Visa Requirements for Traveling to Tanzania

Planning a trip to Tanzania could get tricky if you don’t know the visa requirements. But don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different visa types, who needs them, and how to apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. All simplified, no extra fluff.

Types of Visas for Tanzania

Tanzania offers several types of visas depending on your purpose of travel. The most common options include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and transit visas.

Tourist Visa

If you’re visiting Tanzania as a tourist, you will likely need a single-entry tourist visa. This covers activities like exploring national parks or visiting Zanzibar. The visa typically allows stays for up to 90 days.

Cost: Around $50 for most nationalities.

Business Visa

If you’re heading to Tanzania for business-related activities, you’ll need a business visa. Like the tourist visa, it is usually valid for up to 90 days. However, if you need to go for longer business stays, there are separate longer-duration visas.

Cost: Around $250.

Transit Visa

If you’re passing through Tanzania and your stay is less than seven days, a transit visa is what you need. This visa is valid for people just stopping over or transiting through Tanzania on the way to another destination.

Cost: Typically around $30.

Multiple-Entry Visa

If you plan on entering and leaving Tanzania several times, you can opt for a multiple-entry visa. This visa is valid for up to a year, but you cannot stay more than 90 days consecutively at a time.

Cost: Around $100.

Who Needs a Visa for Tanzania?

Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania, but some countries have visa exemptions, or you can get a visa on arrival.

If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you don’t need a visa for stays less than 90 days:

Kenya
Uganda
Rwanda
Zambia

Citizens of the following countries can apply for an e-visa before their trip or get a visa on arrival:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Most EU countries

Exceptions and Special Cases

Some travelers may need what is called a “Referral Visa.” Citizens from certain countries are required to apply for a visa in advance and must get approval from the Tanzanian Commissioner General of Immigration. This process can take longer, so plan ahead if you’re from one of these countries.

The list includes:

Nigeria
Somalia
Pakistan
Lebanon
Sri Lanka

How to Apply for an E-Visa

Applying for an e-visa is pretty straightforward and saves you time on arrival. You can apply online through Tanzania’s official immigration website. Follow these simple steps:

Go to the official Tanzania e-visa portal: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/
Fill out the form with your personal information and travel details.
Upload a passport-size photo and a copy of your passport.
Pay the visa fee online (credit/debit cards work).
Wait for confirmation. The e-visa is usually processed within 10 business days.

You should print a copy of the e-visa and bring it with you when you travel, as immigration will ask to see proof of your visa.

What is the Visa on Arrival Process?

If you didn’t apply for an e-visa, you can usually get a visa on arrival at Tanzania’s major entry points such as Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) and Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here’s what to expect:

Fill out the visa application form at the airport.
Pay the visa fee (usually $50 for tourists).
Present your passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months).
Wait while immigration officials process the visa. This can take some time, so pack some patience.

Although you can apply on arrival, lines can be long, and processing times unpredictable. It’s always better to get the e-visa beforehand if you can.

Final Tips

When applying for your visa, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. You will also need at least two blank pages in your passport.

Bring cash to pay for your visa on arrival, and make sure it’s in US dollars if possible. Some airports don’t accept credit cards, so it’s good to be prepared.

Lastly, double-check any updates to visa requirements before booking. Immigration rules change occasionally, and it’s always best to confirm closer to your travel date.