About Visa
Tanzania Visa Guide: Everything Travelers Need to Know
Getting your Tanzania visa shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you’re planning a safari adventure or a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday, this straightforward guide explains all your visa options in clear, simple terms. We’ll walk you through both application methods so you can choose what works best for your trip.
Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, if you’re a US, UK, European citizen or other nationals you’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania. The good news is you have two easy ways to get one:
Apply online before you travel (recommended)
Get your visa when you arrive at the airport
Both options are valid, but they work differently. Let’s look at each one in detail.
Option 1: Tanzania E-Visa
The Tanzanian government prefers travelers to use their online system, and for good reason. Applying online means:
You’ll know your visa is approved before you board your flight
You’ll skip the long lines at the airport
The process is straightforward if you have all your documents ready
How to Apply for Your E-Visa
First, visit the official government website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz. Be careful – there are scam sites that charge extra fees, so only use this official link.
You’ll need to upload:
A clear scan of your passport information page
A digital passport photo
Your flight details showing when you’re arriving and leaving Tanzania
After paying with a credit card (there’s a small processing fee), you’ll get your e-visa by email within about 10 days. Print this out and keep a copy on your phone – you’ll need to show it when you arrive.
Important tip: Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip. This gives you time to fix anything if there’s a mistake in your application.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
If you didn’t have time to get an e-visa, you can still get your visa when you land in Tanzania. Here’s what to expect:
When you get off the plane, look for the visa counter. You’ll need to:
Fill out a form
Pay the fee in cash (US dollars or euros)
Wait for them to put the visa sticker in your passport
Visa costs:
US citizens pay $100
UK and other Nationals travellers pay $50
The whole process usually takes 30-60 minutes but can be longer during busy times (High Seasons). Make sure you have crisp, undamaged dollar bills, they sometimes won’t accept worn or marked currency.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Go with the e-visa if:
You like having everything sorted before you travel
You want to avoid airport stress after a long flight
Your trip is more than 3 weeks away
Choose visa on arrival if:
You’re booking a last-minute trip
You don’t have a scanner to upload documents
You prefer paying in cash rather than using a credit card
Important Things to Remember
No matter which visa method you choose:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months
Proof of travel plans (our Reservation Confirmation is sufficient)
Keep copies of all your documents
If traveling with children without both parents, bring a notarized permission letter
Final Advice from Tanzania Experts
After helping thousands of visitors, we recommend the e-visa for most travellers. It’s just one less thing to worry about when you arrive. But if you do choose visa on arrival, don’t stress, just make sure you have everything ready before you get to the counter.
Still have questions? Our team is happy to help with visa advice or any other Tanzania travel tips. Contact us anytime at info@kinyemiservicestours.com
Now that you’ve got your visa sorted, all that’s left is to pack your bags and get ready for an amazing Tanzanian adventure!