Ordinary visa
An ordinary visa is generally used for eligible single-entry visits, including tourism. The standard published fee is US$50, and the permitted stay can be up to 90 days, subject to the conditions of the visa granted.
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Requirements, Fees and How to Apply
Tanzania visa requirements for 2026: who needs a visa, fees, passport validity, the eVisa application steps, processing times and referral visas.
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Planning a trip to Tanzania in 2026? Whether you are visiting for a Serengeti safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring Stone Town or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, understanding the Tanzania visa requirements is an important part of preparing for your journey.
Tanzania offers an online visa application system, commonly known as the eVisa system. Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a visa before travelling, qualify for a visa on arrival, or be exempt from visa requirements.
In this guide, you will learn about Tanzania visa requirements, tourist visa fees, passport validity, the online application process, processing times, referral visas and entry rules for international travellers.
Important: Visa rules can change, and requirements depend on your nationality, travel purpose and circumstances. Always confirm the latest instructions with Tanzania Immigration Services before booking or travelling.
Fees and rules shown here are the standard published figures. Check the official portal for your nationality before you pay.
DO YOU NEED ONE?
Whether you need a visa depends primarily on the passport you hold.
Many international visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania, while citizens of certain countries are exempt under Tanzania’s immigration rules. Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, whereas others must receive special approval before travelling.
Before planning your trip, establish which category applies to you:
Check your nationality on the official Tanzania Visa Guidelines before deciding which process to follow.
REQUIREMENTS
Travellers applying for a Tanzania tourist visa should prepare the documents and information required for their specific application category.
Common requirements include:
Additional documentation may be required depending on your nationality, travel purpose and visa category.
Children and other individual travellers: Tanzania Immigration states that each passport holder, including minors, must have a separate visa application submitted where a visa is required.
A visa grant notice does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers make the final decision at the point of entry and may request evidence that you meet the entry requirements. For the most accurate checklist, consult the official visa application guidelines.
FEES
The visa fee depends on the type of visa and your nationality.
The standard fees published by Tanzania Immigration include the following:
These are standard published fees, not a guarantee of the fee applicable to every nationality or situation. Special nationality-specific fees and additional requirements may apply.
For example, US passport holders travelling to Tanzania for tourism are generally required to apply for a multiple-entry visa, with a published fee of US$100.
An ordinary visa is generally valid for a stay of up to 90 days, subject to the conditions issued by Immigration. A multiple-entry visa has different validity and entry conditions; do not assume that its validity period permits an uninterrupted stay for the entire period.
Check the current fee schedule before making payment through the official Tanzania eVisa portal. For the cost of the trip itself, read how much a Tanzania safari costs.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible travellers can apply through Tanzania’s official electronic visa system before departure.
Visit the Tanzania eVisa application portal. Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge additional fees or imitate government services.
Select the option to begin a new visa application and provide the requested personal and passport details. Enter your information carefully. Names, passport numbers and dates should match your travel documents.
Choose the visa type that matches your nationality and purpose of travel. Many eligible tourists apply for an ordinary visa, but US passport holders visiting for tourism generally need a multiple-entry visa. If you are unsure which category applies, check the official guidelines before submitting your application.
Provide the requested passport information, photograph, travel details and supporting documents. Applicants in referral categories may need additional information or a host letter.
Follow the payment instructions shown in the official portal. Keep your payment confirmation and application identification number.
Use the portal to check your application status and monitor your email for notifications.
Do not assume that submitting an application means your visa has been approved. Wait for the visa grant notice and follow the instructions issued by Immigration before travelling.
Apply only through the official government portal. Safari Best Tanzania can prepare your itinerary, accommodation and travel details for you (planning is free), but the visa application itself is submitted by you on the official site.
VISA ON ARRIVAL
Some nationalities are eligible to obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival at designated entry points. However, this option is not available to every traveller.
The fact that a traveller can apply online does not automatically establish that they qualify for a visa on arrival.
Travellers whose nationalities fall under the referral visa category generally need approval in advance. They should not travel expecting to resolve the application at the airport.
Even travellers who are eligible for a visa on arrival should check the latest official rules and consider applying online in advance where appropriate. This can help them understand their requirements before departure, although online applications still need to be approved.
Check the official visa guidelines to determine whether your nationality qualifies.
VISA-FREE
Tanzania exempts nationals of certain countries from visa requirements under its applicable immigration rules. The official list includes eligible nationalities from various regional and international groupings.
However, membership in a regional organisation or the Commonwealth should not be treated as an automatic guarantee of visa exemption. Exceptions apply, and official country lists may change.
To establish whether you can visit Tanzania without a visa:
Start with the official Tanzania eVisa guidelines, which provide visa information and links to the relevant eligibility lists.
ORDINARY OR MULTIPLE
The main difference is the entry arrangement and the circumstances in which each visa is issued.
An ordinary visa is generally used for eligible single-entry visits, including tourism. The standard published fee is US$50, and the permitted stay can be up to 90 days, subject to the conditions of the visa granted.
A multiple-entry visa allows eligible travellers to enter Tanzania more than once during the visa’s validity, subject to its conditions. The standard published fee is US$100. US passport holders visiting Tanzania for tourism are generally required to apply for the multiple-entry category.
Do not choose a visa category solely because it appears more convenient. Confirm which type applies to your nationality and travel plans before submitting an application.
ZANZIBAR
For an ordinary trip that includes both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, travellers generally use the same Tanzania visa, where a visa is required.
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Tanzania’s official eVisa system covers both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. You do not normally need a second Tanzania visa simply because your itinerary includes both destinations.
For example, a visitor might arrive in Arusha for a safari, travel to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and then fly to Zanzibar for a beach holiday. The same valid Tanzania visa generally covers this itinerary.
However, entry eligibility, permitted activities and any separate health or travel requirements should still be checked for your circumstances. Official guidance: Tanzania eVisa portal. Planning the island leg? See our Zanzibar guide.
PROCESSING TIME
Tanzania Immigration states that online visa applications are generally processed within 10 days, except for referral visa applications, which may take longer.
This is a stated processing timeframe, not a guarantee that every application will be approved within 10 days. Incomplete documentation, requests for additional information and other circumstances can affect processing.
To reduce avoidable delays:
Applicants in the referral visa category are advised to apply at least two months before travel and wait for approval before starting their journey.
Avoid making non-refundable travel commitments until you have checked the applicable requirements and considered the risk of a delayed or refused application.
REFERRAL VISA
A referral visa applies to certain nationalities and applicants who require special clearance from the relevant Tanzanian immigration authority before a visa can be issued.
The referral category is different from the standard tourist visa process. Applicants generally need to apply online and wait for approval before travelling. They should not assume they can obtain a visa on arrival.
Depending on the application, supporting documents may include:
Tanzania’s official guidelines advise applicants in this category to submit their applications at least two months before the planned travel date.
The list of referral nationalities can change. Do not rely on an old article or a third-party list to determine your eligibility. Check the current Tanzania visa guidelines and obtain clarification from Immigration if necessary.
RETURN TICKET
Tanzania Immigration’s published visa guidelines state that visitors must show a return ticket upon arrival.
Depending on your travel plans, an onward ticket to another destination may also be relevant. You should be prepared to demonstrate that your travel arrangements meet the requirements applicable to your visit.
If you are planning an open-ended trip, travelling overland to another country or using separate flight bookings, confirm the acceptable documentation with Tanzania Immigration and your airline before departure.
Do not assume that a visa grant notice removes the requirement to present a return ticket or meet other entry conditions.
FAQ
Quick answers about the Tanzania visa, fees, eVisa and entry rules.
The standard published fee for an ordinary visa is US$50. US passport holders travelling for tourism generally need a multiple-entry visa with a published fee of US$100. Check the current official fee schedule for your nationality.
Yes. Eligible travellers can apply through the official Tanzania eVisa portal. You must select the correct visa category, provide the requested information and wait for the decision.
Tanzania Immigration generally states a processing period of up to 10 days for online applications, excluding referral cases. Apply early because processing times can vary.
The published guidelines require at least six months of passport validity and at least one unused visa page when applying for a visa. Confirm that your passport meets all requirements before travelling.
Some nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival at designated entry points. Others must obtain approval in advance. Check your passport nationality against the official rules before departure.
Generally, no. A valid Tanzania visa covers eligible travel to both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during the same trip, subject to its conditions.
US passport holders travelling to Tanzania for tourism are generally required to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Confirm the current category and fee through Tanzania Immigration.
Follow the instructions in the official decision and contact Tanzania Immigration for clarification about your circumstances. Do not assume you can travel without the required authorisation.
For referral visa applicants, Immigration advises waiting for approval before starting the journey and cautions against making reservations before approval. Other travellers should also review the current official instructions and consider the risks of non-refundable bookings.
No. A visa grant notice is not final permission to enter. Immigration officers may assess your documents and eligibility at the point of entry.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Tanzania offers extraordinary travel experiences, from the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro trekking and Zanzibar’s Indian Ocean coastline. Checking your visa requirements early can help you prepare for your trip with fewer last-minute surprises.
Before travelling in 2026, confirm your nationality’s visa category, check passport validity, prepare the required documents and use the official Tanzania Immigration portal for applications and updates.
Explore Safari Best Tanzania’s destination guides to plan the rest of your journey, including Tanzania safaris, Kilimanjaro trekking and Zanzibar holidays.
Official resource: Tanzania Immigration eVisa Portal
This guide offers general information, not legal or immigration advice: visa rules, fees and processing times can change and depend on your nationality. Always confirm current requirements with Tanzania Immigration Services and your airline before travelling.
The Tanzania visa you need depends on your passport, and most travellers apply online through the official eVisa portal. This page explains Tanzania visa requirements, fees, processing times, visa on arrival and referral visas.
Check current rules, fees and entry requirements with these government and authority pages.
Continue planning with these Safari Best Tanzania guides.
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How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost in 2026? A Complete Price Guide
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