Planning a safari to Tanzania and wondering how to apply for a Tanzania tourist visa?

Whether you are dreaming of seeing the Serengeti wildebeest migration, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, relaxing in Zanzibar, or combining Tanzania with a Uganda gorilla trekking safari, understanding the Tanzania visa application process is an important part of your travel preparation.

Tanzania operates an official online visa application system through the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. Travelers who require a visa can apply online, make payment and track their application electronically. The system covers travel to both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

This comprehensive guide explains the Tanzania visa application and processing procedure, current visa requirements, fees, processing times, online application steps, visa exemptions, visa-on-arrival rules and important tips for travelers planning a Tanzania safari.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Tanzania?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality.

Tanzania Immigration publishes different categories of travelers, including nationalities that are exempt from obtaining a visa and nationalities that can obtain a visa online or on arrival.

Importantly, citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states are listed among those who do not require a visa to enter Tanzania.

This is particularly useful for travelers from:

Uganda
Kenya
Rwanda
Burundi
South Sudan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Tanzania

However, immigration requirements can change, so travelers should always confirm the current requirements applicable to their nationality before departure.

Tanzania Visa for Ugandans

Ugandan citizens are currently included among the EAC member states whose nationals do not require a visa to enter Tanzania.

This makes Tanzania relatively convenient for Ugandan travelers planning:

Serengeti safaris
Ngorongoro safaris
Zanzibar holidays
Mount Kilimanjaro trips
Business travel
East African multi-country tours

A Ugandan traveler should still carry a valid accepted travel document and comply with Tanzania’s applicable entry requirements.

If you are planning a combined Uganda gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, Ti Gorilla Explore can help coordinate the safari itinerary across the two destinations.

What Is the Tanzania Tourist Visa?

For travelers who require a visa, Tanzania Immigration states that people visiting for tourism should generally apply for an Ordinary Visa, except for US passport holders, who are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa for tourism.

The Ordinary Visa:

Is intended for tourism and other permitted short-term purposes
Costs US$50
Has validity of up to 90 days
Is generally issued for single entry
Does not authorize employment or business activities outside the permitted purpose

The visa is an immigration document and is separate from safari bookings, park fees, accommodation and other travel arrangements.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Tourist Visa Online

Tanzania has an official electronic visa application system.

Official Tanzania eVisa Application Portal

The current official process involves completing an online application, uploading the required documents, paying the visa fee and submitting the application for immigration review.

Step 1: Visit the official Tanzania visa website

Start your application through the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa system.

Avoid unofficial websites that claim to be government visa portals.

Step 2: Start a new visa application

Select the option to begin a new visa application.

You will be asked to provide your email address and other personal information.

Step 3: Receive your application identification number

Tanzania’s online system provides an identification number that can be used to track your application.

Keep this information safely.

Step 4: Complete the application form

Enter your information carefully.

Make sure your details correspond exactly with your passport.

You may be asked for:

Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry information
Travel dates
Purpose of travel
Accommodation information
Other supporting information

Step 5: Upload the required documents

Upload the documents requested by the immigration system.

For an Ordinary Visa, Tanzania Immigration lists the passport biographical page and return ticket among the requirements. A completed application and the applicable visa fee are also required.

Step 6: Pay the visa fee

Payment can be made online using the payment methods provided by the official system.

Tanzania Immigration states that visa fees are prepaid and non-refundable.

Step 7: Submit the application

Review your information carefully before submitting.

The official terms state that modifications are not allowed after submission, so applicants should verify their information and supporting documents before final submission.

Step 8: Track your application

Use your application identification information to monitor the progress of your application.

The official system also allows applicants to download their Visa Grant Notice after approval.

Tanzania Tourist Visa Requirements

For an Ordinary Visa, Tanzania Immigration currently lists the following core requirements:

Valid passport
Passport biographical information page
Return ticket
Completed online visa application
Required photograph
Visa fee payment

Tanzania’s visa guidelines state that passports should have at least six months’ validity and at least one unused visa page.

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, additional documents may be requested.

Tanzania Passport Requirements

Your passport is one of the most important documents in your Tanzania visa application.

The official Tanzania visa guidelines require a passport with:

At least six months’ validity

and:

At least one unused visa page.

Before applying, check your passport carefully.

If your passport is about to expire, renew it before starting your visa application.

Tanzania Visa Photo Requirements

Tanzania’s online visa guidelines provide specific requirements for applicant photographs.

The photograph should generally:

Be in color
Have a plain background
Show the applicant facing the camera
Show the full face
Have the eyes open
Have a natural expression
Avoid distracting shadows
Be in JPG or JPEG format
Not exceed the specified file size
Meet the specified dimensions

Poor-quality or incorrect photographs can contribute to an unsuccessful application.

How Much Does a Tanzania Tourist Visa Cost?

The current Tanzania Immigration fee for an Ordinary Visa is US$50.

Other visa categories have different fees.

Tanzania Visa Type	Published Fee
Ordinary Visa	US$50
Multiple Entry Visa	US$100
Business Visa	US$250
Transit Visa	US$30

These fees are based on the current Tanzania Immigration visa guidelines.

Visa fees are generally non-refundable and non-transferable, including circumstances such as rejection or cancellation after submission.

Always verify the fee shown in the official application system before payment.

How Long Does Tanzania Visa Processing Take?

Tanzania Immigration states that online visa applications are generally processed within 10 days, except for Referral Visa cases.

The official terms also advise applicants to lodge their applications 10 days before their expected travel date, while applicants from countries in the Referral Visa category are advised to apply at least two months before travel.

Important advice

Do not wait until the day before your Tanzania safari.

Applying early gives you time to deal with:

Missing documents
Incorrect information
Additional immigration requests
Payment problems
Application delays
Travel-date changes

Can I Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Tanzania’s official visa guidelines state that there are two ways to obtain a visa where one is required:

Apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration website.
Obtain a visa on arrival at an official entry point, where eligible.

However, Tanzania Immigration recommends using the online visa application platform.

Not every nationality is eligible for visa on arrival.

Some nationalities fall under the Referral Visa category and cannot obtain a visa on arrival unless they have received the required approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration.

For this reason, travelers should check their nationality’s category before booking flights.

Tanzania Referral Visa Countries

Some nationalities are subject to Tanzania’s Referral Visa procedures.

According to the current official guidelines, nationals from certain countries cannot obtain a visa on arrival unless special permission has been granted.

The published list includes countries such as:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Burkina Faso
Chad
Eritrea
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Pakistan
Palestine
Somalia
Syria
Yemen

The list can be reviewed by Tanzania Immigration and may change.

Applicants under the Referral Visa category are advised to apply at least two months before travel.

Tanzania Visa for American Citizens

There is an important exception for US passport holders.

According to Tanzania Immigration, US citizens traveling for tourism are required to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, even when their trip involves only one planned entry.

The published Multiple Visa fee is US$100 and it can have validity of up to one year, although each individual stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days.

US travelers should therefore select the correct visa category rather than applying for the ordinary tourist visa.

Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar Visa

One useful feature of the Tanzania visa system is that the same visa can cover travel to both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Tanzania Immigration advises applicants who intend to visit both destinations to select their first destination during the online application. They can then visit both without obtaining a new visa.

For example, your itinerary could be:

Arusha → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar

or:

Kilimanjaro → Tarangire → Zanzibar

A separate Tanzania visa is not required simply because you travel from the Mainland to Zanzibar.

Tanzania Visa and Safari Bookings

Your visa is only one part of your Tanzania safari preparation.

A complete safari may also require:

International flights
Domestic flights
Safari vehicle
Driver-guide
Accommodation
National park fees
Conservation fees
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Activities
Zanzibar accommodation

A Tanzania visa does not automatically include any of these services.

Tanzania Visa for a Serengeti Safari

If you are visiting Tanzania for a Serengeti safari, your immigration preparation should be completed alongside your safari planning.

The Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations and is often combined with:

Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara
Mount Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar

A well-planned itinerary can combine wildlife viewing with cultural and beach experiences.

Tanzania Visa for Zanzibar

Travelers visiting Zanzibar should understand that Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania for immigration purposes.

The official Tanzania eVisa system covers both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Therefore, if your Tanzania itinerary includes:

Arusha → Serengeti → Zanzibar

you do not need to obtain a completely separate Tanzania tourist visa simply because you are traveling to Zanzibar.

Tanzania Visa for Uganda Travelers

Uganda and Tanzania are both members of the East African Community.

Tanzania Immigration currently lists EAC member states among countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Tanzania.

For Ugandan travelers, this makes it easier to combine:

Uganda → Kenya → Tanzania

or:

Uganda → Tanzania → Zanzibar

or even:

Uganda Gorilla Trekking → Tanzania Safari → Zanzibar

Travelers should nevertheless confirm the current entry requirements before departure.

Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking With a Tanzania Safari

For travelers who want to experience East Africa’s great apes and classic savannah wildlife, a combination of Uganda and Tanzania can create an exceptional safari itinerary.

For example:

Days 1–3: Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and experience mountain gorilla trekking.

Days 4–5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Continue with wildlife viewing and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.

Days 6–8: Tanzania

Travel onward to Tanzania for a safari in destinations such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Days 9–11: Zanzibar

Finish the journey with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

The itinerary can be shortened or extended depending on flights, budget and interests.

What Happens After Your Tanzania Visa Is Approved?

Once your application has been approved, Tanzania Immigration issues a Visa Grant Notice.

Applicants receive notifications through the email address provided during the application and can also track their application through the online system.

Download the Visa Grant Notice and keep a copy with your travel documents.

However, Tanzania Immigration makes clear that a Visa Grant Notice is not the final authority to enter Tanzania. The Immigration Officer at the point of entry makes the final entry decision based on applicable requirements.

Can I Track My Tanzania Visa Application?

Yes.

After submitting your application, you can use the application identification number and the official Tanzania visa portal to track its progress.

You can also use the system to download your Visa Grant Notice once it becomes available.

Keep your application identification information until your journey is complete.

Can I Change My Tanzania Visa Application After Submission?

Tanzania’s official terms and conditions state that changes cannot be made after an online application has been submitted.

This makes it especially important to check:

Passport number
Name
Date of birth
Nationality
Travel dates
Visa category
Supporting documents
Accommodation details

before clicking submit.

Do I Need a Return Ticket for Tanzania?

Yes.

Tanzania Immigration’s visa guidelines state that visitors must show a return ticket upon arrival, and a return ticket is listed among the requirements for an Ordinary Visa.

Keep your return or onward travel information accessible when traveling.

Tanzania Visa Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Visa scams can become a serious problem when travelers search online for immigration services.

Tanzania Immigration specifically advises visa applicants to use the official Tanzania Immigration Services website only and not other online links.

Follow these safety tips:

Use the official visa portal.

Do not assume a website is legitimate simply because it appears in a search engine.

Check the domain carefully.

The official Tanzania visa system is operated through the Tanzania Immigration domain.

Avoid unnecessary intermediaries.

You can apply directly through the official system.

Check the official fee.

The current Ordinary Visa fee is US$50.

Do not pay someone promising guaranteed approval.

No legitimate third party can guarantee an immigration decision.

Keep your application number.

It allows you to monitor the application.

Common Tanzania Visa Application Mistakes

1. Applying for the wrong visa

Tanzania Immigration states that applicants must select the correct visa type and category. Applying incorrectly can result in rejection.

2. Using an expired passport

Your passport should have at least six months’ validity.

3. Uploading incorrect documents

Make sure all supporting documents correspond to your application.

4. Entering incorrect passport information

Double-check every detail.

5. Applying too late

Tanzania Immigration states that applications are processed within 10 days in normal circumstances.

6. Applying through an unofficial website

Use the official Tanzania Immigration visa portal.

7. Booking travel before understanding visa requirements

Check your nationality’s visa category before finalizing your trip.

Tanzania Visa Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, check the following:

☐ Passport valid for at least six months
☐ At least one unused passport page
☐ Recent passport photograph
☐ Passport biographical page
☐ Return or onward ticket
☐ Correct visa category selected
☐ Travel dates checked
☐ Accommodation information available
☐ Visa fee prepared
☐ Application information reviewed
☐ Application identification number saved
☐ Visa Grant Notice downloaded after approval

Why Book Your East African Safari With Ti Gorilla Explore?

At Ti Gorilla Explore, we help travelers create customized safari experiences across East Africa.

Our safari planning can include:

Uganda gorilla trekking
Uganda wildlife safaris
Tanzania safaris
Serengeti safaris
Ngorongoro safaris
Kenya safaris
Maasai Mara safaris
Uganda-Tanzania safari combinations
Uganda-Kenya-Tanzania itineraries
Uganda-Rwanda-Tanzania combinations
Zanzibar extensions
Customized East African safari holidays

For visa applications, travelers should use the appropriate official immigration systems. Ti Gorilla Explore can then help coordinate the safari arrangements around your travel dates.

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