Tanzania Tourist Visa: E-Visa for Safari and Zanzibar
Apply for your Tanzania e-visa before your safari or Zanzibar trip. Covers e-visa application, visa on arrival, required documents, yellow fever vaccination, and tips for entering through Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports.
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Visa Types and Eligibility
Apply for the single-entry tourist e-visa online
Most nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. The single-entry tourist visa costs 50 USD and allows a stay of up to 90 days. US citizens pay 100 USD for a multiple-entry visa (single-entry is not available for US nationals). Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz at least 2 weeks before travel.
Choose between e-visa and visa on arrival
Tanzania offers both e-visa and visa on arrival. The e-visa is processed online before travel and speeds up airport entry. Visa on arrival is available at major airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar) and some land borders for the same fee. E-visa is recommended to avoid long airport queues during peak safari season from June through October.
Confirm you have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if required
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. This includes Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and most of West and Central Africa. The vaccination must be given at least 10 days before arrival. Without the certificate, you may be vaccinated at the port of entry or denied entry.
E-Visa Application Process
Apply at the official Tanzania Immigration e-visa portal
The official portal is visa.immigration.go.tz. Create an account with your email and complete the online form. The application takes 15-20 minutes. Have your passport scan, digital passport photo, return flight booking, and accommodation details ready. The system times out after inactivity so have all documents prepared before starting.
Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan
The passport photo must be JPEG format, white background, under 1 MB. The passport bio page scan must be in PDF or JPEG format, clearly showing your photo, name, passport number, and expiration date. The passport must have at least 6 months validity from entry and at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
Upload a cover letter and travel itinerary
The cover letter is a brief statement of your travel purpose, dates, and accommodation details. A simple paragraph is sufficient. The travel itinerary should list your planned destinations, safari details, and accommodation for each night. If traveling with a tour operator, their confirmation letter serves as both the cover letter and itinerary.
Pay the visa fee online and wait 5-10 business days for approval
Payment is via credit or debit card. US citizens pay 100 USD (multiple entry). All other nationalities pay 50 USD (single entry). Processing takes 5-10 business days, though some applications take up to 3 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel. The approved e-visa is emailed as a PDF. Print two copies.
At the Border
Present your e-visa printout and passport at immigration
Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Abeid Amani Karume Airport (Zanzibar) handle most international arrivals. Immigration processing with an approved e-visa takes 10-20 minutes. Visa on arrival processing takes 30-60 minutes during peak season. Biometric data (fingerprints) are collected at entry.
Show your yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Health officials at the airport check vaccination certificates before immigration. If you transited through a yellow fever country (even for a layover), you need the certificate. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must show the yellow fever vaccination with the date administered. Without it, you face vaccination at the airport or denial of entry.
Fill out the arrival card and customs declaration
Arrival cards are available on the flight or at the airport. The form requests your accommodation details, purpose of visit, and next destination. Declare cash above 10,000 USD equivalent. Tanzania prohibits importing plastic bags (single-use bags are banned). Remove all plastic bags from your luggage before arrival. Reusable bags and ziplock bags are permitted.
Zanzibar-Specific Entry
Note that Zanzibar has its own immigration controls
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania with its own immigration procedures. Flights from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar do not require additional immigration clearance. International flights arriving directly in Zanzibar process visas at Abeid Amani Karume Airport. Your Tanzania visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town, villages, and markets. Swimwear is appropriate only at resort beaches. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in public areas outside of tourist restaurants.
Practical Tips
Exchange money at banks or use ATMs in major cities
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the local currency. As of 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 2,600-2,700 TZS. Safari operators, hotels, and Zanzibar activities are typically priced in USD. Local restaurants, markets, and transport use shillings. ATMs in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Stone Town dispense both USD and TZS. Carry USD in small bills for tips and park fees.
Get a local SIM card for data and communication
Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo sell prepaid SIM cards at airports and phone shops. A SIM with 5-15 GB of data costs 10,000-30,000 TZS (4-12 USD) for 30 days. Registration requires your passport. Coverage is good in cities and tourist areas. Safari parks have limited to no coverage except at lodges with their own satellite internet.
Tip safari guides and lodge staff in USD or TZS
Tipping is customary in Tanzania's tourism industry. Safari guides receive 15-25 USD per day per vehicle. Camp and lodge staff receive 10-15 USD per day shared among the team. Zanzibar tour guides receive 5-10 USD per half day. Tip in USD or equivalent TZS. Carry small USD bills (1s and 5s) for tipping throughout your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tanzania e-visa take to process?
The official processing time is 5-10 business days, but some applications take 2-3 weeks, especially during peak safari season from June through October. Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date. Visa on arrival is available as a backup if your e-visa is not approved in time, but airport queues can be long during busy periods.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and most of West and Central Africa. Even a brief airport transit in these countries triggers the requirement. If flying directly from a non-endemic country (US, UK, EU), the vaccine is not required but is recommended by the WHO.
Can I visit both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar on one visa?
A single Tanzania visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar. No additional visa or permit is needed to travel between the two. Flights from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar are domestic flights with no immigration clearance. International flights arriving directly in Zanzibar process the standard Tanzania visa at the Zanzibar airport.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Budget camping safaris start at 150-250 USD per person per day. Mid-range lodge safaris cost 300-500 USD per person per day. Luxury lodge safaris range from 500-1,500 USD per person per day. These prices typically include accommodation, meals, park fees, a vehicle, and a guide. A 5-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari averages 1,500-3,500 USD per person at mid-range level.