Tanzania entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at major airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Julius Nyerere (DAR).
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and other designated entry points. Have $50 USD (single entry) or $100 USD (multiple entry) in cash ready — the visa counter does not accept cards. You'll fill in a simple form and hand over your passport; the whole process takes about 10 minutes.Visa info | 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 date 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 at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Tanzania within your visa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is preferred, but Tanzanian shillings are accepted. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not always work. Bring $50 USD in cash.
Visa on arrival is the standard option
You do not need to apply for an e-visa in advance. The visa on arrival is available to all Chinese passport holders at major airports and land borders. It's quick and straightforward.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Julius Nyerere (DAR), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, hotel address. Fill it out while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD is preferred, but Tanzanian shillings are accepted). As of 2026, the fee is $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit your documents
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment receipt. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints, then issue the visa sticker.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply online or on arrival; standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$50 USD (plus processing)
Requires admission letter from Tanzanian institution.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (processing fee)
For professionals employed by a Tanzanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor's Pass
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes residency rights for family. Requires proof of investment.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For full-time students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Renewable annually.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD, GBP, EUR, or TZS at the airport. | $50 USD (cash only) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 12 months, multiple entries. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible but not guaranteed; apply before current visa expires. | ~$50 USD (paid at immigration office) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap may apply; overstay can lead to deportation and ban. | $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
China passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Tanzania or a neighboring country may transit without visa.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during outbreaks or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. 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 - Dar es Salaam
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for travellers on safari; extensions handled here.
Practical information for CN 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 = 2,595.71 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, a single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs $50 USD. Pay in cash — USD is preferred, but Tanzanian shillings are accepted. Keep the receipt.
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.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from China.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most major land border crossings, including Namanga (from Kenya) and Sirari (from Kenya). The process and fee are the same as at airports.
Denial is rare if you meet all requirements. Common reasons: insufficient passport validity, no return ticket, or previous immigration violations. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight.
No, Tanzania does not require an online arrival declaration for Chinese passport holders. You just fill out the paper form at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.