Tanzania Tourist Visa
Multiple Entry Visa · For United States citizens
Planning a safari adventure or Kilimanjaro trek as an American citizen? You need a Multiple Entry Visa to visit Tanzania. The good news: it costs $100, can be applied for online or on arrival, and approval rates exceed 95%. Your visa is valid for 12 months, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each. With straightforward requirements and no interview needed, the process is simple.
Tanzania Tourist Visa for US Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Tanzania
A recent colored passport-style photograph
Clear scan or photo of your passport's biographical data page
Proof of return or onward travel from Tanzania
Valid payment method for the $100 visa fee
Recommended (Optional)
International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever
Information about where you will stay in Tanzania
What is the Tanzania Tourist Visa?
The Multiple Entry Visa is the required travel authorization for US citizens visiting Tanzania.1 Unlike citizens of many other countries who can apply for an Ordinary Visa at $50, Americans must obtain the Multiple Entry Visa at $100 due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and the United States.2
This visa allows you to visit Tanzania for tourism, visiting friends and family, attending conferences, or transit purposes.2 It covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar with a single visa.2
Application Process
You have two options for obtaining your Tanzania visa: apply online before travel (recommended) or obtain it on arrival.2
Option 1: Online E-Visa Application (Recommended)
1. Visit the Official Portal
Go to visa.immigration.go.tz and create an account using your email address.1 You will receive an Application ID to track your application.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.1 Select “Multiple Entry Visa” as your visa type and “Holiday/Tourism” as your purpose. If visiting both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, select your first destination.2
3. Upload Required Documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio-data page and a passport-sized photograph meeting the specifications.2 Ensure files are in JPG or JPEG format and under 500KB.
4. Pay the Fee
Pay the $100 visa fee using Visa or Mastercard.2 You will receive a confirmation notification after successful payment.
5. Wait for Approval
Applications are processed within 10 working days.2 You will receive a Visa Grant Notice via email once approved. Print this notice or save it on your phone to present upon arrival in Tanzania.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
US citizens can also obtain visas at major entry points including:2
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Major land border crossings
Bring your passport, return ticket, and $100 in USD cash (clean, undamaged bills).2 Processing times vary but can be longer during peak tourist season.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Entry Visa (Online) | $100 | Standard processing within 10 days |
| Multiple Entry Visa (On Arrival) | $100 | Payable in USD cash |
| Rush Processing (Embassy) | $120 | Processing within 3 working days |
The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.1 Payment for online applications must be made via Visa or Mastercard.2
What You Can Do With Your Visa
The Multiple Entry Visa allows you to visit Tanzania for:2
Tourism and Safari
- Wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other parks
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Visiting national parks and conservation areas
Visiting People
- Staying with friends or family in Tanzania
- Attending weddings or family events
Business Activities
- Attending meetings or conferences
- Participating in workshops or exhibitions
Transit
- Passing through Tanzania to another destination (up to 7 days)
What You Cannot Do
Your tourist visa does not permit:2
- Working or conducting business activities beyond meetings
- Volunteering (requires Class C Residence Permit)
- Studying long-term (requires Student Visa)
- Residing permanently in Tanzania
Processing Times
| Application Method | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online E-Visa | Up to 10 working days |
| Embassy Rush Processing | 3 working days (additional $20 fee) |
| Visa on Arrival | Same day (queue times vary) |
Apply online at least two weeks before your travel date to allow buffer time for any delays.2 If your visa is not processed within 10 days, contact immigration at info@immigration.go.tz.2
At the Tanzania Border
Upon arrival in Tanzania, present the following to the Immigration Officer:5
- Valid US passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Visa Grant Notice (if applied online) or visa fee (if applying on arrival)
- Return or onward ticket
- Yellow fever certificate (if traveling from endemic country)
The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport with a Visitor’s Pass valid for up to 90 days.3 You can travel freely between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during this period.2
If Your Application is Rejected
Rejections are uncommon for US citizens and typically result from technical errors rather than eligibility issues.1 If rejected:
1. Review the Rejection Reason
Check your email for details about why your application was denied. Common issues include document quality or information mismatches.1
2. Correct and Reapply
Fix the identified issues and submit a new application. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.1
3. Consider Visa on Arrival
If your travel date is approaching, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings.2 This bypasses online processing delays.
4. Contact Support
For unresolved issues, contact Tanzania Immigration at info@immigration.go.tz or the Embassy in Washington D.C.1
Travel Advisory Note
The US Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Tanzania, advising travelers to reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, and other concerns in certain areas.5 Review the current advisory before traveling and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts.5 Most tourist areas including the northern safari circuit and Zanzibar are visited by millions of travelers annually.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incorrect or Incomplete Information
Errors in personal details such as passport number, name spelling, or date of birth that do not match your passport exactly will result in rejection.
How to avoid: Double-check all information against your passport before submitting. Copy passport details exactly as they appear.
Poor Quality Documents
Blurry passport scans, photos that do not meet specifications, or documents that are too dark or unreadable will cause your application to be rejected.
How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure all text is clearly legible. Follow photo specifications exactly: 35x45mm, plain background, under 500KB.
Wrong Visa Type Selected
US citizens must apply for Multiple Entry Visa, not Ordinary Visa. Selecting the wrong visa type or purpose of visit category will result in rejection.
How to avoid: When applying, specifically select Multiple Entry Visa for tourism. Read the visa guidelines carefully before starting your application.
Payment Processing Failure
Incomplete payment, declined cards, or payment from cards without international transaction capability will cause application failure.
How to avoid: Use a Visa or Mastercard enabled for international transactions. Contact your bank beforehand if needed. Confirm payment success before closing the application.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas in Tanzania or other countries, or previous deportations, may result in rejection.
How to avoid: If you have past immigration issues, be prepared to explain circumstances. Consider applying through the Embassy rather than online for complex cases.
Security Concerns
Applications flagged for security review or containing false information will be rejected. Providing misleading information can result in future visa problems.
How to avoid: Be completely honest in your application. False information will be discovered and can lead to entry bans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a Multiple Entry Visa to visit Tanzania. Unlike citizens of other countries who can get an Ordinary Visa, Americans are required to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa at $100. This can be obtained online through the e-visa portal or on arrival at major airports.
How long does Tanzania e-visa processing take for Americans?
Online applications are processed within 10 working days. Most applications are approved faster. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays. Rush processing is available through the Embassy for an additional $20, reducing processing to 3 working days.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival as a US citizen?
Yes. US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and other major entry points. However, online application is recommended to avoid potential queues and ensure smooth entry.
How long is the Tanzania visa valid for Americans?
The Multiple Entry Visa for US citizens is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Each visit can last up to 90 days. You can make multiple trips to Tanzania within the validity period.
What is the Tanzania visa fee for US citizens in 2025?
US citizens pay $100 for a Multiple Entry Visa. This is higher than the $50 Ordinary Visa that citizens of other countries pay, but the Multiple Entry Visa allows unlimited entries over 12 months.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Your Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. You do not need a separate visa or permit for Zanzibar. Simply select your first destination when applying online.
What if my Tanzania e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for US citizens and usually due to technical issues like incorrect information or poor quality documents. You can reapply after correcting the issues. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival if your travel date is approaching.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from the US, it is not required. However, the vaccine is recommended by the CDC for travel to Tanzania.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Tanzania?
Yes. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Tanzania before your 90-day period expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require payment of additional fees.
What documents should I bring to Tanzania?
Bring your passport with at least 6 months validity, printed visa grant notice or e-visa approval, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and yellow fever certificate if applicable. Keep digital copies accessible on your phone.