Once you’ve secured one of our Tanzania safaris or a Zanzibar getaway your next step is applying for a tourist visa. For many travelers, this raises a lot of questions. How To Get Tanzania Visa , Where should I apply? How does the process work? What documents are required? The good news is that obtaining a visa for Tanzania is quite simple—especially when you’re traveling with us. Keep reading to find out how.
When visiting Tanzania, you have two options for obtaining your visa: applying online or getting it on arrival*. Both methods are accepted and valid, though the Tanzanian government recommends the online route as it highlights the country’s modern approach. Below, we’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of each method. But first, let’s cover the visa costs.
Tanzania Visa Fees: A Complete Guide for Tourists
The price of a Tanzania visa varies depending on your nationality. Travelers from Europe pay a fee of 50 USD. If you’re from the United States, you’ll need a multiple-entry visa, which costs 100 USD. Both options are valid for three months, but the multiple-entry visa lets you exit and re-enter Tanzania within a one-year period using the same visa.
The fees mentioned above are for online applications. If you decide to get your visa on arrival, the cost will be either 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for the multi-entry option). It’s a bit odd since 50 EUR is actually more than 50 USD. You can also choose to pay by credit card, though in that case the charge is 50 or 100 USD plus a small card processing fee. The decision is up to you.
How To Get Tanzania Visa
Online Application
Applying for your Tanzania visa online is the most convenient and recommended option. The process is simple, saves you from long queues at the airport, and is officially encouraged by the Tanzanian government to promote a modern travel experience.
To apply online, visit the official Tanzania Immigration website and complete the application form. You’ll need to upload a copy of your passport (valid for at least six months), a recent passport-sized photo, and sometimes a return flight ticket or travel itinerary.
The online system allows you to pay securely with a credit or debit card. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your visa document. Print it out and carry it with you when traveling—it will be checked upon arrival in Tanzania.
Tip: Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to allow enough time for processing. While approvals can be quick, delays may happen, especially during peak seasons.
Tanzania Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Cost, and Process
If you haven’t applied online, you can still obtain your visa upon arrival at major airports and border crossings in Tanzania. This option is open to most nationalities, making it a practical backup for travelers who decide last minute.
Eligibility
Most visitors are eligible for a visa on arrival, but it’s always wise to check your country’s specific requirements before traveling. Some nationalities may need prior approval or additional documentation.
Cost
The visa fee is usually 50 USD or 50 EUR (depending on the currency you choose to pay in), while U.S. citizens require a multi-entry visa costing 100 USD. Payments can be made in cash or by credit card, although card payments include a small processing fee.
Process
When you arrive, head to the visa desk at immigration. You’ll be asked to fill out a short application form, present your passport (valid for at least six months), show your return flight ticket or travel itinerary, and provide a passport-sized photo if requested. After payment, your visa will be stamped in your passport on the spot.
Tip: While the process is straightforward, queues can be long, especially during peak travel hours. If you want to save time, the online application is often the better choice.
Your Visa, Your Way
Option 1: Apply Online in Advance
For travelers who want peace of mind, applying online is the easiest way to have your visa ready before departure. Here’s what to keep in mind.
- Timing: Submit your application at least 3–4 weeks before your trip. While many visas are processed in just a few days, this window gives you time to fix any errors or provide additional documents if requested.
- Payment: You can pay online with a credit or debit card. Some applicants may also use international bank transfer if cards are not accepted.
- Documents to Upload
- A recent passport-sized photo (digital format).
- A scanned copy of your passport’s biodata page (under 300 kB).
- Your flight ticket or confirmed itinerary (PDF under 1 MB).
- Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Traveling with Minors: If a child is traveling with only one parent, you’ll need to upload a notarized letter of consent from the other parent (in English).
- Confirmation: Once approved, you’ll receive your visa by email. Print a copy and carry it with you to present at immigration.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
Prefer to keep things simple and apply once you land? Tanzania offers visas on arrival at all major airports and border crossings. Here’s how to prepare.
- Payment: The visa fee is 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for U.S. citizens requiring multi-entry). Payment can be made in cash or by credit card (note: card payments include a small processing fee).
- Documents.
- No photo upload is required.
- Carry a pen to fill out the short visa form on-site.
- Have the address of your first hotel and your tour operator’s details (Jambo International Tours) ready for the form.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must also be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Traveling with Minors: A notarized parental consent letter is required if one parent is not traveling with the child.
- Process: After filling out the form and making payment, your passport will be stamped with the visa. Processing can take some time, especially during peak arrivals, so patience is key.
If you want to avoid queues and ensure everything is set before traveling, the online application is the best choice. However, if you’re making last-minute plans, the visa on arrival is a reliable backup.
Important Visa Information for Travelers
Please be aware that nationals of certain countries are required to obtain a Referral Visa prior to travel and are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Tanzania. We strongly recommend verifying your country’s specific visa requirements well in advance of your journey.
Additionally, please note that the visa-on-arrival option may be subject to change as immigration policies evolve. To ensure a smooth arrival process, we advise all travelers to confirm the most current entry regulations with official Tanzanian immigration channels before departing.
At Jambo International Tours, our team remains updated on the latest travel protocols and is here to assist you in navigating these requirements seamlessly.
