Visa requirements for Tanzania: What you need to know

Let’s be real—sorting out travel documents is nobody’s idea of a good time. But if Tanzania is on your list (and it should be), a little prep goes a long way. Whether you’re planning to summit Kilimanjaro, spot lions in the Serengeti, or relax in Zanzibar, knowing the visa requirements for Tanzania will make everything smoother. 

Here’s the short version: most travellers need a visa, but getting one is easier than you’d think. 

In most cases, you do. 

Tanzania isn’t big on visa-free access. Unless you're from a small group of countries (mostly in East Africa and parts of the Caribbean), a visa is required. That includes travellers from the United States, India, the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. 

So if you're Googling Tanzania visa requirements for US citizens or Tanzania visa requirements for European citizens, you're not alone—and you're in the right place. 

If you’re a U.S. passport holder, a visa is required. You have two options: get one on arrival or apply online in advance. Here’s what that actually looks like: 

You can get your visa when you land, but unless you like waiting in immigration lines, go with the eVisa. It’s easy and saves time. 

If you're coming from the UK or anywhere in Europe, you'll need a visa to get into Tanzania. Luckily, it’s pretty painless. Here’s the lowdown: 

What you’ll need to apply: 

Heads up: If you’re going with the eVisa, apply at least 10 days before your trip. It’s usually quick, but things can take a little longer sometimes. 

Zanzibar has its own rules, and from October 1, 2024, everyone visiting has to pay for mandatory travel insurance from the local authorities. Even if you’ve already got your own policy. 

It’s a separate payment from your visa, but it’s non-negotiable — so make sure you tick that box before you land. 

The Tanzania eVisa system is the simplest route for most travellers. It’s official, secure, and works for over 150 countries—including the U.S. and India. 

4. Pay: 

5. Wait: 

6. Download and print the approval letter—yes, you’ll need a hard copy 

It works at all major points of entry: 

Along with your visa, there are a few more things to keep in mind when entering Tanzania: 

You can — but it’s not always the smoothest way in. 

Tanzania does offer visas on arrival for most nationalities at major airports and border posts. That includes Kilimanjaro International, Julius Nyerere in Dar es Salaam, and several land crossings. But there’s a trade-off: you might be waiting in line for hours, especially if you land at a busy time. 

Think of it a backup plan. It works, but it’s not the most efficient. 

If you’re travelling with children, each one needs their own visa. Immigration may also ask for a birth certificate, particularly if the child isn’t travelling with both parents. 

Zanzibar’s semi-autonomous status sometimes confuses travellers. The good news: you don’t need a separate visa. 

Once you have a valid Tanzania visa, you’re good to go. Whether you're heading straight for the beach, exploring Stone Town, or hopping between islands, your visa covers the whole archipelago. 

Just know that flights between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar include a domestic immigration check. It’s usually quick, but they’ll want to see your documents again—passport, visa approval, maybe your entry stamp. Keep them handy. 

Interested? Check out this guide on the best time to visit Zanzibar.  

If you’re not doing a typical round-trip visit, Tanzania offers other visa types to suit different travel plans. 

Tanzania’s wild landscapes and white-sand beaches are more than worth the paperwork — but getting your visa squared away early can make a huge difference. 

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for another safari, here's how to glide through the visa requirements for Tanzania with zero drama. 

Tanzania’s eVisa system is efficient most of the time. But during peak travel months — especially June to October and December through January — things can bottleneck. 

If you’re travelling during those windows, apply for your visa at least 3–4 weeks in advance. It can take up to 10 business days for approval, and delays do happen, especially if your application isn’t perfect the first time. 

Many eVisa applications get rejected for one reason: bad uploads. Scan everything in full colour, make sure it's crystal clear, and save your files in standard formats like PDF or JPEG. You’ll need: 

If you're applying for a Tanzania visa as a European/U.K citizen, your application is similar, but the fee is around $50 USD ($100 for multiple-entry). For US citizens, the visa fee is $100 USD, even for single entry — this also applies to the multiple-entry visa. 

Plenty of unofficial sites claim to process your Tanzania visa — and they usually charge more (or worse, steal your personal info). 

There’s only one official site to use: visa.immigration.go.tz. Bookmark it, triple-check it, and don’t click ads that pretend to be it. 

Even though it's technically an eVisa, immigration officers at the airport will ask to see a printed copy of your approval letter. Don’t rely on screenshots or Wi-Fi access when you land — keep a hard copy in your carry-on. 

A quick reminder of the Tanzania entry requirements so nothing catches you off guard: 

The visa requirements for Tanzania aren’t difficult, but a little prep goes a long way. With your paperwork sorted, you’re free to soak up every second — whether that’s watching elephants cross the Serengeti or sipping sundowners after a day on safari.  

Planning your trip? We’d love to show you around. At Follow Alice, we run unforgettable small-group tours through Tanzania’s wildest corners — from Ngorongoro Crater to the Great Migration, with expert local guides and off-the-beaten-path adventures you won’t find anywhere else.  

So sort your visa, pack your bags, and let’s make this dream happen. Karibu Tanzania — we’ll see you there.