Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is an East African nation that encompasses the mainland (formerly Tanganyika) and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Visitors must hold a valid passport and, depending on nationality, may enter visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival, apply online via e-Visa, or secure a visa in advance from a Tanzanian diplomatic mission. Since November 2018, Tanzania has offered an e-Visa portal, and Zanzibar introduced mandatory travel insurance for visitors from October 2024.

2. Visa-Free Access

Citizens of approximately 55 countries may enter Tanzania without a visa for stays of up to 3 months. This includes most Commonwealth nations, East African Community (EAC) members, and several other partner states.

Selected Visa-Free Countries (up to 3 months) • All East African Community member states (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) • All Commonwealth of Nations members (including UK, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, etc.) • Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region) • Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore • Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru • Selected African Union partner states

3. Diplomatic and Official Passport Exemptions

Holders of diplomatic and official passports from additional countries receive visa-free access. Notably, diplomatic passport holders from Brazil, China, India, South Korea, and Turkey are exempt from visa requirements under bilateral agreements, even if ordinary passport holders from those countries require a visa.

4. Visa on Arrival

Citizens of many countries not on the visa-free list may obtain a visa on arrival at major international entry points including Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar), and main border crossings.

4.1 Visa on Arrival Fees

Visa Type	Fee (USD)
Single Entry (most nationalities)	USD 50
USA passport holders (single entry)	USD 100

5. Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Tanzania launched its e-Visa system in November 2018. Applicants can apply online through the official portal before travel, allowing them to avoid queuing at the border. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, and transit purposes. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days.

e-Visa Key Details • Available since: November 2018 • Application portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz • Validity: Single or multiple entry • Fees: Same as visa on arrival (USD 50 most nationalities; USD 100 for US passport holders) • Processing time: 2-5 business days • Eligible nationalities: All except those required to obtain an advance visa

6. Advance Visa Requirement

Approximately 20 nationalities classified as high-risk or those without diplomatic relations with Tanzania must obtain a visa in advance from a Tanzanian embassy or high commission before travel. These travelers cannot use the e-Visa portal or obtain visas on arrival.

7. Zanzibar-Specific Requirements

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Visitors entering Tanzania via Zanzibar follow the same visa policy as mainland Tanzania. However, since October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar are required to purchase mandatory travel insurance before arrival. This insurance covers medical emergencies and evacuation and must be purchased through approved insurers.

Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance (from October 2024) • Mandatory for all foreign visitors arriving in Zanzibar • Covers: medical emergencies, evacuation, and related costs • Must be purchased from Zanzibar-approved insurers before arrival • Proof of insurance must be shown at entry • Applies regardless of nationality or visa status

8. Health Requirements

8.1 Yellow Fever Vaccination

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis — ICVP/yellow card) from travelers arriving from or transiting through countries where yellow fever is endemic. This applies even if the traveler is only transiting through an at-risk country.

Yellow Fever Requirement • Required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission • Applies to travelers transiting through endemic countries • Must present valid ICVP (yellow card) at the port of entry • Travelers without valid ICVP may be vaccinated at the border or refused entry

9. General Entry Requirements

All visitors to Tanzania must meet the following entry conditions regardless of visa status:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
• Confirmed onward or return travel ticket
• Valid accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic countries
• Zanzibar travel insurance if entering via Zanzibar (from October 2024)

10. Important Notes

Important Reminders for Travelers • Visa fees are payable in USD cash at the border (cards may not be accepted at all entry points) • Children under 16 traveling on a parent’s passport: check current requirements • Extension of stay may be applied for at the Immigration Department in Tanzania • Overstaying is a serious offense and may result in detention and deportation • Always verify current requirements with the Tanzanian embassy before travel