Tanzania entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Australians get a visa on arrival in Tanzania — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, you can enter at major airports and land borders, and the visa allows stays up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Pay $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa (cash only, bring exact change). Have your passport photo and return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports ask for proof of onward travel before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or safari itinerary | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a detailed safari itinerary. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for visa fee and expenses | Bring at least $200 USD in cash for the visa fee and initial expenses. ATMs are available at the airport but can run out of cash. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and safari operators. | Recommended |
Cash only — bring crisp USD
Visa fees must be paid in cash. ATMs in Tanzania dispense Tanzanian shillings, and notes that are damaged, old, or not crisp may be refused. Bring USD 100 per person in good condition — new bills from a bank are best.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but can be slow
At peak hours (especially Dar es Salaam), the visa queue can take 30–60 minutes. If you have a tight connection, remain patient — the process is reliable but not fast. Also, have your accommodation address ready; officers often ask.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Immigration
After landing at an international airport (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, etc.), follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. A separate counter handles visa applications first — don't queue at passport control yet.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
Collect the small visa application form (single sheet). Write your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and intended duration of stay (up to 90 days). Keep your passport and cash ready.
3
Pay the Fee & Get Stamped
Hand your passport, completed form, and USD 100 cash to the officer. They'll process payment, print a visa sticker, affix it to a blank page, and stamp it. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes, but can be slower at peak times.
4
Proceed to Passport Control
After receiving the visa, move to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, boarding pass, and have your accommodation address ready (officers often ask where you're staying). They may also ask for your return ticket.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Same as VoA but processed online for faster entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travelers or regional trips.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
Residence permit (work/volunteer)
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
Cost$500–$1,000 USD
For long-term stays; requires employer sponsorship and police clearance.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx.)
For professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires company sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
$1,000–$2,000 USD (approx.)
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes business setup and residency benefits.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
$50–$100 USD (approx.)
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at the airport or border. Valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply via Tanzania eVisa portal to save time at arrival. | $50 USD (same as VoA, but processed online) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 12 months, max stay 90 days per visit. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current visa expires. Max extension up to 6 months. | $50 USD per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure. Overstay can lead to blacklisting. | $50 USD per day, no cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 24 hours at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverEssentialCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for safari travelers needing extensions.
Practical information for AU 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 = 2,599.28 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 standard single‑entry visa on arrival allows up to 90 days. The immigration officer will typically grant the full 90 days unless you request a shorter stay. You cannot extend this visa beyond 90 days — you'd have to leave and re‑enter.
As of 2026, the fee is USD 100 for a single‑entry tourist visa (valid up to 90 days). Multiple‑entry visas are rare on arrival — you'd need to apply for one at the Tanzanian embassy before travel. Only cash is accepted at the airport, preferably crisp US dollar bills.
Tanzania does offer an online e‑visa system, but Australia is currently NOT listed as an eligible nationality for e‑visas. Australians must use the visa‑on‑arrival process. Always check the official Tanzania immigration website before travel in case policy changes.
Only if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America or other African countries). If you travel directly from Australia with no such stops, you do not need the vaccination. But if you're coming from, say, Kenya or Brazil, you must show the yellow card.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Mwanza, etc.) and at major land border crossings such as Namanga (from Kenya) and Rusumo (from Rwanda). Smaller border posts may not offer it — use the major ones.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You will be fined approximately USD 200 per month (or part thereof) and may be detained or banned from re‑entry. Check your entry stamp for the exit date and plan to leave on time.
Yes, the requirement for proof of onward travel applies regardless of how you enter. If you're arriving by bus across the border, have a copy of your next flight/bus ticket out of Tanzania. Some land border officers may ask for it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.