Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re coming for a safari in Serengeti, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll most likely need a Tanzania visa.
In this updated 2025 guide, we share everything you need to know about getting a Tanzanian visa — types, requirements, costs, online application, visa on arrival, and essential tips for a smooth entry.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Tanzania?
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania — including visitors to Zanzibar, which is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
However, some nationalities are visa-exempt. We’ll list them below.
Types of Tanzania Visas
Tanzania offers several types of visas depending on your travel purpose:
1. Ordinary (Tourist) Visa – Single Entry
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Valid for: up to 90 days
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For tourism, holidays, visiting friends/relatives
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Most common visa for travelers
2. Multiple Entry Visa
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Valid for: 12 months
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For frequent visitors (e.g., business, investors, American citizens)
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Stays per visit: not more than 90 days at a time
3. Business Visa
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Valid for: up to 90 days
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For short-term business, attending conferences, workshops
4. Transit Visa
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Valid for: 7 days
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For travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another country
5. Gratis Visa
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Issued to holders of diplomatic or service passports or international organizations (with proof)
Who Doesn’t Need a Visa? (Visa-Exempt Countries)
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Tanzania for stays up to 90 days:
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Kenya
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Uganda
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Rwanda
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South Africa
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Namibia
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
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Botswana
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Singapore
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Hong Kong
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Jamaica
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Malaysia
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Some Caribbean and Pacific island nations
✅ Always confirm your exemption with your nearest Tanzanian embassy or official immigration website before travel.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa
Option 1: Apply Online (e-Visa)
The official Tanzania e-Visa portal is:
🔗 https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Step-by-step:
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Fill out the online application
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Upload passport and photo
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Pay with Visa or Mastercard
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Receive your visa via email (within 10 days on average)
✅ Recommended for peace of mind and faster airport clearance.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
You can also obtain a visa upon arrival at:
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Julius Nyerere Int’l Airport (Dar es Salaam)
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Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport
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Abeid Amani Karume Airport (Zanzibar)
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Namanga or other land borders
❗ However, expect delays and long queues — online visa is safer and faster.
Tanzania Visa Requirements
To apply, you need:
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Valid passport (at least 6 months valid)
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Passport-size photo
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Return flight ticket
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Travel itinerary (accommodation details, tour booking)
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Yellow Fever Certificate (only if arriving from an endemic country)
Tanzania Visa Fees (2025)
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry (Tourist) | $50 |
| Multiple Entry | $100 |
| Transit Visa | $30 |
| Business Visa | $250 (subject to approval) |
| Visa on Arrival | Same as above |
🇺🇸 U.S. citizens must apply for a multiple entry visa — cost is $100, valid for 1 year.
Important Travel Tips
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Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip if using the e-Visa
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Print your e-Visa approval letter for airport clearance
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Immigration may ask for proof of accommodation and onward travel
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Border officials are usually friendly but firm — always be honest and polite
Entry Points into Tanzania
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Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
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Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Near Arusha & Moshi
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Abeid Amani Karume Int’l Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar
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Namanga Border – From Kenya to Arusha
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Tunduma/Nakonde Border – From Zambia
Final Word
Tanzania has one of the most traveler-friendly visa systems in East Africa. Whether you’re coming for adventure, leisure, or business, the visa process is straightforward and accessible — especially with the online application system.
Apply ahead of time, carry your documents, and focus on enjoying the wonders of Tanzania — from the Big Five to the beaches of Zanzibar.
