Tanzania entry requirements for Iraq passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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

If you hold an Iraqi passport, you must get a visa before traveling to Tanzania. There is no visa-on-arrival option, and the eVisa system is not available for Iraqi citizens. You'll need to apply through a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in advance. Start early—processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you need to visit an embassy or consulate before you fly.
Required for Iraqi passport holders
You must obtain a visa before traveling to Tanzania. Iraqi citizens are not eligible for the Tanzania eVisa, so apply at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate in person or by mail. Submit your application well in advance of your travel date.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry.
At least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania. Check your passport's expiry date before booking anything.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket as proof you won't overstay.
Proof of departure from Tanzania
You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Tanzania before your visa or permitted stay expires. Have a printed copy ready.Required
Proof of fundsYou may be asked how you will support yourself while in Tanzania.
Sufficient money for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your time in Tanzania. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and length of stay.Required
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout the certificate, you may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own cost.
Required if arriving from an endemic country
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including transit over 12 hours), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Iraq is not currently listed as a yellow fever endemic country, but check your full itinerary.Required
Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive, and insurance protects you from unexpected costs.
Recommended for medical and trip coverage
Although not mandatory for visa issuance, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for all travelers to Tanzania.Recommended
Arrival declarationNo online or paper arrival declaration is needed before you travel.
Not required
Tanzania does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Iraqi passport holders at this time. You will complete standard immigration and customs forms upon arrival.Not required
No eVisa, no visa on arrival—apply at an embassy
Iraqi passport holders are not eligible for Tanzania's eVisa or visa-on-arrival. The only legal way to enter Tanzania is with a visa issued by a Tanzanian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process early—it can take weeks.
Yellow fever certificate—don't skip it
If your travel route includes any country with yellow fever risk (even a short transit stop), you must have the yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, Tanzanian health officials can deny entry or impose a quarantine. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Tanzanian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Tanzanian diplomatic mission in your region. Call or email to confirm their visa application process, required documents, and fee payment methods. Some missions require an in-person appointment; others accept applications by mail.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make photocopies of everything—the embassy will likely keep copies and return your originals.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Ask for a receipt and note the expected processing time—it can take several business days to a few weeks.
4
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, notify the embassy immediately.
5
Arrive at a Tanzanian port of entry
When you land at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or another entry point, join the immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa, your yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the officer asks for. Answer questions about your stay clearly.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entries)
Cost$250 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company and proof of business activities.

Residence permit (work/study)
Max stay1-2 years
Validity1-2 years
CostVaries (e.g., $200-$600)

For long-term stays; must be applied for from within Tanzania after arrival on a visa.

work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500–$2,000 USD depending on sector
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor's Pass (Class C)
2 years, renewable
$2,000 USD initial fee
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD investment in Tanzania. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50–$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Single-entry visa (issued on arrival or at embassy)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry; fees may vary.$50 (approx.)
Multiple-entry visa (issued on arrival or at embassy)For those needing to exit and re-enter Tanzania.$100 (approx.)
Visa extension (for stays beyond visa validity)Apply at Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam or regional offices.$50 (approx.)
Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure taxes; no separate payment at airport.Included in airfare

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Transit visa required

Iraqi passport holders require a visa to transit through Tanzania, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.

Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food and water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

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.

Arusha
Immigration Office - Arusha
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions for northern circuit tourists.

Practical information for IQ 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 = 2,621.51 TZS
updated Jul 3
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. Tanzania does not offer visa-on-arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no way around this—don't plan to sort it out at the airport.
No. The Tanzanian eVisa system is not open to Iraqi passport holders. Even though the eVisa portal exists for many nationalities, Iraq is not on the eligible list. You must apply through an embassy or consulate instead.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect at least 5–10 business days. In some cases it can take up to 3 weeks, especially if the embassy needs to send your application to Dar es Salaam for approval. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by the Tanzanian government and can change. Contact the embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact fee. It's typically paid in the local currency or via bank draft, and it's non-refundable if your application is denied.
You will likely be refused entry or even denied boarding. Tanzanian immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. Renew your passport before applying for the visa—don't risk it.
If you fly directly from Iraq and don't transit through a yellow fever endemic country, you may not need the certificate. However, many flights from Iraq connect through countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, or the UAE—some of which are yellow fever risk zones. Check your transit points. If you've been in any yellow fever endemic country within 6 days before arriving in Tanzania, you must show the certificate. It's safest to get vaccinated and carry the certificate regardless.
No. The Tanzanian visa for Iraqi citizens is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so keep track of your allowed stay dates.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.