Tanzania Visa Requirements for Safari Travelers
Visa types, costs, e-visa application, required documents, and health requirements — everything you need to enter Tanzania for your safari.
Most visitors need a tourist visa. Cost: $50 USD ($100 for US citizens). Apply online or on arrival. The standard single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be obtained through the official Tanzania e-visa portal (visa.immigration.go.tz) in 5-10 business days, or on arrival at major airports and border crossings. US citizens must purchase a $100 multiple-entry visa. You will need a passport valid for 6+ months, a passport photo, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country.
Tanzania Visa Types & Costs
Choose the right visa type for your Tanzania trip. Most safari travelers need a standard tourist visa.
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single-Entry | $50 USD | Up to 90 days | 5-10 business days (e-visa) |
| Tourist Multiple-Entry (US citizens) | $100 USD | Up to 12 months | 5-10 business days (e-visa) |
| Business Visa | $250 USD | Up to 90 days | 10-15 business days |
| Transit Visa | Free | Up to 24 hours | On arrival |
Tourist Single-Entry
Most common for safari travelers. Valid for one entry within 90 days of issue.
Tourist Multiple-Entry (US citizens)
Required for US citizens. Single-entry is not available for Americans. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
For business meetings, conferences, or commercial activities. Requires invitation letter from a Tanzanian company.
Transit Visa
For passengers transiting through Tanzania without leaving the airport. No application needed.
How to Apply Online
Follow these five steps to apply for your Tanzania e-visa through the official government portal.
Visit the e-visa portal
Go to the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa website at visa.immigration.go.tz. This is the only legitimate government portal for Tanzania visa applications.
Create an account
Register with your email address and create a secure password. You will receive a verification email to activate your account before proceeding.
Fill in the application form
Complete the online form with your personal details, passport information, travel dates, accommodation details, and purpose of visit. Double-check all information matches your passport exactly.
Upload required documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photo (white background), flight itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation, and any other supporting documents.
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the visa fee online via credit or debit card. Processing takes 5-10 business days. You will receive the approval letter via email. Print it and carry it when you travel to Tanzania.
Important: Use only the official portal
The only legitimate e-visa website is visa.immigration.go.tz. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees. If you book a safari with us, we can guide you through the entire visa application process.
Required Documents
Prepare these documents before starting your e-visa application or arriving at immigration.
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport-sized photo
Recent color photo (2x2 inches) with a white background. Digital copy needed for e-visa application.
Flight itinerary
Confirmed round-trip or onward flight booking showing entry and departure from Tanzania.
Accommodation booking
Hotel, lodge, or camp confirmation for your stay. Your safari operator can provide this for your entire itinerary.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and emergency medical treatment.
Yellow fever certificate
Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended for all travelers.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Tanzania for stays of up to 90 days.
This list is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Tanzania Immigration Department or your nearest Tanzanian embassy before travel. A valid passport with 6+ months validity is still required for visa-free entry.
Health Requirements
Stay healthy on your Tanzania safari. These are the current health and vaccination requirements for entry.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Required if from endemic countryMandatory for travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). The vaccine provides lifelong protection.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Strongly recommendedTanzania is a malaria zone. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for antimalarial medication (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine). Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets even while on medication.
COVID-19
No longer requiredTanzania no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative test results for entry. No quarantine measures are in place. Standard health precautions are advised.
Routine Vaccinations
RecommendedEnsure your routine vaccinations are up to date: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Polio. Rabies vaccine is recommended if you plan to spend time in rural areas or around animals.
Tanzania Visa FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. Citizens of approximately 15 countries are exempt, including several East African and Southern African nations. All other nationalities must obtain either an e-visa in advance or a visa on arrival at major entry points such as Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Namanga border crossing.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost?
A standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD for most nationalities. US citizens pay $100 USD for a multiple-entry tourist visa (single-entry is not available for Americans). Business visas cost $250 USD. Transit visas for stays under 24 hours are free. All fees are payable online during the e-visa application or in cash (USD) on arrival.
How do I apply for a Tanzania visa online?
Visit the official Tanzania e-visa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Create an account, complete the application form with your travel details, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, flight itinerary, accommodation booking), and pay the fee online via credit/debit card. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it when you travel.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Yes, Tanzania offers visa on arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ) and some land border crossings. You will need a valid passport, completed arrival card, proof of accommodation, return/onward flight ticket, and the visa fee in cash (USD). However, we recommend applying for an e-visa in advance to avoid long queues and potential delays at immigration.
How long does it take to get a Tanzania e-visa?
The standard processing time for a Tanzania e-visa is 5 to 10 business days. During peak travel season (June-October and December-January), processing may take longer. We recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date to allow time for any delays or additional document requests. Urgent processing is not officially available.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or have recently transited through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). If you are flying directly from a non-endemic country such as the US, UK, or Europe, the certificate is not mandatory but is recommended. Tanzania is a malaria zone, so malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended regardless of your origin country.
Do I need a visa to transit through Tanzania?
If your transit through Tanzania is under 24 hours and you do not leave the airport transit area, you do not need a visa and no fee applies. If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you wish to exit the airport, you will need a standard tourist visa. For travelers connecting to Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, no additional visa is required as Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
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