Getting your Tanzania visa sorted correctly before departure is one of the most important pieces of pre-trip administration for your safari. The process is genuinely straightforward for most nationalities, but understanding the options, the timing, and the documentation requirements in advance removes any last-minute stress. This guide walks through every step of the Tanzania tourist visa process.
Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?
The vast majority of international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, and Australia. A small number of nationalities, primarily from East African Community member states and a handful of bilateral agreement countries, are visa-exempt. Always check the current requirement for your specific nationality on the official Tanzania Immigration Department website before travel, as visa policy can change.
Tanzania Visa Options: Comparison
| Visa Type | Where to Apply | Cost (USD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (online) | Tanzania Immigration online portal | $50 (single entry, most nationalities) | 10–15 business days |
| Visa on arrival | Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, or land borders | $50 | Same day, but queues possible |
| Embassy/Consulate visa | Tanzania embassy in home country | $50–$100 | Varies, usually 5–10 business days |
| Multiple entry visa | eVisa portal or embassy | $100 | 10–15 business days |
For most travelers, the eVisa is the recommended option. It avoids queues on arrival, allows you to confirm your approval before departure, and the online application is straightforward. Visa on arrival remains available and is reliable, but during peak season the immigration queues at Kilimanjaro International Airport can be lengthy after a busy international arrival.
How to Apply for the Tanzania eVisa: Step by Step
- Visit the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal. Always use the official government site — numerous third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same service.
- Create an account with your email address and set a password.
- Complete the application form with your passport details, travel dates, accommodation information, and purpose of visit.
- Upload required documents: a passport photo page scan, a recent passport-style photograph, and your travel itinerary or hotel booking confirmation.
- Pay the visa fee online via credit or debit card ($50 for most single-entry applications).
- Wait for processing — typically 10–15 business days, though it can occasionally be faster.
- Receive your approval via email as a PDF. Print this and carry both digital and paper copies for your trip.
Required Documents for Tanzania Visa Application
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, with at least one blank page
- Passport-style photograph meeting standard photo specifications (plain background, recent)
- Travel itinerary or confirmed accommodation booking
- Return flight confirmation (some applications request this)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country in the past 6 days
Our Tanzania travel requirements page provides a complete checklist of all documentation needed for entry, beyond just the visa itself, including health certificates and customs declarations.
Tanzania Visa for East Africa Tourist Visa
If your itinerary includes Kenya and/or Uganda in addition to Tanzania, the East Africa Tourist Visa is worth considering. This single visa ($100) permits travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with multiple entries over 90 days, but notably does NOT include Tanzania. Tanzania maintains its own separate visa system. If you are combining a Tanzania safari with visits to neighbouring countries like Rwanda for gorilla trekking, plan for separate visa applications for each country. Visit our Rwanda destination page or Kenya destination page for guidance on combination itineraries.
Visa for Children Traveling to Tanzania
Children require their own individual visa applications and individual passports — they cannot travel on a parent’s passport. The same eVisa process applies, with a parent or guardian completing the application on the child’s behalf. If traveling with a child whose surname differs from one or both parents, or traveling with only one parent, Tanzania immigration may request additional documentation such as a birth certificate or notarized consent letter from the non-travelling parent. Confirm current requirements before travel, particularly for single-parent or grandparent-accompanied travel.
Common Tanzania Visa Application Mistakes
- Applying too early or too late: Apply 3–6 weeks before departure. Too early and your visa may expire before travel (some have validity windows); too late and processing delays can affect your departure.
- Using third-party visa websites: These charge significant markups over the official government fee. Always use the official eVisa portal directly.
- Mismatched passport information: Ensure your application details exactly match your passport, including any middle names or honorifics.
- Forgetting the yellow fever certificate when arriving from an endemic country, which can result in vaccination on arrival or denial of entry.
- Not printing the approval: While digital copies are often accepted, having a printed copy avoids any connectivity issues at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Tanzania tourist visa last?
A standard single-entry Tanzania tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry. The visa itself typically has a validity window of around 3 months from issue date within which you must enter the country.
Can I extend my Tanzania visa while in the country?
Yes, visa extensions are possible through the Immigration Department office in Dar es Salaam or other regional offices, subject to approval and additional fees. This is generally only necessary for extended stays beyond the standard 90-day period.
Get Help with Your Tanzania Visa
While the visa application itself is something you complete independently, our team at Northern Maasailand Safaris is happy to advise on timing, documentation, and any specific questions related to your nationality or itinerary. Contact us with any visa questions as part of your overall trip planning, and check our comprehensive Tanzania visa resource for further detail.