Tanzania entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay $50 USD in cash at the airport for a single-entry permit valid up to 90 days. This policy is effective 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 Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Have $50 USD cash ready for a single-entry tourist visa — the ATM line is long and the exchange rate at the counter is terrible. Fill out the arrival form on the plane to save 10 minutes at the visa counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | 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 won't board. No blank page count requirement, but have at least one free page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a bus ticket to Kenya works. If you're overlanding, show a printed itinerary or a booking confirmation. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Tanzania. Officers at the visa counter sometimes ask where you're staying — a booking.com printout or a screenshot on your phone is fine. If you're camping or staying with friends, get a simple letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. The official requirement is $50 per day, but in practice they rarely count. ATMs in Arusha and Zanzibar work with Visa and Mastercard, but the withdrawal fee is steep (around $5–7 per transaction). | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. ATMs are available after you clear immigration, but not before.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports is well-organized. Expect 20–40 minutes at the visa counter during busy hours. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) or Kilimanjaro International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Queue up — it can take 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll receive a small visa application form. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Have a pen ready.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and $50 USD cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt until you leave.
4
Receive visa and enter
The officer will stamp the visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control for entry.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (same as VoA, but pre-applied)
Apply at Tanzanian embassy abroad; avoids queues at arrival.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Business Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class C Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD per year
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Residence Permit for Investors
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
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 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or TZS) at the airport or border post. | $50 USD (or equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay can lead to detention. | $50 USD per day, maximum $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 (including Ethiopia). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas and Zanzibar.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur in urban and coastal areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; similar to dengue.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Risk is highest in rural areas and during rainy seasons (March–May, November–December).
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, P.O. Box 512, 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 travellers on safari; can process extensions.
Practical information for ET 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 = 2,620.5 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The single-entry visa on arrival costs $50 USD. This covers a stay of up to 90 days. You must pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Tanzanian shillings may be accepted at a less favorable rate.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must leave the country and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ethiopia is not on the high-risk list, but if you've recently traveled to a risk country, carry your certificate. Check with your doctor before travel.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like Namanga (from Kenya) and Tunduma (from Zambia). The process is similar — $50 USD cash, valid passport, and onward ticket. Be prepared for longer queues at busy crossings.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa for Ethiopian passport holders. You can apply online at the official Tanzania e-visa portal. The cost is $50 USD, and processing takes 3–5 business days. This can save time at the airport.
You'll need your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. The visa application form is provided at the counter. Have $50 USD cash ready.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars. Insurance also covers trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.