Administrative preparation is an essential step for any trip. For Tanzania, a visa and a valid passport are required. Planning ahead will save you many headaches and allow you to start your safari with peace of mind. Here is a complete guide to help you prepare all your travel documents.
Visa for Tanzania
A tourist visa is required to enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar. It can be obtained in two main ways:
1. e-Visa (recommended)
The easiest and safest way to obtain your visa is to apply online before your departure via the official Tanzanian government website. The process is fast and allows you to arrive at the border with an already approved visa. It is highly recommended to obtain it before departure to avoid long queues upon arrival.
2. Visa on arrival
It is still possible to obtain a visa upon arrival at the international airports of Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. However, the process can be long, especially if several flights arrive at the same time. You will need to fill out a form and pay the fees on-site. It is best to have a sufficient budget, as payment methods are not always reliable.
Note that visa fees should be included in your safari budget.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least **six months after your return date** to France (or your country of residence). Make sure to check your passport's expiration date well before booking your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
Other Formalities to Consider
- Return ticket: Tanzanian authorities may ask you to present your return flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation: Rarely requested, but it is always good to have a copy of your first night's hotel confirmation on hand.
- Yellow fever certificate: This vaccine is mandatory if you arrive from a risk country or have transited through an airport in a risk country. For more information, check our article on health during a safari.
