Check whether your passport normally needs a Tanzania eVisa, visa on arrival, referral visa approval, or no visa. This page also explains ordinary tourist visas, multiple-entry visas, business visas, transit visas, student visas, fees, documents and Zanzibar entry notes.
The right Tanzania visa depends on nationality, passport type, travel purpose, length of stay and whether the traveler is visiting Mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, or both.
For tourism, holidays, visiting friends/family, meetings, workshops or short non-work visits. Ordinary visa fee is usually USD 50 and validity may be up to 90 days. USA passport holders visiting for tourism must apply for Multiple Entry Visa instead.
Required for U.S. passport holders visiting for holiday/tourism. Also used for eligible directors, consultants, spouses/family visits and other approved repeat-entry reasons. Fee is usually USD 100 and validity may be up to 12 months, with max 90 days per visit.
For short professional or commercial assignments not exceeding 90 days, such as meetings, technical work, audits, feasibility studies or investment arrangements. Fee is usually USD 250.
For travelers passing through Tanzania to another country. It is not for tourism and is issued for a period not exceeding seven days. Fee is usually USD 30.
For study, research, internship, volunteering, exchange programs or academic purposes. Fees vary by duration and category.
For diplomatic, service, official passport holders or recognized international organization travel where applicable.
Use the country lists below to classify travelers into visa-free, eVisa/visa-on-arrival, or referral/special-clearance categories. Always verify the latest official list before payment or travel because Tanzania Immigration says rules may change.
Nationals listed in the official visa-free list do not normally need to apply for a visa for short entry, subject to standard entry conditions.
Listed nationals are generally eligible for both online visa and visa on arrival, though online application is recommended to reduce arrival delays.
Referral-category nationals cannot rely on visa on arrival. They should apply online or obtain approval and wait for approval before travel. Tanzania Referral Visa
Official visa-free list wording includes some territories and older spellings. Travelers should check passport type and current official rules before departure.
The official guideline says nationals in this list are eligible for both online visa and on-arrival visa facilities. Online application is still recommended. Referral-category updates can override old lists, so verify if your country appears in more than one list.
Referral visa applicants require special clearance and should apply online at least two months before travel. Do not book flights or non-refundable travel until approval is issued. This combined practical list reflects official referral guidance, no-visa-on-arrival guidance, and specific eligibility PDF wording; where lists differ, verify with Tanzania Immigration before travel.
The official Tanzania eVisa system allows foreign citizens to apply online for travel to the United Republic of Tanzania, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
Most travelers who are not visa-exempt can apply online for the correct Tanzania visa type before travel.
These travelers may apply online or obtain visa at an official entry point, but eVisa is recommended.
For tourism/holiday, U.S. citizens must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, not ordinary tourist visa.
Referral applicants must apply online or get special approval and wait for approval before travel.
Fees below follow official guideline amounts for common visa types. Final charges may vary by category, payment channel or service assistance.
| Visa type | Who needs it | Validity / stay | Typical official fee | Core documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary / Single Entry Visa | Tourists and short visitors except U.S. tourism passport holders | Up to 90 days | USD 50 | Passport bio page, photo, return ticket, application form, fee payment |
| Multiple Entry Visa | U.S. tourists, eligible repeat visitors, directors, consultants, family visit categories | Up to 12 months validity; max 90 days per visit | USD 100 | Passport, photo, return ticket, category support documents |
| Business Visa | Short lawful business assignments not exceeding 90 days | Single entry, up to 90 days | USD 250 | Passport, return ticket, proof of assignment/work, fee payment |
| Transit Visa | Passing through Tanzania to another country | Not exceeding 7 days | USD 30 | Passport, onward ticket, destination visa where required |
| Student Visa | Study, research, internship, volunteering or exchange programs | Depends on course duration | USD 50 / 250 / 300 / 550 depending on category | Passport, host institution letter, open return ticket, fee payment |
| Gratis Visa | Diplomatic/official/service passport and special official cases | Official-purpose entry | Gratis | Official travel documents and supporting mission/institution letters |
Use a clean, consistent application to avoid delays. Check nationality first, then choose the right visa type.
Identify whether your passport is visa-free, eVisa/VOA, or referral/special clearance.
Select ordinary, multiple, business, transit, student or other category. Wrong visa type can lead to rejection.
Passport valid at least six months, unused visa page, photo, return/onward ticket, itinerary, hotel/invitation and special documents where required.
Complete the official online form, upload documents and pay by Visa or Mastercard where available.
Track the status online. Do not travel before approval where approval is required, especially for referral cases.
Entry clearance is made by immigration officers at the point of entry. A Visa Grant Notice is not the final authority to enter Tanzania.
Major entry points include Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.
Travelers visiting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar should select their first destination on the visa form; one approved Tanzania visa can cover both.
Carry printed visa approval, passport, hotel or invitation, return/onward ticket and health documents where required. Land borders can take longer.
Use these keyword pages for deeper Tanzania visa requirements, eVisa, fees and application support.
Quick answers about eVisa, visa on arrival, referral visa and Tanzania entry planning.
Most visa-required foreign citizens can apply online before travel. Visa-free nationals normally do not need a visa, while referral-category nationals need prior approval and should apply well in advance.
Nationals listed by Tanzania Immigration as eligible for both online and on-arrival facilities may use visa on arrival at official entry points. Online application is recommended.
Referral visa nationals, refugees and stateless persons require special clearance before arrival. They must apply online or obtain approval and should not rely on visa on arrival.
For tourism or holiday, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa rather than an Ordinary Visa.
Yes, where the visa is valid and conditions are met. If visiting both, select the first destination on the application form.
Validity is the period during which the visa can be used. Duration of stay is how long you may remain after entry. Track your permitted stay carefully.
Confirm whether your nationality is visa-free, eVisa/visa-on-arrival eligible, or referral/special-clearance before paying for flights or hotels.