multiple Entry | $100 | 12 months (max 90 days per stay) | Mandatory for all US passport holders regardless of purpose; also available to others with qualifying reasons |
| Transit | $30 | Up to 7 days | Travelers passing through Tanzania to a third country; proof of onward travel and destination visa required |
| Business | $250 | Up to 90 days (single entry) | Short-term commercial activity; cannot substitute for a work permit or residence permit |
US passport holders — important: American nationals cannot apply for the ordinary $50 tourist visa under any circumstances, including single-entry trips. The Multiple Entry Visa at $100 is the only available category for US citizens visiting Tanzania for tourism. This is a bilateral arrangement between the two countries and is enforced at immigration. Attempting to apply for the wrong visa type will result in rejection.
Documents Required for a Tanzania e-Visa
The documents listed below are required for a standard tourist e-visa application. All uploads are submitted digitally through the official portal.
- Valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned date of entry into Tanzania
- At least one blank page for the immigration stamp
- Scanned copy of the biographic data page (photo page)
- File format: JPG or PDF; clear and legible scan only
- Full-face, front-facing view; eyes open, neutral expression
- Plain white or light-coloured background; no shadows
- Dimensions: 45mm × 35mm
- File format: JPEG/JPG only; maximum 500KB
- Must be a different photo from the one in the passport
- Return or onward flight ticket (or e-itinerary)
- Proof of accommodation in Tanzania — hotel confirmation, safari itinerary, or invitation letter
- Referral-category nationals may upload trip itinerary in lieu of confirmed ticket until approval is received
- Visa fee paid online during application: $50 (ordinary) or $100 (multiple entry / US nationals)
- Accepted payment: Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card
- Fee is non-refundable regardless of application outcome
- If payment page freezes, copy the purchase code and use the alternative payment link provided on the portal
How to Apply for a Tanzania e-Visa: Step by Step
All Tanzania e-visa applications are submitted through the official government portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Third-party visa services charge a service fee on top of the government fee for the same application; the process below can be completed directly through the official portal without additional cost.
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Create an account on the official portal
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz and select "Apply for a New Visa." Register with a valid email address — approval notifications will be sent to this address.
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Select the correct visa type and category
Choose "Ordinary Visa" for tourism (most nationalities) or "Multiple Visa" for US passport holders. Selecting the wrong type will result in rejection — the fee is non-refundable.
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Fill in personal and travel details
Enter full name as it appears in the passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and planned travel dates. If visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, select the first destination on this screen.
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Upload required documents
Upload the passport bio page scan, passport photo (JPEG, max 500KB), return or onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Name files clearly before uploading — passport.jpg, photo.jpg, ticket.pdf — and check that all documents are legible.
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Review and pay
Review all entries carefully before submitting — no changes can be made after submission. Confirm the terms and proceed to payment. Use Mastercard if Visa payment freezes, or copy the purchase code and use the alternate payment environment linked on the portal page.
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Await approval by email
Standard processing takes up to 10 working days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before departure. The Grant Notice will arrive by email; print it and carry it alongside the passport when travelling.
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Present the Grant Notice on arrival
At immigration — whether at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), or another entry point — present the printed Grant Notice and passport. The immigration officer will stamp the visa and confirm the entry period.
The team can confirm the correct category and help prepare an accommodation letter for the application.
A single Tanzania e-visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar — no second application is needed for travelers combining a safari with a beach stay.
Zanzibar: Visa and Mandatory Travel Insurance
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. A Tanzania e-visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar, and no separate Zanzibar visa exists. Travelers flying directly into Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) from outside Tanzania clear immigration there using the same e-visa. Travelers moving from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar domestically will clear a brief immigration check at the Zanzibar airport, but no new visa is required.
One requirement unique to Zanzibar, however, applies to all international visitors since October 2024:
Mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance: all visitors to Zanzibar are now required to purchase travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) on arrival, regardless of any existing travel insurance held. The fee is approximately $44 USD for adults. Travelers without it may be denied entry to the archipelago. This is separate from both the Tanzania e-visa and any insurance arranged through a travel operator.
Yellow Fever Certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving in Tanzania from a yellow fever endemic country. The list of countries considered endemic includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and most of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Travelers arriving directly from Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand are not required to present a certificate, though carrying one is strongly recommended regardless of origin — it is the single most commonly requested health document at Tanzanian immigration, and some national parks and camps may ask to see it independently of the border check.
The yellow fever vaccine is valid for life under current WHO guidelines. Travelers who have already received the vaccine should locate and carry their International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) alongside their passport and visa grant notice.
Once the e-visa is confirmed, the team can finalise dates, route, and accommodation around travel window and budget.
The East Africa Tourist Visa: Does It Cover Tanzania?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a shared visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single document, allowing multi-country travel without separate applications for each country. It is a popular option for travelers combining a Masai Mara safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa. A separate Tanzania e-visa is required for any trip that includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, regardless of whether the traveler holds an EATV. This is one of the most common entry planning errors among travelers booking multi-country East Africa itineraries, and it can result in denial of entry at the Tanzanian border.
Other Things to Know Before You Arrive
- Children need their own visa. There are no age exemptions. Every child, including infants listed in a parent's passport, must have a separate e-visa application submitted in their own name.
- Print the Grant Notice. The visa approval arrives by email as a Grant Notice document. Print it and carry it alongside the passport — immigration officers will ask for a physical copy on arrival.
- Return ticket required on arrival. Immigration officers may ask to see a return or onward ticket at the entry point. An e-itinerary printout is sufficient.
- Visa extensions are available. Travelers wishing to stay beyond 90 days can apply for an extension at immigration offices in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar before the original visa expires. The extension cost is approximately $100–$200 depending on nationality.
- Ordinary visa holders can re-enter from East Africa. Holders of a standard single-entry ordinary visa who travel briefly to a neighbouring East African country and return to Tanzania may use the same visa for re-entry, provided it is still within its validity period.
- Overstaying carries penalties. Overstaying a Tanzania visa can result in fines and a ban on future entry. Apply for an extension before the visa expires if a longer stay is planned.
Avoid third-party visa websites. A number of unofficial websites offer to process Tanzania e-visas and charge significant service fees on top of the official government fee. The official Tanzania e-visa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz is the only authorised channel. The process is straightforward and no intermediary is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most international visitors require a Tanzania e-visa, which must be obtained online before travel. Nationals of EAC member states — Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC — are exempt. A small number of other nationalities may also be visa-exempt under bilateral agreements. Check the current list at immigration.go.tz or contact the nearest Tanzanian embassy to confirm status for a specific nationality.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost?
The standard ordinary (single-entry) tourist visa costs $50 USD and is valid for up to 90 days. US passport holders must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, which costs $100 and is valid for 12 months with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. Transit visas cost $30 and are valid for up to 7 days. Business visas cost $250.
Is there a Tanzania visa on arrival?
No. As of January 30, 2025, Tanzania no longer issues visas on arrival at airports, land borders, or seaports. All travelers who require a visa must apply online through the official e-visa portal before departing for Tanzania. Arriving without a pre-approved visa will result in denial of entry.
How long does a Tanzania e-visa take to process?
Standard processing takes up to 10 working days. In practice, many applications are processed within 4–6 working days, though this is not guaranteed. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before the travel date to avoid stress from processing delays, especially during peak safari season from July to September when application volumes are highest.
Does a Tanzania visa cover Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania and is covered by the same Tanzania e-visa used for mainland entry. No separate Zanzibar visa exists. Note, however, that Zanzibar now requires all international visitors to purchase mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation on arrival, which is separate from the visa fee.
What does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover — does it include Tanzania?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. Tanzania operates its own independent e-visa system and is not part of the EATV. Travelers including Tanzania in a multi-country East Africa itinerary must obtain a separate Tanzania e-visa regardless of whether they hold an EATV.
Why do US citizens need a different Tanzania visa?
Under a bilateral reciprocal agreement between the United States and Tanzania, American passport holders are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa rather than the standard single-entry ordinary visa. The Multiple Entry Visa costs $100, is valid for 12 months, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. This applies to all US citizens regardless of the purpose or length of their stay.
Do children need their own Tanzania visa?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children regardless of age, requires a separate e-visa application submitted in their own name. There are no child exemptions under Tanzania's visa policy. Families should factor visa costs and the application process for all children when planning travel.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and most of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It is not required for direct arrivals from Europe, North America, or Australia, but is strongly recommended for all visitors since it may be requested at immigration or by lodges and camps within the national parks.
Can a Tanzania visa be extended?
Yes. Tanzania tourist visas can be extended for an additional 90 days at an immigration office in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar. The extension fee is approximately $100–$200 depending on nationality, and the application must be submitted before the original visa expires. For most safari and Kilimanjaro travelers, the initial 90-day ordinary visa is more than sufficient.
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