Tanzania entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport, pay the fee, and receive your visa on the spot — no advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), and other designated entry points. Have $50 USD (single entry) or $100 USD (multiple entry) in cash — they don't accept cards. The queue can take 30–60 minutes, so bring a pen to fill the form while waiting.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Tanzania. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — they rarely check the booking reference. If you're overlanding to Kenya or Uganda, a bus ticket or a letter of intent may be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at Dar es Salaam sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked safari or tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card showing sufficient funds | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card statement handy — they rarely count it, but the question comes up. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in USD cash. Cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash first. Bring exact change if possible.
e-Visa alternative
You can skip the visa-on-arrival queue by applying for an e-visa online before you go. Same $50 fee, but you'll have the visa in your passport before you land. Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are separate from the main immigration queues.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a visa application form at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. A pen is provided but bring your own just in case.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in USD cash — $50 for single entry, $100 for multiple entry. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes. Double-check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the main immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Can be obtained online or on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$250 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx.)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract and qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD (approx.)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes business setup requirements.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (processing fee)
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 at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (cash only) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied for online before travel. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 12 months. | $100 USD |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
| Stay extensionExtension up to 90 days total stay, applied at immigration office. | $50 USD |
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy season.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 - Dar es Salaam
Samora Avenue, P.O. Box 512, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits.
Arusha
Immigration Office - Arusha
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for safari travelers needing extensions.
Practical information for CA 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 = 2,618.36 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
Yes, all international airports in Tanzania offer visa on arrival for Canadians: Julius Nyerere (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume (Zanzibar), and Mwanza. Land borders also offer it, but airports are the most straightforward.
Single entry is $50 USD. Multiple entry is $100 USD. You must pay in cash (USD). Cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
Typically 90 days from the date of issue. The officer will stamp the validity dates in your passport. Check before leaving the counter.
Yes, you can extend it at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam or at regional immigration offices. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can add up to 90 more days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need the vaccine and a valid certificate. Coming directly from Canada? Not required. But if you've been in South America or sub-Saharan Africa recently, get the shot.
Immigration may deny your visa on arrival. You must show a confirmed onward or return flight. A bus ticket to a neighboring country might work, but a flight is safest.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa for Canadians. It costs $50 USD and takes 3–5 business days to process. Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz. It's not required, but it saves time at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.