“Best value safari we found anywhere, and it never felt budget. Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar - flawless from start to finish.”
Most visitors need a Tanzania visa to enter the country, and the good news is that it’s straightforward to arrange. You can apply online in advance for an eVisa, or obtain a visa on arrival at the main airports and border posts. This guide explains the visa types, requirements and how to apply.
Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Tanzania, though a handful of nations are exempt. If you hold a passport from an exempt country you can enter visa-free; everyone else should arrange a tourist visa in advance or on arrival. Always check the latest rules for your nationality before you travel.
Tourist visas are issued as single-entry (valid up to three months) or multiple-entry permits (valid up to six months). Most travellers on a single safari or Kilimanjaro climb need only the ordinary single-entry tourist visa.
To be granted a visa, make sure you have:
Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points, including Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar Airport, and land borders such as Namanga (Kenya), Tunduma (Malawi) and Holili/Taveta. Have your documents and payment (US dollars) ready to speed things up.
To avoid queues, we recommend applying in advance through the official Tanzanian eVisa portal. Complete the online form, upload your passport and photo, pay the fee, and receive your approval by email to present on arrival. Apply at the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal - and always use the government site rather than third-party agents.
Fees vary by nationality and visa type. The ordinary single-entry tourist visa is the most common, while citizens of some countries (for example, the United States) are issued a longer multiple-entry visa. Business and referral visas cost more and take longer to process. Always confirm the current fee on the official portal at the time you apply, and pay only through the government website or on arrival - never through unofficial agents who add a mark-up.
Travelling on to Zanzibar uses the same Tanzania visa - there is no separate visa, though you may pass an immigration checkpoint and are required to hold travel insurance. If your trip also includes Kenya or Uganda, the multi-country East Africa Tourist Visa can be more convenient than separate visas.
Need a hand planning around your visa dates? Contact our team and we’ll help.
Ready to turn this into a real journey? As a local, Arusha-based family team, we tailor every Tanzania safari and Kilimanjaro climb to your dates, budget and pace. Request a free, no-obligation quote or get in touch - we usually reply within 24 hours.
Talk to our local safari experts for a tailor-made itinerary that fits your dates and budget.
