Quick answer: Most travellers need a visa to enter Tanzania, and the easiest route is an e-visa applied for online before you travel. It typically costs $50–100 depending on nationality and takes about 7–10 business days to process, so apply at least 3 weeks ahead of your trip.
Sorting your visa is one of the first practical steps once you’ve booked a Tanzania safari. Here’s exactly how the process works, what it costs, and what documents you’ll need.
Who Needs a Tanzania Visa?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, though a small number of East African Community member states are exempt. Requirements can change, so always confirm your specific nationality’s status on the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa portal before booking flights.
Tanzania e-Visa: How to Apply
- Create an account on the official Tanzania e-visa portal
- Complete the online application form with your passport and travel details
- Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page
- Pay the visa fee online by card
- Receive your approval by email, then print it to present on arrival
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer — apply at least 3 weeks before your travel dates to avoid any last-minute stress.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and select land borders. It’s a valid option, but queues can be slow during busy periods — applying for the e-visa in advance is the more predictable route.
Tanzania Visa Costs
A single-entry visa typically costs around $50 USD for most nationalities, though US citizens pay a higher reciprocity fee of around $100. Multiple-entry visas are available for travellers planning more than one trip. Always check current fees for your nationality on the official portal, since prices are set by the Tanzanian government and can change.
Documents You’ll Need
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with blank pages
- A recent passport-style photo
- Proof of onward or return travel
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
- Your safari itinerary or proof of accommodation, in some cases
Combining Tanzania and Kenya on One Trip
Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa, which only covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. If your itinerary combines a Kenya safari with the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll need two separate visas — one for each country. See our full Kenya & Tanzania Safari Guide for how to plan a combined trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tanzania e-visa take to process?
Typically 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer during busy periods, so apply well ahead of your trip.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival instead?
Yes, at major airports and some land borders, but applying for the e-visa in advance avoids arrival queues and gives you certainty before you fly.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?
Only if you’re arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission — check current requirements before you travel.
Does a Tanzania visa cover Zanzibar too?
Yes — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so a single Tanzania visa or e-visa covers travel to the mainland and the island.
Plan Your Tanzania Safari with Esther Luxe Safaris
We help travellers navigate visa requirements, flights and logistics for Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire safaris, often paired with a Zanzibar beach extension.
Contact Esther Luxe Safaris today to start planning your Tanzania trip.