Official list says
Visa exempt
You do not apply for a tourist visa, but you must still meet entry conditions and carry the required travel documents.
Prepare your documents with confidence
Tanzania Visa & Entry Requirements
Your passport, purpose of travel and route decide which rules apply. Start here, then confirm your exact category on Tanzania's official immigration portal.
Passport validityAt least six months
Passport spaceAt least one unused visa page
Travel evidenceReturn or onward ticket
Three questions first
Nationality. Purpose. Route.
Tanzania does not apply one visa rule to every traveler. The passport you use determines whether you are visa-exempt, eligible for a regular visa, or in a referral category. Your purpose determines the visa type, while a Zanzibar itinerary adds a separate inbound-insurance check.
This guide focuses on holidays and tourism. Business, study, volunteering, research and employment require different permission—do not use a tourist visa for work.
Find your category
Which visa path applies?
Do not guess from another traveler's experience. Check the category published for the exact passport you will present at the border.
Official list allows
Regular visa
Eligible travelers can generally use the official eVisa platform; some nationalities may also use visa on arrival at designated entry points.
Official list identifies
Referral visa
Apply online well in advance, provide requested host or invitation details, and wait for approval before beginning your journey.
Not sure? The official list is the authority and may change. Africano Paraiso can help with itinerary details, but only Immigration can determine your visa category or grant entry.
Check my passport categoryRecommended by Immigration
Apply through the official eVisa portal
- 01
Confirm the correct visa
Check nationality, purpose and the supporting documents for your category.
- 02
Complete the application
Enter details exactly as shown in your passport and upload the requested files.
- 03
Pay and save the application ID
The portal accepts Visa or Mastercard for online payment. Fees are non-refundable.
- 04
Wait for the grant notice
Track the application online and do not begin travel before approval if you have applied online.
Published government fees
Common visa fees
Fees are shown in US dollars and may change. Confirm the amount and correct visa type on Tanzania Immigration immediately before applying.
| Visa type | Published fee | Tourist-use note |
|---|---|---|
| 01Ordinary visa | USD 50 | Single-entry tourism visa with validity of up to 90 days for eligible nationalities. |
| 02Multiple-entry visa | USD 100 | Required for United States passport holders visiting for tourism; each consecutive stay is limited to 90 days. |
| 03Transit visa | USD 30 | For transit to another country, up to seven days. It is not a tourist visa. |
| 04Business visa | USD 250 | For qualifying short business activities—not a substitute for employment permission. |
Prepare before you apply
Your document checklist
Exact attachments depend on visa type. These are the core items highlighted in Tanzania's tourist-visa and entry guidance.
- 01
Valid passport
At least six months' validity and at least one unused visa page.
- 02
Passport bio-page scan
A clear copy of the page showing your photo and personal details.
- 03
Recent passport photo
A color image meeting the file, background and size rules shown by the portal.
- 04
Return or onward ticket
Immigration guidance requires visitors to show evidence of onward travel.
- 05
First accommodation
Keep the property name, address and local contact details available.
- 06
Grant notice and application ID
Save both digitally and on paper so you can track and present the application.
At the border
A visa is not the final entry decision
The Immigration Officer at the entry point has final authority. Keep your documents easy to reach and answer arrival questions clearly.
Passport and visa
Present the passport used in your application and your visa or grant notice where required.
Return travel
Be prepared to show a return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangements.
Trip support
Immigration may ask for accommodation details or evidence of funds for your stay.
Health requirements
Health-entry rules are separate and can change. Check current official health and airline guidance before departure.
Clear answers, careful caveats
Visa questions travelers ask
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
It depends on the passport you travel with. Tanzania publishes visa-exempt, regular visa and referral-visa categories. Check the current Tanzania Immigration guidelines before booking or applying.
Should I use the eVisa or get a visa on arrival?
Tanzania Immigration recommends its official online visa platform. Visa on arrival is available only to eligible nationalities at official entry points, so confirm your category before departure.
How early should I apply?
Official terms advise regular applicants to lodge an online application at least ten days before travel. Referral-category applicants are advised to apply at least two months before travel and wait for approval before beginning the journey.
What applies to United States passport holders?
Tanzania Immigration states that United States passport holders visiting for tourism should apply for a multiple-entry visa. The published fee is USD 100, with a maximum consecutive stay of 90 days.
What is a referral visa?
Some nationalities fall under Tanzania's referral category. Those applicants must apply online in advance, provide requested host or invitation information and wait for approval before traveling.
Is separate travel insurance required for Zanzibar?
The official Visit Zanzibar website currently identifies inbound travel insurance as mandatory. It is separate from a Tanzania visa, and travelers whose itinerary includes Zanzibar should check and purchase it through the official portal.
We help with the itinerary details
Need your first-stay address or local contact?
Once your journey is confirmed, our Arusha team can provide the itinerary and accommodation details needed for your travel paperwork. Immigration remains the authority on visa eligibility and approval.