Travelers planning to visit Tanzania must ensure they meet the country's entry requirements, which include a valid passport, a tourist visa, and entry insurance. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date and have a blank page for the immigration stamp. The tourist visa can be obtained online through the official Tanzania Immigration portal or upon arrival at select airports. The visa fee is $50 for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days, although US citizens must purchase a multiple-entry visa for $100.
The visa application process can be done online through the official Tanzania Immigration portal, where applicants upload a passport photo, passport bio page, and return or onward ticket, and pay the visa fee online. It's recommended to apply early, as a rejected photo or missing document can cause delays. The official portal states that applications are processed within ten days, so it's advised to apply at least two weeks before travel. If the eVisa is not received by the time of travel, applicants can bring the proof of payment and application confirmation, which can be processed on the spot at Zanzibar airport.
Travelers arriving in Tanzania must also have entry insurance, which varies depending on the point of entry. From October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, sea, or land will need Inbound Travel Insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). The insurance costs $44 per person and is valid for up to 92 days, covering multiple entries. Travelers entering Zanzibar first will need to purchase insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), which costs $44 per adult and is valid for up to 92 days.
The insurance requirements differ for travelers entering mainland Tanzania and those entering Zanzibar first. Travelers who enter mainland Tanzania first and then travel to Zanzibar will not need to purchase ZIC insurance. However, those who enter Zanzibar first will need to purchase ZIC insurance, which can be bought online before arrival or upon arrival. The ZIC insurance policy provides limited medical cover, and travelers are advised to also have their own travel insurance.
Yellow fever vaccination is only required for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow-fever risk. Travelers arriving directly from Europe, the UK, or Australia do not need a yellow-fever certificate. However, if the route touches a risk country, including a long layover in Nairobi or Addis Ababa, border staff may request the certificate. A 2016 Swiss medical study documented a fine of approximately $80 for arriving without the certificate.
Travelers should also be aware of specific requirements based on their nationality. For example, US citizens must purchase a multiple-entry visa for $100, valid for 12 months. Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland require a visa, and travelers from these countries should check the Auswärtiges Amt advisory before traveling. UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand citizens are eligible for the standard $50 single-entry visa.
In summary, travelers to Tanzania must ensure they meet the entry requirements, including a valid passport, tourist visa, and entry insurance, and be aware of specific regulations depending on their nationality and point of entry. It's essential to apply for the visa and insurance in advance and to have the necessary documentation to avoid delays or fines upon arrival.
Key points
- Travelers to Tanzania require a valid passport, tourist visa, and entry insurance, with varying regulations depending on nationality and point of entry.
- The visa application process can be done online through the official Tanzania Immigration portal.
- Travelers should be aware of specific requirements based on their nationality, including US citizens requiring a multiple-entry visa for $100.
