Follow our Tanzania Visa Application and Extension Guidelines to learn about visa requirements, eVisa, fees, processing, extensions and entry requirements.
Planning a safari in Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar? Before travelling to Tanzania, one of the most important practical requirements to understand is the country’s visa process.
For many international travelers, obtaining a Tanzania visa is a straightforward process, particularly when using the official online visa application system. However, visa requirements differ according to nationality, purpose of travel and the type of passport held. Some travelers do not require a visa, some can obtain a visa on arrival, while certain nationalities must obtain approval before travelling.
Understanding the requirements before booking your trip can help prevent delays and unnecessary complications at the border.
This guide from Animalia Treks and Safaris explains the Tanzania visa application process, tourist visa requirements, fees, online application procedure, visa on arrival, extension considerations and important information for travelers visiting Tanzania for safaris, Kilimanjaro climbing and Zanzibar holidays.
Important: Immigration requirements can change. The information in this article reflects the official Tanzania Immigration guidance available at the time of publication. Travelers should always check the official Tanzania Immigration visa portal before submitting an application or travelling.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Tanzania?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Tanzania’s Immigration Department has different categories for travelers who are visa-exempt, travelers eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, and travelers whose applications require advance approval.
The official Tanzania visa system states that there are two main ways eligible foreign travelers can obtain a visa: applying online through the official Tanzania Immigration visa platform or obtaining a visa on arrival at an official entry point. However, the authorities recommend using the online application system.
Because eligibility can vary by nationality, travelers should check the official visa information before making their final travel arrangements.
What Is the Tanzania eVisa?
The Tanzania eVisa is the country’s electronic visa application system, allowing eligible travelers to submit their visa applications online before travelling.
The official online system allows applicants to complete the application, upload supporting documents, pay the applicable visa fee and track the progress of the application. Applicants are notified through the email address provided during the application process.
The official visa portal can be accessed here:
Official Tanzania eVisa Application Portal
Travelers should be particularly careful about unofficial websites that offer to process Tanzania visas for additional fees. Tanzania Immigration specifically advises applicants to use official Tanzania Immigration websites rather than other online links.
Tanzania Tourist Visa for Safari and Holiday Travelers
Most travelers visiting Tanzania for a holiday, safari, Kilimanjaro climb or beach vacation will need to consider the appropriate tourist visa category.
According to the current Tanzania Immigration visa guidelines, foreign visitors travelling for tourism generally apply for an Ordinary Visa, except U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism, who are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.
An Ordinary Visa is listed at US$50 and can be valid for up to 90 days. The current official guidelines list the Multiple Entry Visa at US$100 and state that it can have validity of up to one year, although a holder cannot remain in Tanzania continuously for the entire year; each stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days under the stated rules.
Visa fees and requirements should always be checked on the official portal before payment because immigration rules can be amended.
Tanzania Visa Requirements for Tourists
Travelers applying for an ordinary tourist visa should prepare the required documents before starting the application.
The current official Tanzania visa guidelines indicate that applicants should have a passport with at least six months’ validity and at least one unused visa page. Applicants are also required to provide a copy of the passport biographical page, a return ticket, the completed online application and the applicable visa fee.
The online application also requires a suitable passport photograph. The official guidelines specify a color photograph with a plain background and provide technical requirements for the uploaded image.
Before submitting the application, carefully check that your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel information and other details exactly match your passport and travel documents.
Tanzania Passport Validity Requirements
Passport validity is one of the most important things to check before applying for a Tanzania visa.
The official Tanzania Immigration visa terms require applicants to have a passport valid for at least six months and with at least one unused visa page when submitting the visa application.
Do not wait until shortly before your trip to discover that your passport does not meet the required validity conditions.
If your passport is approaching expiry, consider renewing it before making your Tanzania visa application and booking arrangements.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online
The Tanzania eVisa application process can be completed online through the official immigration system.
The basic process involves visiting the official Tanzania Immigration visa platform, starting a new application, providing your email address and personal information, uploading the required documents, paying the visa fee and submitting the application.
The official guidelines describe the process as follows:
- Access the Tanzania Immigration visa application system.
- Start a new visa application.
- Provide your email and requested personal information.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required photograph and supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable visa fee.
- Submit the completed application.
- Save your application identification details.
- Monitor the application status online.
- Download or receive the Visa Grant Notice when approved.
The official system provides applicants with an identification number that can be used to track the application.
How Long Does a Tanzania Visa Application Take?
The current Tanzania Immigration guidelines state that online visa applications are processed within ten days, except for applications falling under the Referral Visa category.
However, travelers should not plan their international journey around the minimum processing period.
It is better to apply well ahead of your travel date, particularly if your nationality falls under a referral category or if your travel dates are fixed.
The official visa terms state that applicants should lodge their applications ten days before the expected travel date, while applicants from referral countries are advised to apply two months before travel.
For this reason, Animalia Treks and Safaris recommends that travelers start the visa process early rather than waiting until the week of departure.
What Is a Referral Visa?
Some nationalities fall under Tanzania’s Referral Visa category.
Travelers in this category are subject to additional immigration procedures and must obtain approval before travelling. The official guidelines state that referral applicants must apply online and wait for approval before beginning their journey, and they are advised to submit applications at least two months before their intended travel date.
Travelers under the referral category should not assume that they can simply obtain a visa at the airport.
If you are unsure whether your nationality falls under the referral category, check the official Tanzania Immigration information or contact the Immigration Department before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Can You Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?
Eligible travelers may be able to obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival at an official entry point.
However, the official Immigration Department recommends applying online in advance.
Visa-on-arrival eligibility is nationality-dependent. Some nationalities can use either the online system or visa-on-arrival facility, while certain nationalities cannot obtain a visa on arrival without prior approval.
Therefore, travelers should not assume that everyone can simply arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport or another border point and obtain a visa.
Checking your nationality’s specific requirements before departure is essential.
Tanzania Visa Fees
The current official Tanzania visa guidelines list the following standard visa fees:
For tourism, the Ordinary Visa is generally the relevant category for most eligible travelers, while U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism are required to use the Multiple Entry Visa category.
Visa fees are subject to immigration regulations and can change, so travelers should confirm the applicable fee on the official Tanzania Immigration portal before paying.
Is the Tanzania Visa Fee Refundable?
Travelers should be careful before submitting an application and making payment.
The current official terms and conditions state that Tanzania visa fees are pre-paid, non-refundable and non-transferable. This includes situations such as visa rejection, cancellation by the applicant and certain duplicate-payment circumstances.
For this reason, check the visa type, nationality, passport details and supporting documents carefully before submitting the application.
How to Track Your Tanzania Visa Application
After submitting your online application, keep your Application Identification Number and the email address used during the application.
The official Tanzania visa system provides an online application-status service where applicants can enter their application information and check the progress of their visa.
Applicants may also receive notifications through the email address provided during the application.
If you do not receive an expected notification, the official guidelines advise applicants to use the online system to check their status and download the Visa Grant Notice where available.
What Is a Tanzania Visa Grant Notice?
A Visa Grant Notice is the notification confirming that your visa application has been approved subject to the applicable entry requirements.
It is important to understand that receiving a Visa Grant Notice does not automatically guarantee entry into Tanzania.
The official Immigration terms state that the Immigration Officer at the point of entry has the final authority regarding admission after checking whether the traveler meets the entry requirements.
Travelers should therefore carry their passport, visa documentation, return or onward ticket and other relevant travel documents when entering Tanzania.
Do You Need a Separate Visa for Zanzibar?
No separate Tanzania tourist visa is generally required simply because your itinerary includes both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The official Tanzania visa guidelines state that travelers who intend to visit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar should select their first destination during the application process but can visit both without obtaining a new visa.
This is particularly useful for travelers planning a combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday.
For example, you can arrive in Tanzania for a safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro and then travel to Zanzibar without applying for a second tourist visa simply because you are crossing between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Tanzania Visa for Kilimanjaro Climbers
Travelers coming to Tanzania specifically to climb Mount Kilimanjaro need to make sure they select the appropriate visa category for tourism.
A Kilimanjaro climbing holiday is generally part of a tourism trip, so travelers should carefully review the current tourism visa requirements before applying.
Your safari or trekking itinerary may be requested as supporting information depending on the circumstances of the application.
If you are combining Kilimanjaro with a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar, the same tourist trip can cover these destinations provided your visa remains valid and you comply with its conditions.
Tanzania Visa for Safari Travelers
If you are travelling to Tanzania for a safari, the same basic tourist visa considerations apply.
Your safari itinerary may include several national parks and conservation areas, but you do not normally need a separate visa for each destination.
Whether you are visiting Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or other destinations, your immigration status is governed by the visa issued for your entry into Tanzania.
Your safari operator can provide itinerary details if you need them while preparing your travel documentation.
Can a Tanzania Tourist Visa Be Extended?
This is an important question for travelers planning a long stay.
A visa should not be treated as automatically extendable simply because the traveler wants to remain in Tanzania longer.
Tanzania Immigration distinguishes between visas and passes, and the Visitor Pass is specifically available to qualifying visitors for purposes including holidays and travelling. The Immigration Department states that a Visitor Pass normally cannot exceed 90 days, while citizens of East African Community member states may receive a Visitor Pass for a period not exceeding six months.
If you need to stay longer than the period authorized by your current immigration status, you should contact the Tanzania Immigration Department before your authorized stay expires and ask what procedure applies to your particular situation.
The decision to extend or change immigration status rests with Immigration authorities. Travelers should not assume that an extension will automatically be granted.
How to Request a Tanzania Visa or Visitor Stay Extension
If you are already in Tanzania and your permitted stay is approaching its expiry date, do not wait until the final day.
Contact or visit the appropriate Tanzania Immigration office and explain your circumstances. Bring your passport, current visa or immigration documentation and supporting information about your continued stay.
The exact procedure, documentation and applicable fees can depend on your nationality, current immigration status and reason for requesting additional time.
Because these requirements can change, travelers seeking an extension should obtain current instructions directly from Tanzania Immigration rather than relying on information from travel forums or unofficial websites.
The Immigration Department provides its headquarters contact details and separate Zanzibar immigration contacts on its official website.
Do Not Overstay Your Tanzania Visa
One of the most important pieces of advice for international travelers is to monitor the expiry date of your immigration authorization.
Do not assume that you can remain in Tanzania simply because your international flight has been changed or because your safari or beach holiday has been extended.
If you need additional time, contact Immigration before your authorized stay expires and follow the official procedure applicable to your situation.
An expired visa or immigration pass can create serious complications when leaving the country.
Tanzania Visa and Passport Details Must Match
When completing your online application, make sure all information corresponds exactly with your passport.
Check your:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport expiry date
- Travel dates
- Visa category
- Intended destination
The official visa terms state that once an online application has been submitted, modifications are not allowed. Applicants are therefore advised to carefully validate their information before submitting it.
This is one of the simplest ways to reduce avoidable visa problems.
What Should You Carry When Entering Tanzania?
Even after obtaining a visa, travelers should keep important documents accessible during their journey.
Carry your valid passport, Visa Grant Notice or other visa documentation, return or onward ticket and details of your accommodation or safari itinerary.
The official Tanzania visa guidelines specifically state that visitors must show a return ticket upon arrival.
Do not place all your immigration documents in checked luggage. Keep the essential documents in your hand luggage so they are available during immigration procedures.
Tanzania Visa for Families and Children
Families travelling to Tanzania should pay attention to visa applications for each traveler.
The current official guidelines state that every passport holder requires a separate visa application, including minors who may be included in their parents’ information during the application process.
Parents should therefore check the visa requirements for every family member before travelling.
Children should also have their own valid passports where required by their nationality and travel arrangements.
Tanzania Visa for U.S. Citizens
U.S. passport holders travelling to Tanzania for tourism are subject to a specific visa requirement.
The current official Tanzania Immigration guidance states that U.S. citizens travelling for tourism must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, even if they intend to make only one trip to Tanzania. The listed fee is US$100.
This is an important difference from the Ordinary Visa used by many other tourist nationalities.
Tanzania Visa for East African Travelers
Visa requirements differ for citizens of certain regional countries.
The current official guidelines state that nationals of several countries, including EAC member states, do not require a visa to enter Tanzania, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
Because visa exemption arrangements can change, travelers should verify their current status before travelling.
Common Tanzania Visa Application Mistakes
One common mistake is applying through an unofficial website. Travelers may find websites that look similar to government websites but charge additional service fees.
Tanzania Immigration specifically advises visa applicants to use the official Immigration Services website and not other online links.
Another mistake is selecting the wrong visa category. Tourism travelers should carefully distinguish between Ordinary, Multiple Entry, Business, Transit and other categories.
Submitting incorrect passport information or incomplete supporting documents can also result in problems. The official guidelines warn that wrongly applied visas or applications lacking sufficient information or attachments may be rejected.
Finally, do not wait until the day before your flight to begin the application process.
Tanzania Visa Checklist for Safari Travelers
Before travelling to Tanzania, review the following:
- Confirm whether your nationality requires a visa.
- Check whether you qualify for an online visa or visa on arrival.
- Check whether your nationality falls under the Referral Visa category.
- Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
- Ensure you have an unused passport visa page.
- Prepare your passport photograph.
- Prepare your return or onward ticket.
- Select the correct visa category.
- Apply through the official Tanzania Immigration visa portal.
- Keep your Application Identification Number.
- Track your application online.
- Wait for the Visa Grant Notice where advance approval is required.
- Carry your visa documentation when travelling.
Tanzania Visa and Your Safari Booking
If you are booking a Tanzania safari with Animalia Treks and Safaris, we recommend starting your visa preparations after confirming your travel dates and checking the requirements for your nationality.
Your safari itinerary, accommodation information and travel dates should be consistent with the information you provide in your visa application.
However, visa approval remains an immigration matter. A safari operator can provide itinerary information and general travel guidance, but the final decision on issuing a visa and granting entry belongs to the relevant Tanzanian authorities.
Important Official Tanzania Visa Resources
Travelers should use official government resources when checking visa requirements.
The official Tanzania eVisa platform provides new applications, application continuation and status checking.
Tanzania Official eVisa Portal
The Tanzania Immigration Department also publishes its visa guidelines and other immigration regulations.
Tanzania Immigration Department
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Visa
How do I apply for a Tanzania tourist visa?
Eligible travelers can apply online through the official Tanzania eVisa system. You will need to complete the application, upload the required documents, pay the applicable fee and submit the application.
How much is a Tanzania tourist visa?
The current official fee for an Ordinary Visa is US$50. U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, currently listed at US$100.
How long can I stay in Tanzania on a tourist visa?
An Ordinary Visa is listed by Tanzania Immigration as having validity of up to 90 days. The exact conditions and period authorized should be checked on the visa issued to you.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival, while others must obtain approval in advance. Tanzania Immigration recommends using the online visa application system.
Can I extend my Tanzania tourist visa?
Do not assume that a tourist visa is automatically extendable. If you need to remain in Tanzania beyond your authorized period, contact the Immigration Department before your stay expires and follow the applicable procedure.
Do I need another visa for Zanzibar?
No separate visa is normally required simply because you are visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The official guidelines state that a traveler can visit both without obtaining a new visa.
Do children need their own Tanzania visa?
Yes. Tanzania’s current visa guidelines state that each passport holder must have a separate visa application, including minors.
How early should I apply for a Tanzania visa?
The current official terms advise applicants to lodge visa applications ten days before their expected travel date. Referral Visa applicants are advised to apply two months before travel. Travelers should consider applying earlier where possible to allow time for questions or additional processing.
What happens if my Tanzania visa application is rejected?
Visa fees are currently stated to be non-refundable. If an application is rejected, travelers should follow the instructions provided by Tanzania Immigration and seek clarification where appropriate.
Can I apply for a Tanzania visa before booking my safari?
Yes, but travelers should first establish their travel dates and understand the documentation required for their nationality. Travelers in the Referral Visa category should pay particular attention to the official guidance before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Final Thoughts on Tanzania Visa Application and Extension
Obtaining a Tanzania visa is an important part of preparing for your safari, Kilimanjaro climb or Zanzibar holiday.
For many travelers, the online application process makes obtaining a tourist visa relatively straightforward. The most important steps are checking your nationality’s requirements, using the official Tanzania Immigration website, ensuring your passport meets the validity requirements, selecting the correct visa category and submitting accurate supporting documents.
Travelers who need to remain in Tanzania longer than their authorized stay should contact Immigration before the visa or visitor authorization expires rather than assuming an extension is automatic.
Because immigration regulations and procedures can change, always verify the latest requirements through the official Tanzania Immigration resources before your journey.
With your visa arrangements properly prepared, you can focus on the more exciting parts of your Tanzania holiday—from the wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro to the landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro and the beaches of Zanzibar.