TANZANIA VISA GUIDE FOR TOURISTS … WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Tanzania is a top destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers from all over the world. Whether you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, explore the Serengeti, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, or discover the vibrant local life in Arusha, the first step to making your dream trip a reality is securing the right visa.

At NK Safaris, we aim to make your travel planning stress-free. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a visa for Tanzania.

1. Do You Need a Visa to Enter Tanzania?

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania, except citizens from a few visa-exempt countries (mostly neighboring East African nations). You can check the list of exempted nationalities on the official Tanzanian immigration website or consult your local Tanzanian embassy.

If you’re not on the visa-exempt list, don’t worry—Tanzania offers several easy ways to obtain your tourist visa.

2. Types of Tourist Visas

Here are the most common types of visas for travelers visiting Tanzania for tourism:

• Ordinary Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
  • Validity: 90 days
  • Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends or relatives, leisure travel
  • Cost: $50 USD for most countries; $100 USD for U.S. citizens (due to reciprocity)
• Multiple Entry Visa
  • Validity: Up to 12 months
  • Purpose: Frequent visitors, businesspeople, etc.
  • Note: Not typically needed for regular tourists
• Transit Visa
  • Validity: 7 days
  • Purpose: For travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination
• East African Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only—not valid in Tanzania)
  • Note: This does not cover Tanzania. You must apply for a separate Tanzanian visa even if you hold this visa.

3. How to Apply for a Tanzanian Visa

There are three main ways to obtain your visa:

1. a) Online (Recommended) – eVisa System

Visit the official Tanzania Immigration website:
👉 https://visa.immigration.go.tz

• Fill out the application form
• Upload a passport-sized photo and copy of your passport
• Pay securely online
• Receive your visa approval letter via email (usually within 10 business days)
• Print and present it at the border or airport upon arrival

1. b) Visa on Arrival

Tourists from many countries are eligible for visa on arrival at major entry points (e.g., Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar Airport, and border crossings).

• Bring $50 USD cash (or $100 USD for U.S. citizens)
• Expect to wait in line and complete forms on-site
• A convenient option, but eVisa is faster and more predictable

1. c) Through a Tanzanian Embassy/Consulate

You can apply in advance at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country. This is a good option for travelers who prefer to have everything prepared ahead of time or are from countries requiring special clearance.

4. Visa Requirements: What You Need

To apply for your Tanzanian visa, you will typically need:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity and at least one blank page)
• Recent passport-sized photo
• A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
• Travel itinerary or booking confirmation (NK Safaris can assist with this)
• Proof of accommodation (your hotel or lodge details)
• Visa fee payment (depending on application method)

5. Special Notes for Travelers

• Dual Entry from Kenya or Uganda: If you leave Tanzania to visit Kenya or Uganda, you may need a new visa to re-enter Tanzania unless you’ve obtained a multiple-entry visa.
• Zanzibar Travel: No additional visa is needed to travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if you’re coming from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country.

6. Let NK Safaris Assist You

As part of our travel support services, NK Safaris can:

• Provide you with a detailed invitation letter or itinerary for visa processing
• Help you understand the best entry point and visa type
• Coordinate your airport pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Guide you through any last-minute changes or border requirements

We’re here to ensure that your arrival in Tanzania is smooth, legal, and hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

Securing your Tanzanian visa is an important first step in your travel journey. With the right information and proper documentation, the process is simple and straightforward. Whether you choose to apply online or get your visa on arrival, NK Safaris will support you every step of the way.

Still have questions about your visa?
Contact NK Safaris today, and let’s help you start your Tanzanian adventure with confidence.