Tanzania Safari Visa Requirements Guide

Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance through the e-visa system. Understanding visa requirements and the application process ensures smooth entry into Tanzania for your safari adventure.

Read our travel requirementsand transportation guide.

Tourist visa: Standard tourist visa for single entry. Valid for 90 days from date of issue. Most common visa type for safari travelers.

Multiple entry visa: Allows multiple entries within validity period. Useful if combining Tanzania with neighboring countries or making multiple visits.

Business visa: For business activities. Not typically needed for safari travelers unless traveling for business purposes.

Transit visa: For travelers transiting through Tanzania. Valid for 7 days. Not typically needed for safari travelers.

Online application: Apply for e-visa through the official Tanzania e-visa portal. Complete the online form, upload documents, and pay online.

Processing time: E-visa processing typically takes 3-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for processing and potential delays.

Required documents: Passport scan (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates), passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.

Approval: You'll receive e-visa approval via email. Print the approval and carry it with you. Present it upon arrival in Tanzania.

Availability: Visas are available on arrival at major airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) and some land borders. Not available at all entry points.

Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa form, passport photo, and visa fee in USD cash.

Processing time: Visa on arrival processing can take 30-90 minutes depending on crowds. E-visa is recommended to avoid potential delays.

Risk: Visa on arrival is generally reliable but carries risk of delays or complications. E-visa provides certainty and faster processing.

Tourist visa fee: $50 USD for most nationalities. Some nationalities pay different rates. Check current fees before applying.

US citizens: $100 USD for US citizens. Reciprocal fee based on US visa fees for Tanzanian citizens.

Multiple entry visa: Higher fee than single entry. Check current fees if considering multiple entry visa.

Payment: E-visa fees paid online during application. Visa on arrival fees paid in USD cash at the airport.

Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania. Ensure sufficient blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Check if your travel route requires this certificate.

Return ticket: May be required to show proof of onward or return travel. Have your flight details accessible.

Sufficient funds: May be required to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. This is rarely checked but be prepared.

East African Community: Citizens of EAC countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) do not require visas for Tanzania.

Other visa-free countries: Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Tanzania. Check current visa requirements for your nationality.

East Africa Tourist Visa: Single visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Does not include Tanzania. Separate visa required for Tanzania.

Changes: Visa policies can change. Always check current requirements before travel as policies may have been updated.

Separate immigration: Zanzibar has separate immigration from mainland Tanzania. Your Tanzania visa covers Zanzibar, but you'll go through immigration on arrival.

Domestic flights: When flying from mainland to Zanzibar, you'll go through immigration on arrival in Zanzibar. Same visa covers both.

Ferry travel: Ferry travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar includes immigration procedures on both ends. Allow time for this.

Passport required: Always carry your passport when traveling between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, even on domestic flights.

Ready for your adventure? Book your safari with Trail Safari Explorers.

Read our timing guide,cost guide, or planning guide.

Read our travel insurance guide,safety guide,visa guide, or medications guide.

Browse our journal for more resources, or check travel resources.