Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you're dreaming of a safari in the Serengeti, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the first things you'll need to sort out is your visa. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Tanzania visa requirements for travelers from the UK, EU, and USA, including costs, application processes, and tips to make your journey seamless.
The good news is, the process is straightforward, and you can choose between applying for an eVisa online or obtaining a visa on arrival at designated entry points.
It goes without saying that you need to bring your passport with you.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Tanzania
- Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Types of Visas Available
Tanzania offers several visa options depending on the purpose of your visit:
1. Tourist Visa (Single Entry): Valid for up to 90 days, perfect for leisure travel.
2. Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): Ideal for frequent travelers, valid for up to 12 months with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
3. Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Tanzania to another destination, valid for up to 7 days.
4. Business Visa: For short-term business activities, valid for up to 90 days.
Visa Costs for UK, EU, and US Travelers
Here's a breakdown of the visa fees:
Single Entry Tourist Visa:
- UK and EU travelers: $50
- US travelers: $100.
Multiple Entry Visa: $100 for all nationalities.
- Transit Visa: $30.
- Business Visa: $250.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa
1. eVisa Application
The easiest and most convenient way to get your visa is by applying online through the Tanzania Immigration Services website. Here's how:
- Visit the official eVisa portal.
- Fill out the application form with your personal and travel details.
- Upload required documents, including a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photo.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Receive your eVisa via email within 1-3 business days (depending on processing speed).
2. Visa on Arrival
If you prefer, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at major entry points like Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport. However, this option may involve longer wait times, so applying online is recommended.
Key Requirements for Visa Application
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Proof of return or onward travel (e.g., flight tickets).
- A recent passport-sized photo.
- For business visas, an invitation letter from a Tanzanian host may be required.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Process
1. Apply Early: Submit your eVisa application at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
2. Double-Check Documents: Ensure all uploaded documents meet the specified requirements.
3. Carry Copies: Print out your eVisa approval and keep it with your travel documents.
4. Be Prepared for Arrival: Have cash (USD) ready for visa-on-arrival fees, as card payments may not always be available.
Final Thoughts
Tanzania is a breathtaking destination, and securing your visa is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're from the UK, EU, or USA, the process is simple and hassle-free if you follow the guidelines above. So, pack your bags, get your visa sorted, and get ready to explore the wonders of Tanzania!
For more details or to start your application, visit the official Tanzania Immigration Services website.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: If you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you must provide proof of vaccination.
- It's recommended to have other vaccinations up to date, such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus, though these are not usually mandatory.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations. This is especially important for a Kilimanjaro trek.
Most airlines have electronic tickets (e-tickets).
It is important that you check your name for spelling errors, as the name on the reservation must be exactly as it appears on your passport. If your name needs to be corrected, please contact your airline provider as soon as possible.
Please note that this may incur a fee from the airline.
You might be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket upon entry.
When you arrive at your final destination, you will go through immigration, where your passport and any entry documents and visas are checked. In many places, you will be required to provide fingerprints, and a photo of your face will also be taken for biometric recognition. You may also be asked questions about your travel plans in the country and possibly where you are staying.
You will be required to complete arrival and departure forms in Tanzania. Under the section where you have to fill in your address in Tanzania, you should enter the name of the first hotel/lodge where you will be staying.
Customs: Once you've cleared immigration and picked up your luggage, you will head through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can go through "nothing to declare". If, on the other hand, you have something to declare, it is important that you go through "declare". It's your own responsibility to check the customs regulations that apply in the country you are travelling to.
When you come out into the arrivals hall at the airport, you will be met by a guide/driver holding up a Kibo Quest sign with your name on it, who will make sure you get safely to your hotel.
In the unexpected event that you cannot find your guide/driver, please contact our partner on the emergency number which appears on the travel documents.
Normal check-in is typically from 2 pm, and you cannot therefore count on getting your room earlier. If you'd like to check in early, this can be arranged for a fee when you book the tour.
When you check in, the receptionist will generally register your credit card and may reserve an amount. This is not an additional fee, but customary at hotels to ensure payment of any consumption from the minibar and the like. When you check out, the amount will be automatically released if you have not made use of this.
It is very normal for hotels to take a copy of your passport. In some places, this is a requirement of the local authorities.
Check-out is normally by 10 am. If you're not travelling until the afternoon or evening, you can have your luggage stored until it's time to leave. If you would like a late check-out instead, this can be arranged for a fee when you book the tour.
We provide seamless transportation for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred from the airport to your hotel in a comfortable Jeep. For the trek, we travel together as a group in a spacious minibus, ensuring everyone arrives at the mountain ready for the journey. After the climb, we'll arrange your return transfers to the hotel and back to the airport, making your experience smooth and stress-free.
Our livelihood depends on satisfied guests, and we would therefore very much like to hear your feedback after your return home.
We will arrange the necessary permits to climb Kilimanjaro, but if you go with other company, it's good to confirm with them in advance.
The Tanzanian currency is called the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
- Tanzanian currency may not be imported or taken out of the country. We therefore recommend that you exchange to shilling at the airport or withdraw some cash on your arrival in Tanzania.
- Payment can also be made in USD in Tanzania. We recommend that you carry a small amount with you (1–5-dollar bills), as this is most commonly used at markets, or for payment of tips and the like. You can also withdraw cash from cash machines using Visa and MasterCard, and pay by card in some places.
At the vast majority of our destinations, we are able to take allergies, as well as allergens or preferences into account when it comes to food, however it is important that you inform us of this when you book the tour.
Most hotels and lodges receive electricity from their own generators, which are normally turned off after midnight. So, remember to bring a small torch with you on holiday. The voltage is 240 V and 3-pin plugs are used.
Please note that internet connection may be unstable.
Make sure you pack all your important and indispensable things in your hand luggage. This applies to items such as passports, visas, vaccination cards, travel documents, insurance documents, credit cards, money, computers, mobile phones and cameras, as well as information about your health and vital medicines.
We recommend that you pack your things in soft bags when going on a safari holiday. It's easier to pack the safari cars with soft bags than suitcases. Hardcase suitcases are particularly difficult to fit in to the safari car. So, if possible, avoid using suitcases with hard edges.
We recommend that you pack light clothes for the safaris and that you avoid bright colours where possible. Bring long trousers and long sleeved shirts that protect against mosquitoes after sunset and, if necessary, against the sun during the day. Avoid bare feet and legs in the evening due to the mosquitoes.
Remember to bring a small torch and extra batteries in case of the occasional power cut.
Regarding the gear required for climbing, please see our detailed Preparing for Your Kilimanjaro Climb page.