One Form, One Fee, One Unforgettable Trip
Tanzania's tourist visa is one of the simplest in East Africa — $50, available on arrival for most nationalities, and valid for 90 days. US citizens do not pay a fee. The main things to get right: a passport valid for 6 months, a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country, and USD cash in good condition for the fee. This guide covers every nationality, every visa type, and every detail you need to cross immigration without a hitch.
Visa categories
Which Visa Do You Need?
Tourist Visa (Standard)
Available to citizens of most countries. The most common visa for safari and Kilimanjaro climbers. Issued on arrival at all major entry points (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) or can be pre-applied via the Tanzania e-visa portal before departure.
E-visa recommended — processing takes 5–14 business days and avoids queuing on arrival.
East Africa Tourist Visa
A single visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — useful if your safari or gorilla trek crosses borders. Available to citizens of all countries eligible for a standard tourist visa to Tanzania. Note: this visa is processed through Kenya's immigration system.
Best for combined East Africa itineraries. Must enter Kenya first or simultaneously.
US Citizens — No Visa Required
US passport holders receive a 90-day tourist entry permit on arrival at no cost. This is a stamped entry permit, not a visa — keep your return ticket and accommodation details ready to show immigration.
No fee, but allow time on arrival for the immigration process. Carry proof of onward travel.
Tanzania e-Visa (Pre-Application)
The Tanzania e-visa system allows you to apply online before departure. Your application is processed within 5–14 business days. On approval, you receive an authorization letter — present this at immigration to receive your visa stamp on arrival, skipping the queuing process.
Recommended for peak season (July–October and December–February) when arrival queues are long.
Transit Visa
For travelers passing through Tanzania who do not leave the international transit zone. Only needed if you need to exit the airport during a layover. Most safari and climb travelers on connecting flights do not require a transit visa.
Required only if you need to leave the airport during a connection. Not needed if staying in the transit lounge.
Quick reference
Do You Need a Visa?
Tanzania visa requirements by nationality. For the most current information, confirm with the Tanzania Immigration Department or your nearest embassy before travel.
No visa needed (entry permit on arrival, free)
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kenya
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Portugal
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Zimbabwe
E-visa or visa on arrival ($50)
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Colombia
- Congo (DRC)
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Niger
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
Visa required in advance
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Iraq
- North Korea
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Turkmenistan
This list is based on Tanzania Immigration regulations as of 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify with the Tanzania embassy in your country before travel.
At the airport
What You Need at Immigration
Passport validity
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry. At least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Yellow fever certificate
Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (including Kenya for some travelers). Tanzania may request it randomly from any traveler. Recommended: carry your yellow fever certificate regardless of origin — it is the single most commonly requested health document.
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers may ask to see a return ticket or evidence of onward travel plans. A printout of your e-tinerary is sufficient.
Accommodation confirmation
Tanzania immigration occasionally asks for proof of accommodation bookings for your first night. Have your lodge or hotel booking confirmation accessible in your carry-on.
Visa fee (if applicable)
Carry USD cash in small denominations ($5, $10, $20 bills) for the visa fee on arrival. Cards are not always accepted at the immigration desk. Avoid torn or wrinkled notes — Tanzanian immigration officers have been known to reject damaged dollar bills.
Common questions
Visa Questions Answered
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
How long does the Tanzania e-visa take to process?
Do US citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Tanzania?
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?
Can I extend my Tanzania tourist visa?
What happens if my passport is from a country not on the visa-free list?
Do children need a Tanzania visa?
Packing
Safari Packing Checklist
Everything you need to pack for a Tanzania safari — and what to leave behind.
Flights
Flights to Tanzania
How to get to Tanzania: routes, airlines, and tips for finding the best fares.
Balloon Safari
Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti
The most spectacular hour of any Tanzania safari — and why every traveler should do it.
Plan Your Safari
Talk to Our Team
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