Tanzania is one of Africa's most extraordinary destinations, a country where wildlife, culture, and natural landscapes converge in a way that few places on Earth can match. From the endless plains of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the savanna, to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, there is no shortage of things to do in Tanzania. For those drawn to nature, a Tanzania safari offers the chance to witness elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards in their natural habitat. For those seeking sun and history, the spice islands and ancient Stone Town of Zanzibar provide a completely different but equally captivating experience.
Before you can enjoy any of it, however, there are some important formalities to take care of. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania and want to make sure your paperwork is in order, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Tanzania travel requirements, from visa applications and passport validity to health precautions and currency.
Ready to visit Tanzania? Make sure your visa is sorted before you travel.
Tanzania travel requirements
Passport validity
The first thing to check before booking your trip is your passport. All travelers entering Tanzania must hold a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity beyond their intended date of departure from the country. In addition, your passport must have at least one blank page available for entry and exit stamps.
Beyond the passport itself, immigration authorities may also ask you to provide proof of onward or return travel, such as a confirmed flight reservation, as well as evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. It is advisable to have these documents readily accessible when you arrive at the border or airport.
Tanzania visa requirements
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania, and obtaining one is a key step in meeting the country's entry requirements. The standard option for tourists is the Ordinary Visa, which is a single-entry permit that allows stays of up to 90 days. The application fee for this visa is USD 50 for most nationalities.
Citizens of the United States are subject to a different rule: they are required to apply for a multiple-entry visa rather than the standard single-entry option, and the associated fee is higher. It is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality before applying, as conditions can vary.
The recommended way to apply is online, before your trip. Applying in advance means you can resolve any issues with your documentation without the pressure of being at the border, and it significantly reduces processing times.
Applying online is the fastest and most reliable way to get your Tanzania visa. Avoid delays and errors, let our specialists handle it for you.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement for Tanzania, but it is something every visitor should seriously consider before departing. Medical infrastructure outside of Dar es Salaam and a handful of larger cities can be limited, and the cost of emergency treatment or medical evacuation without insurance can be substantial.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy should ideally cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss or theft of belongings. If you are planning to take part in activities such as trekking on Kilimanjaro or going on safari in remote areas, make sure your policy specifically covers adventure activities, as standard policies sometimes exclude these. Taking out the right coverage before you travel is a small investment that can make an enormous difference if something goes wrong.
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Currency and payments
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). As of recent exchange rates, one US dollar is equivalent to approximately 2,300 Tanzanian Shillings, though this figure fluctuates and it is worth checking current rates before you travel.
In popular tourist destinations, including Zanzibar, the Serengeti area, and Arusha, US dollars are widely accepted alongside the local currency. However, there is an important restriction to be aware of: banknotes issued before 2006 are not accepted in Tanzania, so make sure any dollars you bring are from 2006 onwards and are in good condition, as torn or heavily worn notes may also be refused.
ATMs are available in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar Town, but they can be unreliable in more remote locations and may occasionally be out of service or out of cash. It is advisable to withdraw money or exchange currency before venturing into national parks or rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, upmarket restaurants, and some tour operators, but cash remains the primary method of payment in markets, smaller guesthouses, and rural communities. Carrying a mix of both is always the safest approach.
Health requirements and recommended vaccines
Tanzania does not currently require travelers to present proof of vaccination as a condition of entry, with one notable exception: if you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. It is worth checking whether this applies to your country of origin or any transit countries on your route.
Even where vaccines are not mandatory, health authorities and travel medicine specialists generally recommend that visitors to Tanzania are up to date with the following vaccinations before travel: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningitis, and Tetanus. Consulting a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before your departure date is advisable, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective.
Two additional health risks deserve particular attention. Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including in and around the major national parks and coastal areas. Travelers are strongly advised to take prescribed antimalarial medication, use insect repellent containing DEET, and sleep under a mosquito net where air conditioning is not available. Dengue fever is also present in the country, and while there is no specific medication to prevent it, consistent use of insect repellent is the most effective protective measure. Discussing both risks with a healthcare professional before your trip is highly recommended.
You now have everything you need to meet the Tanzania travel requirements. The next step is securing your visa, and the easiest way to do that is online apply for your Tanzania visa online.
