TANZANIA VISA & APPLICATION PROCESS GUIDE

For most international visitors, a visa is required to enter Tanzania. The process has become much more convenient with the online e-visa application option, but there are also other ways to obtain a visa, including a visa on arrival at the airport.  In this blog, we will walk you through the visa application process, health-related entry requirements, and other helpful tips for your journey to Tanzania.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Step by Step

Understanding how to apply for a Tanzania visa is an important step in preparing for your journey. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn about the Tanzania visa application process, the required documents, visa fees and how to apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration website for a smooth travel experience.

Step 1. Create an Application ID

Visit the official Tanzania Immigration website. Go to e-Services → Online Visa Application → Apply for a New Visa.

Create an Application ID to save, track and retrieve your application and print your approved e-visa.

Information needed:

• Email address
• Passport number
• Passport issuing country
• Security question and answer (your birth town, village, or city is recommended)

Note – Keep your Application ID safe. You will need it, your email address, and your security answer to resume your application, check its status or print your visa documents.

Step 2 – Submit Personal Information

Prepare the following details:

• First, middle, and last names
• Gender
• Marital status
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality at birth, current nationality, and residence status

Note – U.S. citizens should select “American” for nationality at birth, current nationality, and residence status.

Step 3 – Contact, Address & Employment Information

Provide the following details:

Contact information:

• Telephone and mobile numbers (select the correct country code)
• Email address (use the same one linked to your Application ID)

Physical address:

• Current address, city, and country
• Permanent address, city, and country

Note – Your current address can also be your permanent address.

Employment information:

• Employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, minor, infant, or unemployed)
• Employer details, if applicable
• Occupation and economic sector, if employed or self-employed

Note – You can save and exit your application at any stage. Resume it later using your Application ID, email address, and security answer.

Step 4 – Passport Information

Prepare the following passport details:

• Passport type and number
• Country and place of issue
• Date of issue and expiry date

Note – Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure from Tanzania and have at least one full, unused visa page.

Step 5 – Travel Information

Provide the following travel details:

• Country where you are applying
• Nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate to handle your application
• Visa type requested
• Purpose of visit (leisure or holiday)
• Whether this is your first visit to Tanzania
• Previous visit date and visa number, if applicable
• Destination: Mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar
• Onward country (leave blank, as instructed)
• Port type: airport, road, or vessel
• Arrival date and total length of stay

Visa type – U.S. citizens travelling on a safari should apply for a multiple-entry visa under the bilateral agreement with the USA. Other nationalities generally require an ordinary visa, depending on their circumstances.

Kenya – Tanzania cross-border safaris – Select “Road” as the port type. Choose “Sirari” when travelling via the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, or “Namanga” when travelling via Nairobi, Amboseli, or Arusha. These entry points also apply in reverse when starting your safari in Tanzania.

Host information – Provide your safari organizer’s full name, phone number, email, company name, registration number, relationship, and physical address.

Accommodation – Provide the name and physical address of your first hotel in Tanzania. Ask your travel consultant or check the hotel’s website if needed.

Step 6 – Upload Documents

Upload the following documents:

• Passport-size photo: JPEG/PNG, maximum 300 KB
• Passport biographical data page: JPEG/PNG, maximum 300 KB
• Supporting document (return flight ticket): PDF, maximum 1 MB

Note – Passport-size photos are usually 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm. Save your photo and passport data page as separate files.

Step 7 – Declaration Statement

Check that all your information is correct. Tick the box to accept the terms and conditions, then proceed to submit your application.

Step 8 – Making Payments for Your Visa

The stated fees are:

• Ordinary single-entry visa: USD 50
• Multiple-entry visa: USD 100

U.S. citizens must apply for a multiple-entry visa costing USD 100, even for a single trip. Check the official website for fees for other visa types.

Note – We advise against using the “SWIFT Transfer” payment option because payment-tracing issues may delay visa processing.

Step 9 – Application Completed

After successful payment, your application is complete.

Check your application status through the official Tanzania Immigration website by selecting “Check Visa Status” under Visa Status. You will need your Application ID, email address, and security answer.

Note – Once approved, print your visa approval or Visa Grant Notice. Keep a hard copy in your hand luggage so you can present it to immigration officials upon arrival.

For on Arrival Visas

For visitors who plan to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport:

• U.S passport holders: USD 100 per person
• Other countries: USD 50 per person

Note – Please note that only cash is accepted for visa payments at the airport. Credit cards are not accepted, so make sure you have the required amount in USD.

Additional Entry Requirement based on region

Entry requirements for Tanzania vary slightly depending on the traveler’s country of origin. Below is a breakdown for travelers coming from the U.S., UK, Europe and Asia.

 U.S. Travelers

• Visa – U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa before departure or upon arrival in Tanzania.
• Yellow fever – A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
• Health insurance –It is advisable to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation, especially for safari activities.

 UK Travelers

• Visa – Travelers from the UK must apply for a Tanzanian visa either online or upon arrival.
• Yellow fever – A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Consult current health guidance about recommended vaccinations before travelling.
• Travel health insurance – Health insurance covering emergency medical care is highly recommended.

Europe Travelers

• Visa – Citizens of most European countries need a visa to enter Tanzania. Travelers from Schengen Area countries typically apply for a visa online or upon arrival.
• Yellow fever – European travelers must also provide proof of yellow fever vaccination when arriving from yellow-fever-endemic regions.
• Health precautions – Travelers should consult their doctor about recommended vaccines and malaria prevention before travelling.

 Asia Travelers

• Visa – Travelers from Asian countries, including the Philippines, China, and India, must apply for a tourist visa either online or upon arrival.
• Yellow fever – Depending on the country of origin, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required, especially when arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country.
• Health considerations – Malaria prevention is recommended, and travelers should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date.

What to Expect at the Border

• Immigration checks – Have your passport, visa (or e-visa), yellow fever vaccination certificate, return tickets (if required) and any other necessary travel documents ready when you arrive at the border.
• Medical checks – Be prepared for health screenings, especially for yellow fever, malaria and COVID-19 (if applicable).

Tips for Easy Entry to Tanzania

• Advance planning – We recommend submitting your application at least 3–4 weeks before departure to allow sufficient time for processing.
• Official channel – Please use only the official government portal, www.immigration.go.tz, to help protect your data.
• Authorized fees – Avoid third-party agencies, as they may charge unnecessary surcharges and may not be secure.
• Professional oversight – If you have any questions, please contact your consultant. We manage these logistics daily and are here to help make your entry as smooth as possible.

Travel Tips for Tanzania

Currency – The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). While credit cards are accepted in cities, it is recommended that you carry cash for small purchases in rural areas.

Weather – Tanzania has a tropical climate. The rainy seasons are from March to May and from November to December, so pack accordingly.

Power adapter – Tanzania uses Type G plugs, the same as the UK. Make sure to bring the correct adapter if needed.