American travelers planning to visit Tanzania need to apply for a visa ahead of time. This is an easy process that can be done online.
Note that this guide does not take into account any additional, temporary requirements in place during the Covid pandemic. For the most up-to-date Covid requirements, visit the Tanzania embassy website.
- Visa needed for US citizens: Yes
- Visa types for US citizens: Multiple-entry tourist visa or transit visa
- Visa application: Online or on arrival
- Visa issued: Online or on arrival
- Cost: $10 for multiple-entry tourist visa or $30 for transit visa
- Timing: 2+ weeks in advance
- Length of validity: 12 months
- Max length of stay: 3 months for tourist visa, 7 days for transit visa
There is also an option to obtain a visa upon arrival if you find yourself traveling last minute, but it’s preferable to apply online whenever possible.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania only allows citizens of a few countries to visit without a visa, and the United States is not one of them. American travelers hoping to spend some time in Tanzania will need a visa. Passengers who are just transiting through Tanzania and are not leaving the airport are still also required to obtain a transit visa.
Tourism visas allow you to enter Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA); Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA); Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA); Tunduma border with Zambia; and Namanga border with Kenya.
What Types of Visas are Available for US Citizens?
Tanzania offers several different types of visas that American travelers should be aware of.
Multiple Entry Visa: American citizens can apply for the multiple-entry visa if they are arriving in Tanzania for tourism purposes. There is a single-entry or Ordinary Visa, but American citizens are ineligible for this visa. Multiple Entry Visas are valid for 12 consecutive months, but you cannot remain in Tanzania for longer than three months at a time.
Transit Visa: American travelers who plan to transit through the airport in Tanzania will need a transit visa. This visa is for foreign nationals transiting through Tanzania and on to another destination outside of the United Republic. This visa cannot be for a period exceeding seven days. When you apply for a transit visa, you may be required to show proof of your visa for the other destination and an onward flight ticket.
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa
You can apply for a Tanzania visa in one of two ways.
- Through the e-Visa portal. Be sure you use the official e-visa website only as any other service providers are not official visa services authorized by the Tanzania embassy.
- When you arrive in Tanzania. It’s recommended that you don’t risk it by hoping for a visa on arrival.
As of November 11, 2019, the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in Washington DC is no longer processing visas.
Required Documents and Information
If you plan to apply for your visa through the online portal, you’ll need:
- a copy of your passport (to enter Tanzania your passport will need to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and at least one blank visa page is required) and
- documentation on why you are visiting Tanzania. You will want to show proof of your hotel booking and plans for while you are in Tanzania.
- a copy of your return flight. You may or may not need to show proof. If you are applying for the transit visa, you will need proof of your onward ticket.
American travelers coming straight to Tanzania from the United States will not need a Yellow Fever certificate. However, if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever risk area, you will be required to get a vaccination first.
Cost
- $100 US for multiple-entry visa; the fee is the same whether you apply in advance or on arrival, though if you are applying on arrival, the embassy suggests you have cash with you in case there are connectivity issues and you can’t pay with a credit card.
- $30 for transit visa.
Timing
Visa applications through the e-Visa portal will take a minimum of 10 days in most cases. You should wait to start your trip to Tanzania until you receive the approval notice.
