Tanzania:Visa Requirements

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Tanzania Visa Requirements Map

Tanzania: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveler must enter Tanzania only through designated official entry points, appear in person before an immigration officer, and present a completed and signed arrival notification card. A valid passport or another travel document accepted by the competent authority must be submitted.
  • The minimum passport validity period, number of blank pages, biometric passport requirement, and machine-readable passport requirement specific to visa-free entry are not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • The immigration officer may request a return ticket or travel arrangements showing onward travel to another country and documents demonstrating sufficient financial means to cover the stay during the visit. The period that the bank statement must cover and the minimum amount required are not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • A visitor permit issued at the border does not normally exceed 90 days. This permit does not grant the right to engage in employment, trade, business activity, or professional activity. A different duration may apply for special regional statuses.
  • Travelers arriving from an area with yellow fever risk or who have transited through such an area for at least 12 hours must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The vaccine must be administered as a single dose at least 10 days before entry into the country.
  • A traveler who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons must present a medical report from an authorized health official upon arrival. A traveler subject to the vaccination requirement who cannot present a valid certificate may be denied entry or may be vaccinated upon arrival and kept under health surveillance for a maximum of 10 days.
  • Foreign visitors entering Zanzibar via airport or seaport, excluding residents, must purchase the mandatory inbound passenger travel insurance issued by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation before travel. The insurance must cover the duration of stay up to a maximum of 92 days, and the QR code provided by email must be presented at entry control. A policy from another insurance company does not substitute for this specific requirement. The current fee is displayed on the application portal based on the traveler's age and selected policy type.
  • Every traveler arriving in Zanzibar must complete the online Public Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival. A separate form must be completed for children traveling with a parent or guardian.
  • A detailed centralized checklist applicable nationwide regarding parental consent, birth certificate, or documents proving family ties for minor visa-free travelers has not been published.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six more months on the date of application and must contain at least one unused visa page. An applicant who does not have a national passport must specify the type of travel document used in the online form.
  • A separate application must be made for each traveler. This condition also applies to minor children recorded in a parent's passport or application.
  • The applicant must log in to the official e-visa portal with an email address, retain the application reference number sent to them, complete the online application and declaration form, and upload the photograph and required supporting documents. After documents are uploaded, a payment notification is generated. Once the fee is paid, the application is submitted and a confirmation message is sent to the applicant.
  • All information must be checked before the form is submitted. No online changes can be made to a submitted application. Selecting the wrong visa type, providing incomplete information, or failing to upload the required attachments may lead to rejection of the application.
  • The photograph must be in color and have a plain background. The applicant must look directly at the camera, the full face from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin must be visible, eyes must be open, and the facial expression must be natural. There must be no distracting shadows or images on the face or background.
  • An applicant who regularly wears glasses may be photographed with glasses. Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. When a religious head covering is used, all facial features from the chin to the forehead and both sides of the face must be clearly visible.
  • The photograph to be uploaded must not exceed 45 × 35 millimeters, the file size must not exceed 500 KB, and must be in JPG or JPEG format. How recently the photograph must have been taken is not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • All online visa applications require a copy of the passport's biographical information page, a return ticket, the completed online application and declaration form, and payment of the relevant visa fee. Other documents that may be requested from the applicant may vary depending on the visa type, purpose of travel, and information provided in the form.
  • The ordinary visa issued for tourism, vacation, private visit, rest, medical treatment, meeting, workshop, exhibition, or similar short-term activities is single-entry. Its fee is 50 USD, and its validity is a maximum of 90 days. This visa cannot be used for engaging in employment or commercial activity.
  • A business visa must be used for short-term special assignment, machine installation or repair, providing training, audit, feasibility study, professional duty, investment preparation, or any other lawful short-term commercial activity. The passport's biographical information page, return ticket, and proof of the assignment or contract not exceeding three months must be submitted. The visa is single-entry, valid for a maximum of 90 days, and costs 250 USD. For activities exceeding three months, a work and residence permit is required.
  • The documents required for a multiple-entry visa vary depending on the purpose of application. Common documents are a recent passport photograph, the passport's biographical information page, a return ticket, and a fee of 100 USD.
  • A manager residing abroad of a company registered in Tanzania must submit a company cover letter, a company registration or certificate of good standing, and an official company search document showing managerial status. A person traveling under a consultancy or bilateral agreement with government institutions must upload an explanatory letter issued by the relevant ministry, institution, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • A person applying for a multiple-entry visa for the purpose of a family visit must submit the invitation letter and a marriage or birth certificate proving the family relationship. A copy of the inviting person's valid passport, national identity document, or valid residence permit is also required.
  • For a multiple-entry visa application that does not fall under any of the standard categories, a letter of authorization issued by the Commissioner General of Immigration Services or the Zanzibar Immigration Commissioner is required. A multiple-entry visa may be valid for a maximum of 12 months; however, each continuous stay must not exceed 90 days.
  • A person applying for a student visa must have been accepted by an accredited university, college, or approved institution in Tanzania. The institution's admission and registration documents must be uploaded as a single PDF file. The institution's cover letter must state the field and duration of the program. The passport's biographical page and an open-dated return ticket are also required.
  • The student visa fee schedule specifies 50 USD for a single-entry program up to three months, 250 USD for a long-term multiple-entry student visa, 300 USD for a six-month research program, and 550 USD for a doctoral program. The exact duration and number of entries granted will be determined according to the application category and the visa approval document.
  • Persons traveling on official duty with a diplomatic, service, or official passport, as well as officials carrying a travel document of recognized international organizations and their dependents of the same status, may apply for a free visa. The immigration authority may decide to grant a free visa to some holders of ordinary passports or travel documents.
  • The online visa fee can be paid by Visa or Mastercard. Fees are payable in advance, non-transferable, and non-refundable. No refund is made in the event of rejection, cancellation of the application by the applicant, postponement of travel, or duplicate payment.
  • The official processing time for standard online applications is 10 days. The application must be submitted at least 10 days before the planned travel. Applications subject to pre-approval must be made at least two months before travel. These applicants should not make payment for flight tickets, accommodation, or any other reservation before the visa is approved; they may upload a travel itinerary instead of a purchased ticket in the application.
  • The applicant may be requested to attend an interview in person at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate. No central requirement has been published that fingerprints or any other biometric data will be taken from all e-visa applicants.
  • The result of the application is communicated by email. For an approved application, a Visa Approval Notification showing the start and end dates is issued. The notification can also be downloaded from the e-visa portal. Whether it is mandatory to carry a printed copy is not precisely specified in the central official source; however, it must be kept accessible during travel.
  • Visa approval does not guarantee entry into the country. The traveler must present their passport, return or onward ticket, and, if requested, proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves at the official entry point. The final decision on entry rests with the immigration officer.
  • Hotel reservation, bank statements for specific months, minimum bank balance, employment certificate, salary certificate, personal status documents other than a student certificate, general travel health insurance, notarization, apostille, and document translation have not been published as universal requirements for all e-visa applicants.
  • E-visa holders entering Zanzibar must also obtain the mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation policy and QR code, and complete the Public Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours before arrival.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • Visa on arrival processing can only be done at designated official entry points. The online application system is the primary and recommended method. Eligibility for a visa on arrival varies depending on the traveler's status, passport, and whether they are subject to required pre-approval.
  • The traveler's passport must be valid for at least six more months and contain at least one unused visa page. Upon arrival, a completed and signed entry notification card, a valid passport or accepted travel document, a return ticket or proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay during the visit must be presented.
  • For an ordinary single-entry visa, one passport-sized photograph and a fee of 50 USD are required. The business visa fee is 250 USD, the multiple-entry visa fee is 100 USD, and the transit visa fee is 30 USD. Separate supporting documents apply for each visa type.
  • The payment methods accepted on arrival, cash currency, card acceptance, and processing time are not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • Travelers in the visa category subject to pre-approval, refugees, and stateless persons cannot use a visa on arrival without special permission from the Commissioner General of Immigration Services. These persons must obtain the visa before travel.
  • The yellow fever certificate requirement applies based on the traveler's place of origin or long transit. A traveler subject to the requirement who cannot present a valid certificate may be denied entry or may be vaccinated upon arrival and placed under health surveillance for a maximum of 10 days.
  • A visa issued on arrival does not constitute an automatic right of entry. The immigration officer may deny entry if they determine that conditions related to the purpose of travel, passport, financial sufficiency, return plan, or public interest are not met.
  • Foreign visitors arriving in Zanzibar via airport or seaport, excluding residents, must purchase the mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation policy before travel and present the QR code. The Public Health Surveillance Form must be completed within 24 hours before arrival.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Whether physical consular applications are accepted varies depending on the Tanzanian embassy, high commission, or consulate where the application is made. Some missions accept applications physically, while others redirect the applicant to the central e-visa portal. Before applying, the current procedure of the relevant mission must be followed.
  • The application form must be completed in full and properly signed. Another person may submit the dossier on behalf of the applicant, provided that all documents are complete and the form is correctly signed.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six more months and contain at least one unused visa page. A copy of the passport's biographical information page must be submitted.
  • There is no single number of photographs applicable to all missions in the central rules. Some missions require two photographs for ordinary and transit visas, and three photographs for multiple-entry visas. The exact size, background color, and date of the photograph are determined according to the checklist of the mission where the application is made.
  • For an ordinary visa application, a flight itinerary, ticket, or tour operator package receipt must be submitted. Those traveling for specific purposes other than tourism may be requested to provide an explanatory letter from the employer, institution, school, meeting organizer, or relevant organization.
  • In the Tanzania reference section of the application form, the name, address, and telephone number of the contact person in the country must be written. If there is no contact person, the name, address, and telephone number of the hotel or other accommodation must be stated.
  • The person or organization providing financial support for the travel must be stated in the form. The sponsor may be the applicant themselves, a family member, employer, company, or another organization. The detailed financial documents to be submitted by the sponsor and the minimum financial amount are not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • For a business visa, a contract or other evidence showing the nature and duration of the work or assignment not exceeding three months must be submitted. For a multiple-entry visa, a security undertaking, copy of the inviting person's identity or passport, company registration documents, and evidence of the need for frequent travel may be requested.
  • For applicants under 18 years of age traveling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, some missions require a notarized travel consent letter jointly signed by the parents or legal guardians and copies of the parents' identification. The form of this requirement varies depending on the mission where the application is made.
  • If another person will collect the passport, they must present the collection number or an authorization letter and an identity document.
  • The application fee is determined according to the central visa tariff and the type of visa requested. The credit cards, checks, bank transfers, money orders, or other payment methods accepted by missions may differ. A single payment method applicable to all missions is not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • How far in advance a consular application must be made and the official processing time may vary by mission. The 10-day period in the standard e-visa system is not a universal processing guarantee for physical consular applications.
  • A single central requirement applicable to all missions regarding translation, notarization, legalization, or apostille of documents has not been published. The mission may request additional documents, in-person application, or an interview.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • A transit visa is used solely for the purpose of traveling through Tanzania to another country. It cannot be used for tourism, visits, or any other activity. The permitted duration does not exceed seven days.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six more months and contain at least one unused visa page. A copy of the passport's biographical information page must be submitted.
  • An entry visa for the final destination country or a ticket showing onward travel to that country must be submitted. The competent authority may request one or both of these documents.
  • Sufficient financial means must be available during transit. The minimum amount, the balance required in the bank account, and the number of months the bank statement must cover are not precisely specified in the central official source.
  • The transit visa fee is 30 USD. Payment can be made by Visa or Mastercard for online applications. Accepted payment methods for consular or on-arrival applications vary depending on the relevant application location.
  • A photograph is required for transit visa applications made through a consulate. The central Immigration page specifies one photograph, while some embassies require two photographs. The number and technical specifications of the photograph must be determined according to the current checklist of the relevant mission.
  • The standard processing time for online transit visa applications is 10 days, and the application must be made at least 10 days before travel. Files subject to pre-approval must be submitted at least two months in advance.
  • For online applications, the approval notification is sent by email and can be downloaded from the portal. The start and end dates on the notification must be observed. A transit visa does not guarantee entry into the country.
  • Whether the mandatory local insurance applies to transit travelers entering the island of Zanzibar through immigration control must be confirmed based on whether the traveler leaves the international transit area of the airport. The official announcement imposes the insurance requirement for foreigners entering the island via airport or seaport; no separate central clarification has been published regarding transit travelers who remain only airside.
Population
72,563,780(2026 est.)
Official language
Swahili, English
Government type
Presidential republic
Continent
Africa
Capital
Dodoma
Currency
Tanzanian shilling
Area
947,303 km²
Phone code
+255

Tanzania: Key Destinations

Dar es Salaam serves as Tanzania's primary gateway, hosting the busiest international airport and the main commercial hub. Dodoma functions as the political capital, while Arusha is the central departure point for northern safari circuits.

Tanzania's coastal heritage blends Swahili culture with historic trading ports like Zanzibar and Bagamoyo. The country's natural attractions include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the spice islands of Zanzibar alongside Lake Victoria's fishing communities.

Many visitors combine a northern safari in Arusha and the Serengeti with a beach extension in Zanzibar or Mafia Island. Domestic flights link major cities, and overland routes connect to neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda.