Tanzania, Safari, Planning
Types of Visas for Tanzania
Tanzania offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit:
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Purpose: For tourists visiting Tanzania for leisure or safari.
Validity: 90 days.
Cost: USD 50 (USD 100 for U.S. citizens).
Application: Available online through the official e-visa portal or on arrival at major entry points like airports and border posts.
Multiple Entry Visa
Purpose: Ideal for visitors needing to re-enter Tanzania multiple times during their trip (e.g., if crossing into Kenya and returning).
Validity: 12 months with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Cost: USD 100.
Transit Visa
Purpose: For travelers passing through Tanzania en route to another destination.
Validity: Up to 7 days.
Cost: USD 30.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda on a single visa. However, Tanzania does not currently participate in this program. If you plan to travel to Kenya or Uganda, you’ll need separate visas for each country.
Applying for a Tanzanian Visa
Online Application
Tanzania has streamlined its visa application process through the official e-visa portal. The steps include:
Completing an online form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information.
Uploading scanned copies of your passport bio-data page and a passport-sized photo.
Paying the visa fee online via credit or debit card.
Receiving the e-visa via email (processing takes 5–10 business days).
Visa on Arrival
For travelers unable to apply online, Tanzania offers visas on arrival at major airports such as:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
While convenient, the visa-on-arrival process can involve long queues, so applying online is recommended.
Visiting Zanzibar
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so no additional visa is required for travelers already holding a Tanzanian visa. Whether arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam or flying directly to Zanzibar, your Tanzanian visa remains valid.
Key Tip: For travelers combining mainland Tanzania safaris with Zanzibar beach holidays, ensure your visa covers your entire stay.
Crossing into Kenya from Tanzania
For travelers embarking on cross-border safaris, here's how the visa process works:
Kenyan Visa Requirement
Visitors must apply for a Kenyan visa separately through the eCitizen portal.
Cost: USD 50 for a single-entry visa.
Validity: 90 days.
Re-Entry to Tanzania
Ensure your Tanzanian visa allows re-entry if returning to Tanzania after visiting Kenya. A single-entry visa does not permit re-entry, so consider a multiple-entry visa if your itinerary requires returning to Tanzania.
Practical Considerations
The Namanga border post is a common crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania.
Ensure your passport is stamped upon exit and entry at both borders.
Traveling with Children
Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents may not require a separate visa, depending on their nationality. Confirm requirements with Tanzanian immigration before your trip.
Always carry the child’s birth certificate and a notarized travel consent letter if only one parent is traveling.
Key Requirements for a Tanzanian Visa
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
A digital passport photo (meeting Tanzania's requirements).
Proof of return or onward travel (e.g., flight tickets).
Proof of accommodation or travel itinerary.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a yellow fever risk country or transiting through such countries for over 12 hours.
Visa Costs and Payment
Visa fees must be paid in USD. Online applications accept credit/debit cards, while cash payments are required for visas on arrival. It’s advisable to carry the exact amount for convenience.
Extending Your Visa
If your travel plans change, you can apply for a visa extension at the immigration offices in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar. Extensions are subject to approval and may incur additional fees.
Health and Safety Tips
Carry multiple copies of your e-visa or visa-on-arrival receipt.
Use official immigration websites to avoid scams.
Keep your passport, visa, and travel documents secure at all times.