How to Get a Tanzania Visa: Complete 2026 Guide for Tourists

To get a visa for Tanzania, travellers can apply through the official Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System or obtain one on arrival at major entry points. While the eVisa is strongly recommended to avoid airport queues, both options are currently available for most nationalities in 2026.

1. Types of Visas & Costs

The fee and type of visa depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit:

• Ordinary (Single Entry) Visa — $50 USD: Valid for 90 days for tourism, leisure, health, or family visits.
• Multiple Entry Visa — $100 USD: Mandatory for U.S. citizens travelling for tourism. Valid for 12 months, allowing stays of up to 90 days at a time.
• Business Visa — $250 USD: For short-term professional tasks. Generally a single-entry visa valid for 90 days.
• Transit Visa — $30 USD: For travellers passing through to another country (maximum 7 days).

2. Core Requirements

Before starting your application, gather the following:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from your entry date and have at least one blank page.
• Digital Photo: Passport-sized (JPEG/JPG), under 300KB, with a plain white background.
• Flight Itinerary: Digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket.
• Host Info: Address and contact details for your first hotel or tour operator.

3. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

• Visit the Official Site: Only use the Immigration Services Department portal to avoid scams.
• Generate Application ID: Start a new application and save your Application ID immediately — you'll need it to track your status.
• Fill Forms: Enter personal, passport, and travel details carefully. Even minor errors can lead to rejection without a refund.
• Upload Documents: Attach your passport scan, photo, and flight ticket. Ensure files are correctly sized (typically under 300KB for images).
• Pay Online: Use a Visa or Mastercard. Once paid, the application is submitted for internal review.
• Print Your Visa: Approval typically takes 10 business days, though applying 3–4 weeks in advance is safer. You must print the "Visa Grant Notice" to show at immigration.

4. Visa on Arrival

If you cannot apply online, you can still get a visa at these designated entry points:

• Airports: Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (KIA), and Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ).
• Land Borders: Namanga (Kenya border) and Tunduma (Zambia border).
• Pro Tip: Bring exact cash in crisp USD bills (dated 2009 or later) — credit card machines at the border can be unreliable.

5. Important Travel Tips

• Yellow Fever: A certificate is required if you are travelling from or transiting (more than 12 hours) through a yellow fever endemic country.
• Zanzibar: A standard Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, travellers to Zanzibar must also pay for mandatory travel insurance (approx. $44 USD) separately through the official Zanzibar portal.
• Referral Visas: Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and others) must apply at least two months in advance for special clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?

No. A standard Tanzanian visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, as of early 2026, travellers to Zanzibar must pay for mandatory travel insurance (approx. $44 USD) separately through the official Zanzibar portal.

Can I still get a visa on arrival in 2026?

Yes, most nationalities can still obtain a visa upon arrival at major entry points. However, the government strongly recommends the eVisa to avoid long queues — arrival processing can involve three separate lines for verification, payment, and stamping.

How long does the eVisa process take?

The official processing time is 10 business days. To be safe, it is highly recommended to apply 3–4 weeks before your departure date.

Why do U.S. citizens pay more for their visa?

U.S. citizens are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, which costs $100 USD. While it is valid for one year, each individual stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days.

Is a Yellow Fever certificate mandatory?

It is only mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

What are the most common reasons for visa rejection?

Common mistakes include uploading blurry passport photos, incorrect passport details, or using third-party websites instead of the official eVisa portal. Visa fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

What documents should I carry when I arrive?

Even with an approved eVisa, you must present a printed copy of your "Visa Grant Notice," your return flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking.

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