Tourists from most countries need to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania – this can be purchased online or on arrival at the local international airport. Both options cost the same: 50 usd.

Visa

Travellers from the vast majority of countries can purchase a visa on arrival or online atvisa.immigration.go.tz.

How much does a visa for Tanzania cost?

The price is the same for all eligible countries and amounts to 50 usd.

You can also pay in euros, but at a 1:1 exchange rate, i.e. 50 eur, which is not good value.

How do I pay for a visa to Tanzania?

There are two equally valid options:

1. Online in advance (before you leave for Tanzania) – complete the application only via the official websitevisa.immigration.go.tz
   1. To complete the application, you’ll need to have your passport to hand; take a photo of it and upload it with your application
   2. I was unable to make the payment on either of my attempts to complete the application online
   3. Upon arrival in Tanzania, go straight to the immigration officer with a printed copy of your payment confirmation
2. Upon arrival at any international airport or land border crossing
   1. you must first go to the counter to pay for your visa – you can pay in cash (50 usd / 50 eur / 125 000 tzs) or by card. However, we recommend carrying cash with you in case card payments do not work. At international airports, cash machines are only located in the public area, so make sure you buy dollars before you fly to Tanzania
   2. You will then take your payment receipt to the immigration officer, who will issue your visa in the form of a stamp in your passport

How long is the visa valid for?

A tourist visa is valid for 90 days and is a single-entry visa.

If you wish to visit Tanzania twice (for example, if you travel to Kenya and then return to Tanzania), you must purchase a new visa for an additional 50 usd.

Which countries require a visa?

Travellers from most countries worldwide must apply for a visa online or on arrival for 50 usd.

Citizens of certain countries must even obtain a visa from the embassy before travelling – this applies, for example, to citizens of the following countries: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria and others.

Countries with visa-free travel

Citizens of these countries do not have to pay for a visa at all. Upon arrival in Tanzania, they will receive a stamp in their passport free of charge.

• Africa– Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, eSwatini, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Asia– Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Macau, Singapore
• Europe– Cyprus, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Malta, Romania
• North America– Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South America– Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago
• Oceania– Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Check flight prices to Tanzania

Filling in the arrival card

Usually whilst you are still on the plane, the cabin crew will hand out paper arrival cards on which you must fill in your personal details and the name and address of the first hotel where you will be staying in Tanzania.

If you do not receive an arrival card on the plane, you can fill one in at the border crossing, where there are always plenty available.

It is not yet possible to complete the arrival card for Tanzania electronically.

Compulsory insurance for Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania

If you are travelling to the island of Zanzibar, in addition to a visa, you must also purchase compulsory local health insurance.

From 1 October 2026, local insurance will also be compulsory when travelling to mainland Tanzania, although it must be taken out with a different insurer to that required for Zanzibar.

How much does the insurance cost?

Insurance for both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania costs 44 usd.

How do I pay for the insurance?

As with a visa, you have two options:

1. Online before travelling to Tanzania
   • I’m travelling to Zanzibar -> the official websitevisitzanzibar.go.tz; simply show your QR code on arrival
   • I’m travelling to mainland Tanzania (e.g. Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam) -> the official websiteinbound.nicinsurance.co.tz; upon arrival, simply show your QR code
2. Upon arrival at Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports, or at a port or border crossing – payment can be made in cash in US dollars, euros or Tanzanian shillings, or by card

Customs regulations

Tanzanian customs regulations prohibit the export (as well as the transit and import) of items derived from wild animals (trophies, ivory or leather products). A special permit is required to export such items.