Preparing a trip to Tanzania does not involve much paperwork, but some steps are essential: without a visa and a valid passport, you may be refused boarding. And since 1 October 2026, a mandatory travel insurance is also required to enter the mainland, as Zanzibar has required since 2024.
Here is everything you need to know about the Tanzania visa and entry requirements, with links to the official sites so you can apply without intermediaries.
Check before you travel: rules and fees can change. Always check the official sites listed in this guide a few weeks before your trip.
Tanzania visa: the essentials
Most travellers need a Tanzania visa: the ordinary tourist visa costs USD 50 for up to 90 days (USD 100 multiple-entry for US citizens) and is best obtained online on the official e-visa portal. You also need a passport valid for 6 months, the mandatory USD 44 inbound insurance, and possibly a yellow fever certificate.
Your Tanzania document checklist
Before you leave
- Passport valid 6 months after arrival
- Approved e-visa, printed and on your phone
- Mandatory inbound insurance certificate
- Return or onward flight ticket
Depending on your trip
- International vaccination certificate (yellow fever)
- Your own comprehensive travel insurance
- Recent US dollar notes for expenses
- No plastic bags in your luggage
Passport: at least 6 months' validity
Tanzanian authorities require a passport valid for more than 6 months from your date of arrival in Tanzania, not from your return date. Also keep a few blank pages for stamps. If your passport expires soon, renew it before applying for your visa: the visa is linked to your passport number.
Which visa do you need for Tanzania?
| Type of visa | Price | Validity | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Most common | USD 50 | Up to 90 days | Safari, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar: most travellers |
| Multiple-entry | USD 100 | 1 year | Mandatory for US passport holders |
| Business | USD 250 | Depending on the application | Business travel |
The Tanzanian visa covers both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Note that Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa shared by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, so to combine Kenya and Tanzania you need two separate visas.
How to apply for the Tanzania e-visa, step by step
- Go to the official websiteStep 1
Apply on the official Tanzanian immigration portal. Beware of intermediary sites that look like the official one and charge extra fees.
- Fill in the formStep 2
Identity, passport, travel dates and address of your first accommodation, spelled exactly as in your passport.
- Upload your documentsStep 3
A recent passport photo, a scan of your passport's photo page and your return ticket.
- Pay onlineStep 4
By card. Then keep your application number to track its progress.
- Receive your approvalStep 5
Finally, the "Grant Notice" arrives by email. Print it and keep a copy on your phone for arrival.
Our tip: apply at least two to three weeks before departure, and check the length of stay granted on your visa at immigration.
Visa on arrival: possible, but less convenient
You can get a visa on arrival at the international airports of Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Payment is by card or cash, but be careful: only recent US dollar notes are accepted, and change is not always given. After a long flight, the e-visa saves you the queue.
The mandatory travel insurance: mainland and Zanzibar
Since 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania must hold the official inbound insurance of the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), even if they already have travel insurance. It costs USD 44 per adult, with a 50% discount for children aged 3 to 17 and free cover for under-3s. Zanzibar has required its own insurance since October 2024.
Arriving on the mainland first
Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Arusha or a land border: buy the NIC policy on the official NIC portal.
Arriving in Zanzibar first
Buy the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation policy on the official Zanzibar portal, which gives you a QR code.
Neither policy replaces your own comprehensive travel insurance. Everything is explained in detail in our guide to the Tanzania mandatory travel insurance.
Health and vaccines for Tanzania
Yellow fever
Required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country at risk. Because rules are applied inconsistently, carrying your vaccination certificate can avoid problems at the airport.
Routine vaccines up to date
Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough and measles. Other vaccines, such as hepatitis A or typhoid, are often recommended.
Malaria
Present in much of the country, including Zanzibar. Preventive medication and protection against mosquitoes are recommended.
Dengue and mosquitoes
Repellent, long sleeves in the evening and a mosquito net are the best protection against mosquito-borne diseases.
See a travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure
Only a doctor or travel clinic can advise you based on your age, health and itinerary. See the recommendations of the CDC for Tanzania or your national health authority.
Other rules to know before entering Tanzania
Plastic bags banned
Their import has been banned since 2019, Zanzibar included. Leave them at home, including duty-free bags.
Your own travel insurance
Choose one with medical costs and repatriation. For Kilimanjaro, check that it covers high-altitude trekking: see our Kilimanjaro guide.
US dollars
Bring recent notes in good condition: older notes are often refused.
Drones
Their use requires prior authorisation, and they are banned in national parks without a permit.
Official links for your applications
Always apply on official sites: they are cheaper than intermediaries and always up to date.
- VisaTanzania Immigration: e-visaThe only official portal to apply for your visa online.
- MainlandNIC inbound insuranceThe mandatory insurance for Mainland Tanzania.
- ZanzibarZanzibar official insuranceIf you arrive first in Zanzibar.
- United KingdomGOV.UK: Tanzania entry requirementsOfficial travel advice for British travellers.
- United StatesUS State Department: TanzaniaOfficial information for American travellers.
- HealthCDC: travelling to TanzaniaVaccines, malaria and health risks.
Tanzania visa: FAQ
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most travellers, including British, American, Canadian, Australian and European citizens, need a visa. The easiest option is to apply online on the official Tanzanian immigration portal before departure.
How much is a Tanzania visa?
The ordinary tourist visa costs USD 50 and allows a stay of up to 90 days. US citizens must take a multiple-entry visa at USD 100.
How far in advance should I apply for the e-visa?
Processing usually takes a few working days. Apply at least two to three weeks before departure to be on the safe side.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Tanzania?
It is possible at the main international airports, including Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. However, the e-visa remains recommended to avoid queues and surprises.
Is the yellow fever vaccine mandatory?
It is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country at risk. Because rules are sometimes applied inconsistently, carrying your international vaccination certificate can avoid problems at the airport. Ask a travel clinic for advice.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Tanzania?
Yes. Since 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania need the official NIC inbound insurance (USD 44 per adult). Zanzibar has had its own mandatory insurance since October 2024. Which one you need depends on your first point of entry.
