Tourist Visa for Tanzania

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Tanzania?

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, citizens of a number of countries, particularly several East African nations, are exempt from the tourist visa requirement and may enter Tanzania free of charge. You can verify whether your country is on the exemption list on the official Tanzania Immigration portal.

If your country is not exempt, you have two options for obtaining a Tanzania tourist visa:

• Apply online in advance via the Tanzania e-Visa system
• Obtain a visa on arrival at a Tanzanian international airport

We strongly recommend applying online in advance. Here’s why.

Tanzania Tourist Visa Cost

If you opt for a visa on arrival, payment must be made in cash only, USD 50 or USD 100 for US citizens. Card payments are not accepted at the immigration counter.

Option 1: Apply for a Tanzania E-Visa Online (Recommended)

The Tanzania e-Visa is the fastest, safest, and most convenient way to secure your tourist visa before you travel. Applying online avoids long immigration queues and gives you peace of mind before you even leave home.

Where to Apply

Only use the official Tanzania Immigration Department website: eservices.immigration.go.tz

Do not use third-party websites. Never share your passport number or personal details with unofficial sites.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing typically takes up to 10 business days. Apply well in advance of your departur, but no more than 3 months before your travel dates.

If you’ve booked a last-minute safari, skip the e-visa and get your visa on arrival instead.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Tanzania E-Visa

Step 1: Start your application Visit the official portal and select “New Application”. You’ll be assigned an application number on the first pag, save it immediately. Take a screenshot or write it down, as you’ll need it to return and complete your application if you step away.

Step 2: Personal details Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport. If you have multiple name spellings or use a maiden name, use only your passport name. Spelling errors can cause delays or rejection.

Step 3: Purpose of visit Select “Holiday and Leisure” as your reason for travel.

Step 4: Travel information (the section most people find tricky) You’ll be asked for a physical address in Tanzania and the name of your host. Here’s what to put:

• Select “Hotel” as your accommodation type, even if you’ll be camping on Kilimanjaro or sleeping at safari lodges, this is the most accurate available option.
• Use your first hotel’s name and address from the itinerary provided by Kiwoito Africa Safaris. For example: Sal Salinero Hotel, Moshi, Tanzania.
• Under “Reference in Tanzania”, list Kiwoito Africa Safaris.
• Under “Local Host”, select “Company/Organisation” and enter Kiwoito Africa Safaris. Your relationship to us is “Tour Operator”.

Step 5: Travel companions If you’re traveling with a minor, fill in this section carefully. If you’re part of a group tour but travelling independently to Tanzania before meeting your team, select that you are travelling as a single adult, you are not required to list fellow travellers you haven’t yet met.

Step 6: Upload your passport photo If your photo isn’t ready, save your application and return later using your email address and application number. Select “Continue Application” when you return.

Step 7: Pay and submit Complete your payment online to finalise the application.

Step 8: Check your status Use the “Visa Status” page on the portal to track your application. You’ll be notified when it’s received, in progress, or approved.

Step 9: Print your confirmation Print all confirmation pages and keep them safe. When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, an immigration officer will still place an official sticker in your passport as confirmation of your visa.

Special Note for US Citizens

When selecting your visa type, US citizens must choose “Multiple Entry Visa”, this is the required category for American tourists visiting Tanzania. Select “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of travel.

Option 2: Tanzania Visa on Arrival

If you’re unable or prefer not to apply online, you can still get a visa on arrival at most Tanzanian international airports, provided your country is eligible (see referral visa section below).

What to Expect

The visa-on-arrival process involves three separate queues:

1. Complete paperwork and answer questions at the immigration desk
2. Collect an official payment control number
3. Pay in cash and receive your visa stamp

This process can be lengthy, especially if you arrive on a full flight. Travellers with a pre-approved e-visa use the “Visa Holder” lane and move through immigration significantly faster.

What to Bring for Visa on Arrival

• USD 50 in cash (USD 100 for US citizens), exact amount preferred
• Your tour operator’s contact details (Kiwoito Africa Safaris)
• The name and address of your first hotel in Tanzania

Tanzania Referral Visa: Does This Apply to You?

Citizens of certain countries cannot obtain a tourist visa on arrival and must apply for a referral visa well in advance. Processing a referral visa can take more than 60 days, and Tanzania Immigration advises against booking flights until the referral visa has been approved.

The following nationalities require a referral visa:

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen and stateless persons or those holding refugee status.

If you hold one of these passports, contact us early. Kiwoito Africa Safaris has experience guiding clients through the referral visa process and can help ensure your application is completed correctly.

Tanzania Passport Validity Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Tanzania. For example, if you plan to leave Tanzania in June 2025, your passport must not expire before December 2025.

If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying for your e-visa. Renewing your passport changes your passport number, which would invalidate any visa already issued.

Quick Reference: Tanzania Tourist Visa Checklist

• Passport valid for 6+ months beyond your return date
• Apply via the official portal only: eservices.immigration.go.tz
• Apply between 10 days and 3 months before departure. US citizens: select “Multiple Entry Visa”
• Purpose of visit: “Holiday and Leisure”
• Local host: Kiwoito Africa Safaris (Tour Operator)
• First hotel address from your Kiwoito itinerary
• Save your application number
• Print your confirmation pages
• Visa-on-arrival: bring exact cash in USD

Need Help With Your Tanzania Visa?

At Kiwoito Africa Safaris, we’re here to make your Tanzania trip as smooth as possible, from your visa application right through to your last sunset on the Serengeti. If you have any questions about your tourist visa, referral visa application, or Tanzania travel requirements, reach out to our team. We’re happy to help.