Tanzania Entry Requirements 2026 — Visa, Passport & Customs

Quick Answer: What You Need to Enter Tanzania in 2026

All international travellers entering Tanzania must present a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and one blank visa page. Most nationalities require a tourist visa (e-visa or on-arrival) costing $50 USD (ordinary/single-entry) or $100 USD (multiple-entry, typically for US citizens). You must also carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from endemic countries, a return ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Children require their own passports and visas.

Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz (official portal only) at least 2 weeks before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or other designated entry points. COVID-19 restrictions have been fully lifted as of 2026.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Passport & Travel Document Requirements

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania. This rule applies to all nationalities and visa types. Immigration officers strictly enforce this requirement and will deny entry to travellers with insufficient validity. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned travel, apply for renewal well in advance through your national government office.

Your passport must also contain at least one completely blank page for the visa stamp. Some older passports have worn or marked blank pages that immigration officers may reject. Check your passport carefully before applying or purchasing flights.

Acceptable Travel Documents

Tanzania accepts the following travel documents:

• National passports (valid for 6+ months)
• Travel documents issued or endorsed by recognized international organizations
• Any other authorized travel document recognized by the Government of Tanzania

Sex marker requirement: Only passports with M (male) or F (female) sex markers are accepted for entry. If your passport uses different notation, contact the Embassy of Tanzania in Washington D.C. or your nearest Tanzanian embassy for clarification before travel.

Dual Citizenship & Tanzanian Nationals

Tanzania does not permit dual citizenship for adults. Tanzanian citizens living abroad are advised to carry a valid Tanzanian passport if they plan to return; foreign passports alone may not be accepted for re-entry. Children of Tanzanian parents born abroad can apply for Tanzanian citizenship documentation through the embassy.

Visa Requirements & Application

Do You Need a Visa?

Most international nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania, including citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries. A small number of countries (such as South Africa) are exempt from visa requirements, but should verify current status with the Tanzania Immigration Department.

Visa Types & Fees (2026)

Visa Type	Fee (USD)	Validity	Purpose	Entry Type
Ordinary/Single-Entry Tourist Visa	$50	Up to 90 days	Tourism, holiday, visiting friends/relatives, meetings	Single entry
Multiple-Entry Visa	$100	1 year (max 90 days per visit)	Tourism with multiple border crossings	Multiple entries
Transit Visa	$30	Up to 7 days	Passing through Tanzania to another country	Single entry
Business Visa	$250	Up to 90 days (max validity 90 days)	Work contract or assignment not exceeding 3 months	Single entry
Student Visa	Confirm on official portal	Duration of studies	Full-time study at Tanzanian institution	Varies

Note: US citizens typically require the Multiple-Entry Visa ($100) for tourism. Volunteer work is prohibited on a tourist visa; volunteers must obtain a Class "C" Residence Permit through the Tanzanian Immigration Services Department.

How to Apply for an E-Visa (Online)

Official portal: visa.immigration.go.tz/start (use ONLY this official link; scam sites exist).

Timeline: Allow 1–3 business days for approval. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to avoid delays.

Required documents:

• Copy of your valid passport (biographic data page)
• Return ticket or onward travel proof
• Completed online application form
• Visa fee payment (online, card accepted)
• Passport photo (coloured, plain background, full-face front view, 45 mm × 35 mm, max 500 KB, JPG/JPEG format)

Approval process: If approved, you receive a "grant notice" via email. Print this notice and present it to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the airport. The visa is then stamped in your passport.

Visa on Arrival

If you have not applied online, you can obtain a visa on arrival at these designated entry points:

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), near Arusha
• Other formal land and sea entry points

Requirements at arrival:

• Completed arrival declaration card (available at immigration desk)
• Valid passport
• Return ticket or onward travel proof
• Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
• Visa fee in USD cash (Series 2009 or newer bills with no tears or damage)

Payment: Most major airports accept card payments, but carry USD cash as backup in case of technical issues. The same fee structure applies as for e-visas.

Health Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination

Who Needs Yellow Fever Vaccination?

Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from countries where the disease is endemic, including during 12+ hour airport transits and layovers. Endemic countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. If you are arriving directly from a non-endemic country (e.g., Europe, North America, Australia), vaccination is not legally required but is still recommended for your health.

For detailed health guidance, see our full article on vaccinations and health rules for US travellers to Tanzania 2026 or vaccinations and health rules for British travellers to Tanzania 2026.

Yellow Fever Certificate Details

Your yellow fever vaccination must be recorded in the official WHO International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow booklet). Photocopies are not accepted; immigration requires the original physical document. The vaccination becomes effective 10 days after inoculation and remains valid for life. Carry this certificate in your carry-on luggage and present it upon arrival.

Medical Waivers

If you have a medical condition that prevents yellow fever vaccination, the Embassy of Tanzania may issue a waiver. Contact your nearest Tanzanian embassy well in advance (at least 4–6 weeks before travel) to request a waiver and understand the documentation required.

Customs: What You Can Bring Into Tanzania

Currency Restrictions

You may bring in and take out up to USD $10,000 without declaration. Amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared on both entry and exit. Non-resident foreign nationals may not import or export Tanzanian Shillings (TSH). Non-residents must pay game park fees and some transportation fees in foreign currency, though hotel bills may be paid in either currency or shillings.

Currency exchange: Banks, hotels, and authorized exchange bureaus are the only legal places to change money in Tanzania. Private currency transactions and black-market trading are illegal and prosecuted. You may take out up to USD $100 equivalent of Tanzanian Shillings without a permit from the Bank of Tanzania; currency exchange facilities are available at major airports.

Personal Items & Baggage

Standard personal items for tourism (clothing, toiletries, camera, laptop) are permitted duty-free. For detailed import regulations and prohibited items, consult the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) or the Tanzania Trade Portal. Keep receipts for expensive electronics in case customs asks about their origin.

Medications & Medical Supplies

Prescription medications for personal use are permitted if you carry original pharmacy labels and a doctor's letter stating the medication is for your personal use. Controlled substances and large quantities of over-the-counter drugs may be questioned; declare them upon arrival. Antimalarial prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, artemether-lumefantrine) is recommended for most of Tanzania and should be obtained before travel through a travel medicine clinic.

Drones & Electronics

Drones and professional video equipment may be subject to import restrictions or duties. Declare any drone or high-value electronics to customs on arrival. Check with the Tanzania Revenue Authority before bringing professional filming equipment, as permits may be required.

Prohibited Items

Tanzania prohibits or strictly regulates:

• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Firearms and ammunition (unless you have special authorization)
• Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, exotic skins)
• Counterfeit goods
• Large quantities of alcohol or tobacco (duty may apply)

Wildlife souvenirs made from protected species are illegal to export; penalties include fines and imprisonment. Purchase only certified, legal crafts and textiles.

Arrival Process: Step-by-Step

Before You Land

1. Complete the arrival declaration card (provided on your flight or available at immigration desk). Have your passport, visa grant notice (if e-visa), and return ticket ready.
2. Declare any currency over USD $10,000 on the customs declaration form if applicable.
3. Review health declarations (currently for yellow fever and COVID-19 exposure, per Tanzania Ministry of Health guidelines).

Immigration & Visa Processing

1. Present your passport and documents to the Immigration Officer. Have your completed arrival card, passport, e-visa grant notice (if applicable), return ticket, and proof of funds ready.
2. Show your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from an endemic country.
3. If applying for visa on arrival: Complete the form at the immigration desk, pay the fee in USD cash or card, and receive your visa stamp in 15–30 minutes (depending on queue length).
4. Confirm your permitted stay duration with the immigration officer. Tourist visas typically allow 90 days; the officer will stamp the valid dates in your passport.

Customs & Baggage

1. Proceed to customs and baggage claim. Present your completed customs declaration form if you are carrying currency over $10,000 or restricted items.
2. Officers may inspect baggage randomly. Be honest about prohibited or restricted items; attempting to smuggle wildlife products, drugs, or weapons will result in confiscation, fines, and criminal charges.
3. Collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall.

Entry Point Facilities

Major airports (DAR and JRO) have ATMs, currency exchange booths, SIM card vendors, and safari operator desks. If arriving outside business hours or at smaller entry points, have USD cash and contact your safari operator or accommodation in advance for pickup arrangements.

Departure Requirements

Before You Leave Tanzania

• Check your passport validity: Ensure it remains valid for the return journey. Immigration may refuse exit if validity is questioned.
• Currency declaration on exit: If you are taking out currency, declare amounts over USD $10,000 at the customs desk before check-in.
• Tanzanian Shilling export limit: You may take out up to USD $100 equivalent of Tanzanian Shillings without a permit; excess amounts require Bank of Tanzania authorization.
• Visa status: Ensure you have not overstayed your permitted duration. Overstaying without authorization results in fines, deportation, and bans on future entry.
• Wildlife souvenirs: Do not attempt to export any items made from protected species (ivory, rhino horn, exotic skins, corals). These are illegal and will be confiscated.

Visa Extensions

If you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days, contact the Tanzania Immigration Services Department before your permitted duration expires. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed; processing times vary. Do not overstay while waiting for an extension decision — contact local immigration immediately if your departure is delayed.

Travelling with Children to Tanzania

Passport & Visa Requirements for Minors

Children of all ages require their own passports and visas to enter Tanzania—they cannot be included on a parent's passport. Each child's passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date and contain at least one blank page. Apply for children's visas using the same e-visa portal or visa-on-arrival process as adults; the fee is the same.

Birth Certificates & Parental Consent

Parents or guardians must carry certified birth certificates for children to prove parentage and prevent child trafficking concerns. Single parents travelling alone with children should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent, stating that the child has permission to travel. This letter must be certified by a notary public or solicitor in your home country and presented upon request at immigration.

Yellow Fever Vaccination for Children

Children arriving from endemic countries must also present yellow fever vaccination certificates. Discuss yellow fever vaccination timing with your paediatrician or travel medicine clinic, as the vaccine is approved from 9 months of age (in some cases, earlier for high-risk areas). Antimalarial prophylaxis is also recommended for children; dosing is based on weight and age.

Practical Tips for Travelling with Children

• Apply for visas well in advance (at least 3 weeks) to avoid travel delays.
• Carry extra copies of birth certificates, passports, and consent letters in separate luggage.
• Pack child-appropriate medications, as availability of specific brands may be limited in Tanzania.
• Inform your safari operator in advance of children's ages and dietary requirements for lodge arrangements.
• Consider travel insurance that covers children and emergency evacuation.

Practical Arrival Tips & Common Mistakes

Documents to Carry in Your Carry-On Luggage

• Original passport (not a photocopy)
• E-visa grant notice (if applied online), printed in colour
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (original WHO booklet)
• Return ticket or booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation (hotel or safari lodge booking)
• Travel insurance policy (recommended)
• USD cash ($200–$500 for visa, tips, incidentals)
• Credit/debit card with PIN
• Copies of key documents stored separately or in cloud storage

Most Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Insufficient passport validity: Check expiration dates 6 months before travel. Renew early if needed.

2. Wrong visa portal: Use ONLY visa.immigration.go.tz; scam websites charge inflated fees and deliver fake approvals.

3. Blurry or non-compliant passport photos: Use a professional photo service or verify colour, background, size, and file format before uploading.

4. Missing blank pages: Passports with only marked or worn blank pages may be rejected. If in doubt, request a new passport or book-style extension before travel.

5. No yellow fever certificate: If arriving from endemic countries, customs will refuse entry without proof. Carry the original WHO booklet, not a photocopy.

6. Applying too late: E-visa approvals can arrive the day of departure or even mid-flight. Apply at least 2 weeks ahead.

7. Overstaying your visa: Fines, deportation, and future entry bans apply. Extend before expiry if needed.

What to Do If Your Documents Are Lost or Stolen

If your passport is lost, stolen, or expires during your stay in Tanzania, contact your country's embassy in Tanzania immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document (valid 1–3 months) to allow you to leave the country. Do not overstay your permitted period while waiting—contact local immigration to explain the situation. US citizens should contact the US Embassy in Tanzania; UK citizens should contact the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari

Once you have secured your visa and confirmed your health requirements, begin planning your safari itinerary. Tanzania offers world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and the Southern Circuit parks. If you are combining Tanzania with Zanzibar, confirm that your multiple-entry visa allows re-entry to mainland Tanzania after island visits.

You can compare safari packages, lodges, and tour operators on SafariFind to find options that suit your budget and interests. For guidance on booking a multi-day safari in Tanzania online, or understanding how much a Tanzania safari typically costs, consult our detailed guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, most international nationalities—including US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens—require a visa to enter Tanzania. A small number of countries (such as South Africa) are visa-exempt; verify your nationality's status with the Tanzania Immigration Department. Tourist visas cost $50 (single-entry) or $100 (multiple-entry) and can be applied for online or on arrival.

How long is my passport valid for Tanzania entry?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania. It must also contain at least one blank page for the visa stamp. If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, apply for renewal before booking your flights.

How much does a Tanzania visa cost in 2026?

Tourist visas cost $50 USD for single-entry (valid up to 90 days) or $100 USD for multiple-entry (valid 1 year, max 90 days per visit). US citizens typically require the multiple-entry visa. Business visas cost $250, and transit visas cost $30. Fees are the same whether you apply online or on arrival.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Tanzania?

Yes, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points including Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha. Have a completed application form, your passport, return ticket, proof of funds, and USD cash (Series 2009 or newer, no tears). Processing takes 15–30 minutes depending on queue length.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania?

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country where the disease is endemic, including during transits lasting 12+ hours. Endemic countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. If arriving directly from a non-endemic country (e.g., Europe, North America, Australia), vaccination is not legally required but is still recommended. Carry your original WHO vaccination certificate.

What documents do I need to apply for a Tanzania e-visa online?

You need a copy of your passport's biographic data page, a return ticket, a completed online application form, a compliant passport photo (coloured, plain background, 45 mm × 35 mm, max 500 KB, JPG/JPEG), and the visa fee paid online via card. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz/start at least 2 weeks before travel. Approval typically takes 1–3 business days.

How much currency can I bring into Tanzania?

You may bring in and take out up to USD $10,000 without declaration. Amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared on both entry and exit. Non-resident foreign nationals may not import or export Tanzanian Shillings. You may take out up to USD $100 equivalent of shillings without a permit; currency exchange facilities are available at major airports.

Do children need their own passports and visas for Tanzania?

Yes, children of all ages require their own passports and visas—they cannot be included on a parent's passport. Each child's passport must be valid for 6+ months and have at least one blank page. Apply for children's visas using the same e-visa portal or visa-on-arrival process; the fee is the same as for adults. Carry certified birth certificates and, if applicable, parental consent letters.

What is the official Tanzania e-visa portal?

The official portal is visa.immigration.go.tz/start. Use ONLY this government link; scam websites exist that charge inflated fees and deliver fake approvals. Read the official guidelines at visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines before applying.

What happens if I overstay my Tanzania visa?

Overstaying without authorization results in fines, deportation, and bans on future entry to Tanzania. If your departure is delayed, contact the Tanzania Immigration Services Department before your permitted duration expires to request an extension. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed.

Can I bring a drone into Tanzania?

Drones and professional video equipment may be subject to import restrictions or duties. Declare any drone to customs on arrival. Check with the Tanzania Revenue Authority before bringing professional filming equipment, as permits may be required for commercial use.

How do I apply for a Tanzania visa from the US?

US citizens can apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz/start for an e-visa (typically $100 for multiple-entry) at least 2 weeks before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro airports. For detailed guidance, see our article on Tanzania visa requirements for American citizens 2026.