How to Get a Visa for Tanzania: A Simple Guide for Travelers
Planning your dream trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re coming to explore the Serengeti’s great migration, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, one of the first steps is making sure your Tanzanian visa is sorted.
Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Tanzania?
Most foreign travelers need a visa to enter mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar. However, citizens of some countries are visa-exempt (such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, and a few Caribbean and Asian countries).
Countries that DO NOT need a visa:
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Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa
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Barbados, Bahamas, Singapore, Hong Kong
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Some SADC countries
Check if your country is exempt here:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
Types of Visas for Tanzania
Depending on your purpose, you’ll need one of these:
1. Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa – $50 USD
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For tourists, family visits, or short-term business
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Valid for 90 days
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Most commonly used visa
2. Multiple Entry Visa – $100 USD
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For U.S. citizens or frequent visitors
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Valid for 12 months, but you can only stay 90 days at a time
3. Transit Visa – $30 USD
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For those passing through Tanzania to another country
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Valid for 7 days
4. Business Visa – $250 USD
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For short-term assignments, research, or meetings
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Requires proof from the host company or institution
5. Gratis Visa
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Issued to diplomatic, official, or service passport holders
How to Apply for a Tanzanian Visa
Option 1: E-Visa (Online Application) – Recommended
The easiest and fastest way is to apply online via the official Tanzania Immigration website.
https://visa.immigration.go.tz
What you need:
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Passport (valid for 6 months or more)
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Passport-size photo (digital upload)
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Return ticket or travel itinerary
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Credit/Debit card for payment
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Accommodation details or invitation letter
Steps:
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Go to visa.immigration.go.tz
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Fill in the online form
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Upload documents and make payment
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Wait for approval email (usually within 10 business days)
Processing Time: 7–10 business days
Payment: Online via Visa/MasterCard
Beware of fake visa websites – always use the official link!
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
You can get a visa when you land at major entry points like:
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Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
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Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
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Abeid Amani Karume Airport (Zanzibar)
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Namanga and other land borders
Downsides:
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Long queues
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Manual process
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You must carry cash (USD preferred)
Visa fees:
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$50 for most nationalities
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$100 for U.S. passport holders
Arrival Checklist
When you arrive, immigration will ask for:
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Passport with valid visa
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Return ticket
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Proof of accommodation or tour
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Yellow Fever certificate (if coming from a yellow fever zone)
Tanzania is generally strict but friendly. As long as your paperwork is clean, entry is smooth!
Visa Support from Tour Companies
If you’re booking a safari, beach holiday, or Kilimanjaro climb through a licensed tour company, many of them (like us at Travel Booking Guide) can help you:
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Verify your visa type
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Provide official invitation letters
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Assist with the online application if you have trouble
Pro Tips for Smooth Entry
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Apply early: At least 2–3 weeks before your travel date
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Print your visa grant notice: Bring a physical copy
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Use the same passport you used for the application
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Keep immigration contact handy: visa@immigration.go.tz
Final Thoughts
Getting your visa for Tanzania is a straightforward process, and it opens the door to one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life.
From the golden plains of Serengeti to the deep green forests of Ngorongoro, and from the spice markets of Zanzibar to the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro—Tanzania is waiting to welcome you.
Need Help?
Have a question or stuck with the visa form?
Contact Joseph Robert and the Travel Booking Guide team:
Email: info@travelbookingtz.com
WhatsApp: +255 783 550 522
Instagram: @travelbookingguide
We’re here to help make your journey to Tanzania smooth, safe, and spectacular.
