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Get assistance with visa requirements and entry questions for Tanzania.
Scan the QR code or add our WeChat ID: TrueAfricaEscape
Get assistance with visa requirements and entry questions for Tanzania.
Understand the different visa options available for Tanzania entry, including eVisa applications, visa on arrival, and the East Africa Tourist Visa for multiple country visits
The Tanzania eVisa is the recommended method for most travelers, allowing you to apply online through the official immigration portal before departure. The process requires a digital passport photo, passport bio page scan, proof of accommodation in Tanzania, return flight itinerary, and yellow fever vaccination certificate if applicable. Standard processing takes 10-15 business days, with express options available for urgent applications. The eVisa costs $50 USD for single entry (valid 3 months) or $100 USD for multiple entry (valid 12 months). Once approved, you'll receive an electronic visa authorization to present upon arrival at any Tanzania entry point. This method minimizes airport waiting times and ensures pre-approval before travel.
Apply for eVisa
Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at major Tanzania entry points including Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), and designated land borders. Requirements include a passport with 6 months validity, two passport photos, completed immigration form, proof of sufficient funds ($200 minimum), onward/return ticket, and $50 USD cash for single entry fee (exact change recommended). Processing can take 30-90 minutes depending on arrival queues. While convenient, we recommend the eVisa to avoid potential delays during peak tourist seasons (June-October, December-January) when immigration queues can be substantial.
The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD) allows multiple entries between Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days within a single trip. This is ideal for travelers planning combined safari itineraries across multiple East African countries. The visa must be applied for through the first country of entry's immigration system. If entering through Tanzania first, apply via the Tanzania eVisa portal selecting the "East Africa Tourist Visa" option. The visa is valid for 90 days from date of issue and permits multiple entries between the three countries. Important: You must enter through the country that issued the visa and cannot exit the three-country region without invalidating the visa. This option provides excellent flexibility for comprehensive East Africa exploration.
Passport Validity: All travelers to Tanzania must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date from Tanzania, with at least two blank visa pages. Passports with damage, missing pages, or alterations may be refused entry. Ensure your passport name matches exactly with flight tickets and other travel documents to avoid complications.
Required Documentation Checklist:
Essential health information including mandatory vaccinations, recommended immunizations, and COVID-19 protocols for seamless Tanzania entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 1 year and above arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including neighboring Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and most of South America and Central Africa. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before entry and is valid for life. Certificates must be in the approved International Certificate of Vaccination format. Travelers without required certification may be vaccinated at the port of entry ($50 USD) or refused entry. Even if not required based on itinerary, we recommend vaccination for all safari travelers due to occasional outbreaks in rural areas. Exemptions require an official medical waiver from your physician.
The Tanzania CDC recommends several vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, Measles-mumps-rubella, and Rabies (for extended stays or wildlife work). Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all safari areas except high-altitude Mount Kilimanjaro above 2,500m. Consult your travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure for appropriate anti-malarial medication. Tanzania is in a meningitis belt; vaccination may be recommended during dry season (December-June). Cholera vaccination is occasionally recommended during outbreaks. Carry a basic medical kit including insect repellent with 30-50% DEET, sunscreen, rehydration salts, and any personal medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
As of 2024, Tanzania has removed all COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for entry. No proof of vaccination, negative tests, or health declarations are required regardless of vaccination status. However, travelers showing COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival may be subject to testing and potential quarantine at their own expense. We recommend carrying COVID-19 vaccination records digitally as policies can change with minimal notice. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment and quarantine costs if needed. Airlines may have their own requirements, so check with your carrier before departure. Masks are optional but recommended in crowded indoor spaces.
Customs Allowances: Travelers may import up to $10,000 USD or equivalent in other currencies without declaration. Duty-free allowances include 250g tobacco, 1 liter alcohol, and personal effects. Professional camera equipment may require declaration to avoid export issues. Drones require special permits from Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority applied for 30 days before arrival. Firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited without special permits.
Prohibited & Restricted Items: Strictly prohibited items include narcotics, pornographic materials, counterfeit goods, and wildlife products (ivory, rhino horn, sea turtle products, coral). Plant/animal products require phytosanitary certificates. Medication must be in original packaging with prescription; certain controlled substances may require prior approval from Tanzania Pharmacy Board. Export of antiquities, historical artifacts, and certain animal skins requires permits.
Currency Regulations: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) cannot be imported or exported in amounts exceeding 500,000 TZS. Foreign currency over $10,000 USD must be declared on arrival. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas but carry sufficient USD cash for remote safari locations. ATMs are available in Arusha, Moshi, and Zanzibar but may have withdrawal limits.
Step-by-step guide to seamless entry at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and land borders with Kenya and Uganda
As the main gateway for safari travelers, Kilimanjaro International Airport offers efficient immigration processing. Upon disembarkation, proceed to the health screening desk for yellow fever certificate verification if required. Next, complete the immigration arrival form (available on flights or at counters). Join the appropriate queue: "Visa on Arrival" if unvisaed or "Other Passports" if you have eVisa. Present passport, visa documentation, completed arrival form, and return ticket. After passport stamping, proceed to baggage claim and customs. Green channel for nothing to declare; red channel if carrying restricted items. Our representatives meet you after customs with a True Africa Escape sign. The entire process typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
Tanzania's largest airport in Dar es Salaam handles numerous international flights, particularly from Europe and the Middle East. Immigration procedures mirror JRO but with larger queues. Allow 60-120 minutes for processing during peak hours (mornings and evenings). Domestic transfer to Kilimanjaro region requires collecting baggage, clearing customs, then checking in for domestic flight (allow 3 hours minimum between flights). Pre-arranged airport transfers are recommended as taxi services can be chaotic. Airport facilities include currency exchange (better rates in town), ATMs, SIM card vendors (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo), and basic restaurants. Wi-Fi is available but unreliable; purchase local SIM for connectivity.
Zanzibar's international airport handles direct flights from Europe, Middle East, and regional African destinations. Entry procedures include immigration, health screening, and customs. Important: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but maintains separate immigration. If entering Tanzania mainland first, you'll clear immigration there, then domestic flight to Zanzibar requires no further immigration. If entering Tanzania via Zanzibar, you clear immigration there; subsequent travel to mainland requires no additional immigration. Customs is particularly strict on agricultural products to protect Zanzibar's ecosystem. Airport taxis are regulated; use official booth outside arrivals. Ferry arrivals from Dar es Salaam clear immigration at ferry terminals.
Major land borders with Kenya include Namanga (Arusha-Nairobi route), Isebania, and Taveta. Uganda borders at Mutukula. Borders open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Process includes exit formalities from departing country, then entry procedures for Tanzania. Have USD cash for visa fees if not pre-obtained. Vehicle documentation requires Carnet de Passage or Temporary Import Permit. Private vehicles may be subject to inspection and temporary import fees. Allow 1-3 hours for complete crossing depending on traffic. We recommend crossing early morning to avoid queues. Some borders offer East Africa Tourist Visa issuance; confirm availability beforehand. Border officials may request "facilitation fees"; these are unofficial—politely request official receipts.
Standard eVisa processing takes 10-15 business days, with express service (3-5 days) available for additional fee. Common rejection reasons include: passport validity less than 6 months, incomplete application forms, unclear passport page scans, insufficient proof of accommodation or return flight, previous visa violations in Tanzania, criminal record without disclosure, and application from restricted nationalities. To avoid rejection: ensure all documents are clear color scans, provide complete hotel/safari confirmation with contact details, double-check passport number accuracy, and apply at least 4 weeks before travel. If rejected, you may reapply addressing the deficiency or opt for visa on arrival (if nationality eligible).
Tourist visas can be extended once for up to 90 additional days at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam or regional offices in Arusha, Zanzibar, or Mwanza. Requirements include: passport with existing visa, completed extension application form, passport photos, proof of sufficient funds, reason for extension (tourism acceptable), and extension fee ($50 USD). Process takes 5-7 business days. Overstaying visas incurs $200 USD fine plus $20 USD per day overstay fee, and may result in entry bans. For longer stays, consider applying for multiple entry visa initially. Business or volunteer activities require different visa categories; engaging in unauthorized work on tourist visa is illegal.
Immediately report loss to nearest police station and obtain a police report. Contact your embassy in Dar es Salaam (most have 24/7 emergency lines) for emergency travel document. For visa reissue, visit Immigration Headquarters with police report, new travel document, photos, and explanation letter. Emergency visas typically issued within 2-3 days with expedited fee. Always carry photocopies of passport bio page, visa, and important documents separate from originals. Email scans to yourself and trusted contact. Consider registration with your embassy's STEP program for emergency notifications. True Africa Escape provides 24/7 emergency assistance to clients for document issues.
United States, Canada, UK, EU Citizens: Visa required. Can obtain eVisa or visa on arrival. No additional restrictions. Processing typically straightforward.
Australian, New Zealand Citizens: Visa required. eVisa recommended. No yellow fever endemic but certificate required if transiting through Kenya/Uganda over 12 hours.
Chinese Citizens: Visa required. Can obtain visa on arrival at all entry points. Special attention to passport validity and return ticket requirements.
Indian Citizens: Visa required. Can obtain visa on arrival. Ensure passport has minimum 6 months validity from arrival date.
East African Community Citizens (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi): No visa required for stays up to 3 months. National ID sufficient for entry.
Our Tanzania travel specialists provide expert guidance on visa requirements, application processes, document preparation, and entry procedures for all nationalities. With extensive experience assisting thousands of travelers, we ensure your Tanzania entry is seamless and stress-free.
Why trust True Africa Escape with your visa process?
• Up-to-date visa requirement knowledge for all nationalities
• Assistance with eVisa application documentation
• Guidance on yellow fever and health requirements
• 24/7 support for entry questions during travel
• Airport meet-and-greet service for seamless arrival
• Expertise in East Africa Tourist Visa procedures
• Connections with immigration consultants if needed
Contact us today for personalized visa and entry assistance.