Tanzania Travel Information

Tanzania Visa Guide for Safari & Kilimanjaro Travelers

Planning a safari, Zanzibar holiday, or Mount Kilimanjaro climb? Use this simple guide to understand the tourist visa process, when to apply, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes.

How to Apply Official Visa Website
?? Typical Fee

Most tourists pay USD 50. USA passport holders normally apply for a multiple-entry visa at USD 100.

?? Processing

Online visa processing is usually within 10 days, except referral visa cases.

?? Passport

Your passport should have at least 6 months validity and one unused visa page.

?? Arrival Proof

Visitors may be asked to show a return ticket and travel details at entry.

Referral Visa

Select your citizenship

Afghanistan
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Canada
China
Djibouti
Ethiopia
France
Germany
Ghana
India
Israel
Italy
Kenya
Malaysia
Netherlands
Rwanda
Senegal
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Uganda
United Kingdom
United States
Yes
Visa type: Referral
Visa cost: $50 Approval time: 60-90 days
Website for application: visa.immigration.go.tz

This visa is not available on arrival. Make sure to apply 2-3 months before your trip using the link above. We can help our clients prepare supporting details, but approval is handled by Tanzania Immigration.

Overview

Do travelers need a visa for Tanzania?

Many foreign visitors need a visa before entering Tanzania. The easiest option for most tourists is to apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration visa portal before travel.

Some nationalities are visa-exempt, while some must apply in advance under the referral visa category. Travelers should always confirm their nationality requirements before booking flights or starting the visa process.

  • Use the official Tanzania Immigration visa website only.
  • Choose the visa category that matches your nationality and travel purpose.
  • For tourism, most visitors use an Ordinary Visa; USA passport holders use a Multiple Visa.
  • If visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, one Tanzania visa usually covers both.
Application Process

How to apply online

The online application is designed to be completed before travel. Prepare your passport, travel details, accommodation information, and payment card before starting.

1
Visit the official portal

Go to Tanzania Immigration’s eVisa website and start a new application.

2
Enter your details

Fill in passport, personal, travel, and host/accommodation information carefully.

3
Upload documents

Upload your photo and required documents according to the visa instructions.

4
Pay and track status

Pay online, save your application number, and track the visa status through the portal.

Important: after submitting a visa application, changes may not be possible. Double-check names, passport number, arrival date, and travel details before payment.
Timing

When should you apply?

Online visa applications are normally processed within 10 days, so it is best to apply early enough before travel. Do not leave the application until the final day before departure.

For referral visa countries, the process can take much longer. Tanzania Immigration advises referral visa applicants to apply at least two months before travel and avoid paying for flights or accommodation until approval is received.

E-Visa vs Arrival Visa

Which option is better?

Online eVisa

Best for travelers who want peace of mind before arrival. You apply online, pay online, and receive a visa grant notice by email or through the portal.

Visa on Arrival

Available for many nationalities, but queues can be long. Referral visa applicants and certain categories cannot rely on visa on arrival.

Common Questions

Tanzania Visa FAQ

Most tourist visas are USD 50. USA passport holders usually apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is USD 100.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months and should have at least one unused visa page before applying.
Yes. Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar are part of the United Republic of Tanzania. During application, select your first destination, but you can normally visit both.
A referral visa is required for certain nationalities and special categories such as stateless persons or persons with refugee status. These travelers must apply in advance and wait for approval before travel.
Yes. Keep digital and printed copies of your visa grant notice, confirmation pages, passport, itinerary, hotel name, and tour operator contact details.

Need help preparing your Tanzania trip?

Share your travel dates, arrival airport, hotel name, and tour plan. Our team can help you prepare the details you need for a smooth arrival in Tanzania.

Ask on WhatsApp

This page is a travel information guide, not legal advice. Visa rules can change, so always confirm requirements on the official Tanzania Immigration website before travel.