Tanzania Visa Guide
Most travellers can apply online before they fly. Here's the fastest path, what documents to prepare, and what to double-check before booking flights.
Apply for Tanzania's e-Visa online at least 2-3 weeks before departure. It's faster than arrival processing and lets you fix any document issues before you fly. Confirm your nationality's exact requirements on Tanzania's official immigration site — rules vary by country.
Three ways to get your visa
Most nationalities can obtain a Tanzania visa through the official e-Visa portal, on arrival at major airports and land borders, or via the East Africa Tourist Visa if you're combining Tanzania with Kenya or Uganda.
Requirements, fees, and nationality-specific exemptions change, so always confirm current rules on Tanzania's official immigration website or with your nearest embassy shortly before booking flights.
The e-Visa route has become the default recommendation for most travellers because it shifts the paperwork burden earlier — you're able to fix a missing document or a passport photo issue from home, rather than discovering a problem at an immigration desk after a long-haul flight when you're tired and the stakes are much higher.
If your trip includes safari time in Tanzania followed by a side trip to Kenya's Masai Mara or Uganda's gorilla trekking, the East Africa Tourist Visa can save both money and paperwork compared to applying for each country separately — but it must be your first point of entry into the region, so check the sequencing of your itinerary before applying.
Always verify before booking: visa rules and fees can change without notice — check the official portal for your specific nationality.
Compare the three visa routes
e-Visa (recommended)
Apply online before departure — the smoothest option for most travellers.
- ✓ Complete the application on Tanzania's official immigration portal
- ✓ Upload passport photo and required documents
- ✓ Pay online and save/print your approval letter
- ✓ Present it on arrival alongside your passport
Visa on arrival
Available for many nationalities at major airports and some land borders.
- ✓ Confirm your nationality is eligible before relying on this option
- ✓ Have passport, passport photo, and payment ready
- ✓ Expect potentially longer queues than e-Visa holders
- ✓ Cash (USD) is typically required for on-arrival fees
East Africa Tourist Visa
One multi-entry visa covering Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
- ✓ Best if your trip also includes Kenya or Uganda
- ✓ Apply through any of the three countries' immigration portals
- ✓ Valid for multiple entries within the validity window
- ✓ Not needed if Tanzania is your only destination
Common visa mistakes
Applying too close to departure
e-Visa processing can occasionally take longer than expected — apply at least 2-3 weeks ahead, not days before your flight.
Passport with under 6 months validity
Immigration can deny boarding or entry if your passport doesn't have sufficient validity remaining — check the expiry date now.
Not enough blank passport pages
Entry and exit stamps need space — arrive with at least 2 fully blank pages, not just partially used ones.
Assuming visa-on-arrival is guaranteed
Not all nationalities qualify, and rules change — confirm your specific eligibility before counting on this option.
Other travel logistics
Visa questions
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