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Tanzania Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations: Everything You Need to Know (Including Zanzibar)

Tanzania visa requirements

Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re heading off on safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, sorting out your visa and entry requirements ahead of time will make your journey smoother. This comprehensive guide about Tanzania visa requirements covers everything you need to know, including visa types, e-visa vs visa on arrival, entry requirements for Zanzibar, and the new travel insurance rule for international visitors.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Tanzania?

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania visa requirements vary depending on your nationality:

  • Visa-exempt countries: A small number of countries, mostly in East and Southern Africa, are visa-free for short stays. These include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Visa on arrival: Citizens of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations can obtain a visa upon arrival.
  • E-visa: Recommended for most travelers to avoid airport queues and speed up the process.

To verify the rules for your country, visit the official Tanzania Immigration Services website.

Tanzania Visa Types Explained

Here’s a breakdown of common visa types for travelers:

  • Single-entry tourist visa: Valid for up to 90 days, this is the standard choice for most travelers.
  • Multiple-entry visa: Best if you plan to exit and re-enter Tanzania, such as after a trip to Kenya or Rwanda.
  • Business visa: For attending conferences, meetings, or short-term business activities.
  • Transit visa: For those transiting through Tanzania for up to 7 days.
  • Gratis visa: Issued free of charge to diplomatic or official passport holders in certain categories.

How to Apply for a Tanzania E-Visa

If you’re eligible, applying for an e-visa online before travel is the most convenient option. Here’s how:

  1. Go to visa.immigration.go.tz
  2. Complete the application form
  3. Upload required documents (passport, photo, travel details)
  4. Pay the visa fee online
  5. Wait for confirmation (processing takes 3–10 business days)

Once approved, print or save a copy of your e-visa to present upon arrival.

Getting a Visa on Arrival

You can also get a visa when you land at major ports of entry, including:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
  • Land border crossings (e.g. from Kenya or Zambia)

You’ll need:

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • $50–100 USD in cash (depending on your nationality)
  • A return or onward ticket
  • Accommodation details

Note: Wait times at immigration can be long, especially at peak travel times. The e-visa helps speed things up.

What About Zanzibar?

Although Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, you do not need a separate visa. Your Tanzanian visa—whether e-visa or visa on arrival—is valid for both the mainland and Zanzibar.

That said, Zanzibar has introduced an additional entry requirement for international travelers:

Zanzibar’s Mandatory Travel Insurance

As of recent updates, all travelers arriving in Zanzibar must have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay.

You can either:

  • Purchase travel insurance from a recognized provider before your trip, making sure it covers Zanzibar and meets local requirements, or
  • Buy Zanzibar-specific coverage via the Zanzibar government portal

It’s best to have your insurance documents printed or accessible on your phone, as they may be checked during entry procedures at the airport or ferry terminal.

Zanzibar-bound travelers arriving from abroad or from the mainland by ferry or domestic flight should carry all usual documents, including passport, visa, and proof of insurance.

Extending Your Visa

If you decide to stay longer than expected, it’s possible to apply for a visa extension at immigration offices in:

  • Dar es Salaam
  • Arusha
  • Zanzibar Town

You’ll typically need to show a valid reason and supporting documents. Extensions are usually granted in 30-day increments, up to 90 days total.

Can I Volunteer or Work in Tanzania?

Working, volunteering, or interning—even unpaid—requires a Class C residence permit or work permit. These permits are generally arranged by your host organization or employer and must be approved before arrival.

Entering Tanzania on a tourist visa and engaging in work or volunteer activity is not permitted and may result in fines or deportation.

Entry Checklist: What You Need to Bring

Here’s a summary of what to prepare for a smooth arrival in Tanzania:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Printed e-visa approval (or $50–100 USD cash for visa on arrival)
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for Zanzibar)
  • Yellow fever certificate if arriving from or transiting through a high-risk country

Travel Tips for a Smooth Entry

  • Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your e-visa.
  • Bring USD in small denominations: Especially if you’re paying for a visa on arrival.
  • Avoid peak arrival times when possible to reduce wait time at immigration.
  • Keep your travel insurance and visa documents handy, especially when traveling between the mainland and Zanzibar.

Final Thoughts

Sorting out your visa and travel documents is a crucial step in planning your trip to Tanzania. Whether you’re starting in Dar es Salaam, heading off on safari from Arusha, or flying directly into Zanzibar, having your paperwork in order to comply with Tanzania visa requirements will ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your adventure.

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