Tanzania combines safaris in the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro, paradisiacal beaches in Zanzibar, and the ascent of Kilimanjaro. In this guide we explain what visa you need to travel to Tanzania, how to apply for the eVisa online, the updated requirements, and the recommended timelines for 2026.
Do you need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
In most cases, yes. A visa is required to travel to Tanzania. It can be obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival at an official entry point. Applying online in advance is strongly recommended: it's faster, avoids long lines at the airport, and Tanzanian authorities plan to gradually phase out visas on arrival.
Types of visas for Tanzania
Ordinary visa (tourism, visits, and leisure)
This is the most commonly requested visa. It is intended for foreigners traveling for tourism, visiting family or friends, vacation, conferences, humanitarian activities, medical treatment, or any other purpose that does not involve paid work. It allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Multiple-entry visa
The multiple-entry visa is designed for frequent travelers and is mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling for tourism (under a bilateral agreement between the two countries). It has a maximum validity of 12 months, with a maximum of 90 consecutive days of stay per visit.
For other nationalities, applying for this visa requires supporting documentation. It is intended, among others, for:
- Directors or employees of companies registered in Tanzania who are not residents of the country.
- Spouses of Tanzanian citizens or residents of the country.
- Government consultants or consultants for international public organizations.
- Representatives of international NGOs.
Transit visa
For foreigners whose sole reason for entry is transiting to another destination. The stay may not exceed 7 days and it is mandatory to attach the visa for the destination country or proof of onward flight. It cannot be used for tourism purposes.
Business visa
Intended for foreigners who need to travel to Tanzania for short-term professional reasons (less than 90 days), such as:
- One-time assignments: machinery repair, short-term training, etc.
- Professional functions: account auditing, feasibility studies, establishing business contacts.
- Any lawful short-term commercial activity recognized under Tanzanian law.
Student visa
For foreigners entering Tanzania for the purpose of studying: research, internships, volunteering, East African Community (EAC) programs, or academic exchange. It may be issued for a maximum period of 2 years. For EAC and exchange students, this visa is free of charge.
Gratis visa
Issued to holders of diplomatic or official service passports, and to representatives of internationally recognized organizations on official mission. It may also be issued to holders of ordinary passports at the direction of the Commissioner General of Immigration.
Reference visa
Some countries require prior authorization from the Commissioner General of Immigration or the Zanzibar Immigration Commissioner before a visa is issued. If your nationality falls into this category, apply for the reference visa at least 90 days in advance before booking flights or accommodation. Always check the official Tanzania Immigration list, as it may be updated.
How to apply for a Tanzania visa
The eVisa for mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar is applied for entirely online through Visagov: fill out the form, make the payment, and submit the application. Tanzanian authorities review and process the application, and the outcome is notified by email. In exceptional cases (never for tourist visas), a visit to the embassy or consulate may be required.
Who needs a visa for Tanzania?
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. Only certain nationalities are exempt; you can verify this on the official Tanzania Immigration list. If your passport is not on that list, apply for your visa before traveling to avoid problems at check-in or at the border.
Requirements to apply for a Tanzania visa
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 3 blank pages.
Documentation for the ordinary visa (single entry)
- Copy of passport
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Declaration form
- Bank card for fee payment
- Email address to receive the decision
Documentation for the multiple-entry visa
- Copy of passport
- Valid passport or ID of the person to be visited in Tanzania
- Letter from the host institution stating the reasons and frequency of visits
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) and spouse's passport or ID
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Bank card for fee payment
- Email address to receive the decision
- Security Bond
Travel to Zanzibar: mandatory insurance (from October 2024)
Since October 1, 2024, all non-resident foreign visitors entering Zanzibar must purchase the Inbound Travel Insurance managed by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) through the official channel. Coverage is for up to 92 days and costs $44 USD per person. This insurance is mandatory even if the traveler already has another international insurance policy, and authorities may deny entry without it.
New traveler facilitation fee (from November 2025)
Since November 1, 2025, Tanzania applies a new fee to all international travelers entering the country by air. It is charged directly when purchasing the airline ticket:
- $45 USD per person on one-way flights.
- $90 USD per person on round-trip flights.
Children under 2 years of age are exempt. The amount is refunded in the event of cancellation or no-show.
Can a Tanzania visa be modified once submitted?
No. Once the application has been submitted, no changes can be made. A visa with incorrect information may be rejected with no right to a refund. Review all details carefully before submitting.
How much does a Tanzania visa cost?
The current government fees for the different visa types are:
- Ordinary visa (single entry): $50 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: $100 USD
- Business visa: $250 USD
- Transit visa: $30 USD
The student visa fee varies depending on the duration. Visas for EAC and exchange students are free of charge.
How far in advance should you apply for a Tanzania visa?
Applications take approximately 10 business days to process. It is recommended to apply at least 20 to 25 days in advance. For the reference visa, the minimum lead time is 90 days. The Immigration Services Department may reject an application without stating a reason.
Official entry points to Tanzania
Travelers with an approved visa may enter Tanzania through the following official entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) — Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) — Zanzibar
- Namanga border crossing
- Tunduma border crossing
Check the updated list of official Entry Points on Tanzania Immigration before traveling.
Frequently asked questions about the Tanzania visa
Can I enter Zanzibar with the same Tanzania visa?
Yes. The Tanzania visa covers both mainland territory and Zanzibar; you do not need an additional permit. Please note that, since October 2024, it is mandatory to purchase the travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) before entering the island, at a cost of $44 USD per person. Authorities may deny entry without it, even if you have another international insurance policy.
Do I need vaccinations to travel to Tanzania?
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Tanzania if you are traveling from a non-endemic country. However, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory if you are coming from an endemic country or have had an airport transit of more than 12 hours in one. In addition, malaria prophylaxis is recommended, as it is endemic in much of the country. Consult an international vaccination center before traveling.
How much does the mandatory Zanzibar insurance cost?
The mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) insurance costs $44 USD per person and covers stays of up to 92 days. It must be purchased exclusively through the official ZIC channel before arrival. Its coverage is limited, so it is recommended to supplement it with an international travel insurance policy.
What happens if my Tanzania visa is rejected?
Tanzania's Immigration Services Department may reject an application without stating a reason. In the event of rejection, Tanzanian authorities will not refund any government fees paid. It is therefore essential to carefully review all details before submitting the application and to make sure the correct documentation is attached for the type of visa requested.
