Once you’ve booked your dream safari adventure in Tanzania with Africa Travel Bureau, the next essential step is obtaining your Tanzania Tourist Visa. Many travelers often ask, “How do I apply for a visa to Tanzania?” or “Should I apply online or on arrival?” The good news is that getting a Tanzania visa is a simple and efficient process — especially when guided by trusted experts like Africa Travel Bureau, who ensure your travel preparation is smooth from start to finish.
Most international travelers require a Tanzania visa to enter the country. Fortunately, the application process is simple and traveler-friendly. You can conveniently apply online through the official Tanzanian Government eVisa portal, which is the only legitimate and authorized website for all visa applications. The online system allows you to submit your documents, pay securely, and receive your visa approval electronically before you travel — making your entry into Tanzania fast and stress-free.
Alternatively, visitors can obtain a single-entry tourist or business visa on arrival at major ports of entry, including Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. This visa remains valid for up to three months and is ideal for short-term travelers exploring Tanzania’s national parks or engaging in brief business activities.
Travelers may be asked to present proof of return or onward travel, along with their passport valid for at least six months. The standard visa fee is USD 50 per person, while U.S. citizens pay USD 100 as per Tanzanian immigration regulations. Payments are accepted in U.S. dollars or via approved digital channels.
When you book your Tanzania safari or holiday with Africa Travel Bureau, our dedicated team provides comprehensive guidance through every step of your visa application, including document preparation and submission through the official government portal. Our goal is to ensure your entry into Tanzania is smooth, legal, and completely hassle-free, so you can focus on enjoying your unforgettable safari adventure across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
When planning your trip to Tanzania, there are two main visa options available to international travelers:
Tanzania eVisa (Online Application):
The Tanzanian Government now offers an advanced online eVisa system, designed to simplify the visa application process before you arrive. Travelers can apply, pay, and receive visa confirmation electronically, making entry into Tanzania fast and stress-free. The eVisa reflects Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to digitize and modernize its travel infrastructure.
Visa on Arrival:
For travelers who prefer in-person arrangements, a visa on arrival remains available at major entry points such as Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). While this option is convenient, it may involve longer waiting times due to queues at immigration counters.
To apply successfully, whether online or on arrival, ensure you have the following documents ready:
A valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity from the date of entry.
A recent passport-size photograph.
A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel.
A detailed travel itinerary or confirmation of hotel and safari bookings (Africa Travel Bureau provides this upon request).
Visa fee payment – typically USD 50 for most nationalities, and USD 100 for U.S. citizens.
Note: Travelers are advised to verify the latest visa regulations through official Tanzanian immigration sources or consult with Africa Travel Bureau for the most updated information before travel.
To apply successfully, whether online or on arrival, ensure you have the following documents ready:
A valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity from the date of entry.
A recent passport-size photograph.
A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel.
A detailed travel itinerary or confirmation of hotel and safari bookings (Africa Travel Bureau provides this upon request).
Visa fee payment – typically USD 50 for most nationalities, and USD 100 for U.S. citizens.
Note: Travelers are advised to verify the latest visa regulations through official Tanzanian immigration sources or consult with Africa Travel Bureau for the most updated information before travel.
The Tanzanian government strongly recommends using the official eVisa portal and for good reason. Applying online is straightforward and comes with several benefits:
Simple process – The application is user-friendly, and if you book with a trusted tour operator, you’ll usually receive a step-by-step guide to make it even easier.
Peace of mind – You’ll board your flight knowing your visa is already approved and paid for.
Faster arrival process – Once you land, you simply queue at the immigration counter to have your visa stamped and can head straight to baggage claim.
Important: Only apply through the official Tanzanian eVisa portal:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Avoid third-party websites as they often charge higher fees or worse, are scams. Many travelers have lost money by applying through unofficial websites.
Processing time: After submitting your application, allow up to 10 days for approval. Once approved, print your eVisa or keep a digital copy on your phone to present at immigration upon arrival.
If you’re unable or prefer not to apply online, you can still get your visa upon arrival in Tanzania (as of March 2024). The process is straightforward, though it involves a few extra steps — and a bit of that famous “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) African pace:
Complete the application form – This is handed to you at the airport. Bring a pen and have the address of your first lodge or hotel ready.
Submit your application – Hand in your completed form at the visa counter.
Pay the visa fee – Move to the payment counter, where you can pay in cash (USD or EUR) or by credit card.
Receive your visa – Head to a third counter where your visa will be stamped into your passport.
Collect your luggage – Once your visa is stamped, you’re free to collect your bags and begin your adventure.
💡 Tip: While the online visa process saves you time by requiring only one queue, sometimes the arrival queues for eVisa holders are actually longer than the three smaller queues for visa-on-arrival applicants. So depending on the day, you might even finish faster by applying on arrival.
When it comes to getting your Tanzania visa, the choice is completely yours — you can apply online or simply get your visa upon arrival. Most travelers prefer the online option because it provides peace of mind and ensures that everything is arranged before boarding the plane. If you choose to apply online, make sure you do so three to four weeks before traveling to allow enough time for processing or correcting any mistakes. Have a credit card ready for payment, and prepare the necessary documents, including a digital passport-size photo, a clear image of your passport’s biodata page (under 300 KB), and a PDF of your flight ticket (under 1 MB). Also, check that your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date. If children are traveling with only one parent, you must provide a notarized consent letter in English from the other parent and upload it during the application.
If you prefer to apply for your visa upon arrival, you can still do so without any issues. Just carry the visa fee in USD or EUR cash (or use a credit card if available), keep a pen handy to fill out the arrival form, and have the addresses of Tanzania Specialist and your first hotel ready. The good news is that no passport photo is required for the visa-on-arrival process. Similarly, if traveling with children and only one parent, bring a written consent letter in English from the other parent to present to immigration.
