Tanzania entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. No advance application needed — just show up at the airport with your passport and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or other designated entry points. Pay $50 USD in cash for a single-entry tourist visa — have exact change ready. The queue moves fast if you have a passport photo and your return ticket printed.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they rarely accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at Dar es Salaam sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a bank statement or cash works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
Visa-on-arrival counters accept only US dollars cash. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash to pay the fee first.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
UAE passport holders rarely face issues. The process at major airports takes 5–10 minutes. Just have your documents and cash ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and $50 USD cash. The officer will process the visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive visa and enter
You'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry) – applied in advance
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (same as VoA but pre-approved)
Apply at Tanzanian embassy/consulate or via eVisa portal. Reduces risk of denial on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy or eVisa.
Business Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company. Can be obtained on arrival or in advance.
work visa
Class A Work Permit (Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (application fee) + annual permit fee ~$200 USD
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee) + proof of investment (min. $100,000 USD)
For individuals investing in Tanzania. Requires business registration and proof of capital. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$200 USD (application fee) + annual permit fee ~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at port of entry. Credit cards not accepted. | $50 USD (or equivalent in major currency) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned officially; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Tanzania
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Tanzanian airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (or transiting >12 hours).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Tanzania, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Traveler's DiarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination. Practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including cities. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Immigration Services Department – Headquarters
Plot 6, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers on safari. Expect processing time of 1–3 days.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,621.5 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The single-entry tourist visa is $50 USD. Bring crisp, newer bills — old or damaged notes may be refused. Credit cards are not accepted at most counters.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. UAE is not a risk country, so you won't need it if flying direct. But if you've recently been in a risk country (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need the certificate.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like Namanga (from Kenya) and Sirari (from Kenya). Same $50 USD fee applies. But smaller crossings may not offer it — check ahead.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa for UAE passport holders. It costs around $50 USD and takes 3–5 business days to process. You can apply online at the official Tanzania e-visa portal. This can save time at the airport.
If you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 24 hours, you don't need a visa. But if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need a visa on arrival or e-visa.
Overstays are fined $100 USD per day. Immigration is strict — don't risk it. If you realize you'll overstay, visit the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam or Arusha before your visa expires to discuss options.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.