About Tanzania
Tanzania is a stunning destination known for its rich wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures. To explore this beautiful country, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter.
Previously, tourists had two main options for obtaining a tourist visa: getting a visa upon arrival or applying in advance through their nation’s Tanzanian consulate. The latter option often required mailing your passport and waiting for its return—an inconvenient and risky process given the potential for lost mail.
Fortunately, this process has become significantly easier. Tourists can now apply for an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) to enter Tanzania as tourists. Don’t let the visa process deter you; it’s a straightforward step required by nearly every country worldwide for travelers.
Visa Costs
The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travelers, while American citizens must pay $100 USD. Citizens of some neighboring African countries are allowed to enter Tanzania without a visa.
To check if your country is exempt from needing a tourist visa, please consult Tanzania’s official visa exemption list here.
Applying for Your Visa Online
For convenience and peace of mind, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa in advance through the Tanzania Immigration website.
- Visit the official Tanzania Immigration Department website to complete and pay for your application online.
- Official online visa guidelines can be found here.
Important Note for U.S. Citizens: When completing your application, select “Multiple Entry Visa”. This option is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Tanzania for tourism. Then, choose “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of your trip.
Other nationals should consider whether a single-entry or multiple-entry visa best suits their travel plans.
Application Timeframe
Processing your visa application may take up to 10 days, so ensure you allocate sufficient time to complete your application and receive your visa. If you have a last-minute adventure booked, you can opt to obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport.
Timing Alert: Do not complete the tourist visa application more than three months before your planned travel dates to ensure it’s valid when you arrive.
Be sure to print all confirmation pages and keep them in a secure location. Upon arrival in Tanzania—usually at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport—you will receive an official sticker in your passport as proof of your tourist visa.
Completing the Online Application Form
Only fill out the E-Visa form from the official Tanzania Immigration website. Avoid sharing your passport number or other sensitive information with any other site offering visa services. The only authentic E-Visa is available here.
To start your E-Visa:
- Select “New Application.” The online application form is straightforward; ensure your answers are clear.
- Save your application number. Take a photo, save a screenshot, or write it down for future reference.
- If you start but can’t finish the application, you can return later by using your email address and application number.
When you return, select “Continue Application.”
- You can check your visa status on the “Visa Status” page to see if it’s been received, is in process, or has been approved.
- Ensure all spellings of your name match your official passport. This detail is crucial for processing.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have a passport photo ready; you can save your application and complete it later.
- Choose “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose of your visit if you are traveling as a tourist.
Travel Information Tips
This section often raises questions. You’ll need to provide a physical address in Tanzania and the name of your host.
- If you don’t know a Tanzanian citizen and will be staying in a hotel, indicate that you are staying in a “Hotel.” Even if you camp during your Mount Kilimanjaro climb or at various lodges on safari, this response is most applicable.
- Use the itinerary provided by Royal Climb and Safaris to include the name and address of your first hotel for this section. For example, you might enter “Aishi Machame, Moshi, Tanzania” if you’re spending a night at this hotel before your Kilimanjaro ascent.
- For Royal Climb and Safaris clients, please use Royal Climb and Safaris and our included contact information as your reference in Tanzania.
- Under the Local Host section, select “Company/Organization” and list Royal Climb and Safaris. Your relationship to Royal Climb in this instance will be “Tour Operator.”
Travel Companions Tips
- This section is essential if you are traveling with a minor. Fill it out to the best of your ability.
- If traveling with a group (such as a climbing team), select “Group or Organization.” However, if you don’t know all the members or are meeting up in Tanzania, consider yourself as traveling as a single adult.
Visa on Arrival vs. E-Visa
If you find the E-Visa process complicated or face technical issues, don’t worry! You can still obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania for the same cost, provided you are from a country that does not require a referred visa (more details below). Nationals from many countries can receive a visa on arrival.
The advantage of completing the E-Visa process is the time you save upon arrival. E-Visa holders can queue in the “Visa Holder” line at immigration, allowing for a quicker passage through without further paperwork or payment.
In contrast, those obtaining a visa on arrival face a lengthier process, including paperwork and determining the purpose of their visit. This often results in longer wait times, especially during peak arrival times.
If you opt for a visa upon arrival, ensure you have $50 USD ready in cash (U.S. citizens must have $100 USD). It’s wise to have your tour operator’s contact details and the name of your hotel handy for immigration.
Referral Visa
Citizens from certain countries may require a referred visa to enter Tanzania, even as tourists. This application process is more complex and cannot be completed upon arrival. Nationals from the following countries must apply in advance for a referred visa:
- Afghanistan
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Chad
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Eritrea
- Equatorial Guinea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kazakhstan Republic
- Kyrgyzstan Republic
- Lebanon
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Somaliland
- Sierra Leone
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
- Stateless persons or individuals with refugee status
If you’re a citizen of one of these listed countries, it’s crucial to apply for a referral visa well in advance, as processing can take over 60 days. Tanzania Immigration advises against booking flights until your referral visa has been approved.
Royal Climb and Safaris is here to assist clients with their referral visa applications, drawing on our extensive experience to help ensure a smooth travel process.
Passport Validity
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Tanzania. For instance, if your passport expires in November 2024, your departure should be no later than May 2024.
If your passport is nearing its expiration date, consider renewing it before completing your E-Visa application, as your passport number may change and render your visa invalid.
Further Assistance
If you have any questions regarding the tourist visa process for Tanzania, don’t hesitate to contact Royal Climb and Safaris. We’re committed to ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience in our beautiful country.
