Tanzania entry requirements for Kenya passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Kenyan passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This arrangement has been in place for years and remains valid for 2026. Ensure your passport is valid and you have a return ticket ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Kenyan passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport's expiry date before you head to the airport.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Tanzania
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash available to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Immigration may ask for this if you look under-resourced.Recommended
Check your passport validity now
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Tanzania. If it expires sooner, renew it before booking anything.
Overstaying is costly
The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines of $200–500 and possible entry bans. Set a reminder to leave on time.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's accommodation. Save a copy of your travel insurance policy too.
2
Arrive at the airport or border
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. At land borders like Namanga or Sirari, join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly: purpose of visit (tourism, business, family), how long you're staying, and where you're staying.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '90 days' before walking away. If it shows less, ask politely for correction.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel (if flying) and proceed through customs. Green channel if nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Overstay calculator

Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 6,500 TZS)

Apply at Tanzanian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and itinerary.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 TZS)

Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. 13,000 TZS)

Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.

work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. 65,000–130,000 TZS)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract, qualifications, and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000–$2,000 USD (approx. 130,000–260,000 TZS)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50–$100 USD (approx. 6,500–13,000 TZS)
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry) - for longer staysRequired if staying beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable.$50 USD (approx. 6,500 TZS)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD (approx. 13,000 TZS)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.$50 USD per day (approx. 6,500 TZS)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%

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

Kenya passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.

Airside transitAllowed
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., Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread in Tanzania, including tourist areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas. Use mosquito repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, including cities and tourist destinations. 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
Plot 6, Sam Nujoma Road, 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. Same services as HQ.

Practical information for KE 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 = 2,621.5 TZS
updated May 29
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

Getting to Tanzania

782 kmgreat circle distance
~1h directfrom Kenya
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. Kenyan passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. This has been the policy for years and continues in 2026.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Tanzania (even just to a neighboring country) and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines of $200–500 or a ban.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not departure.
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry from Kenya, but if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Uganda, DRC), you'll need the certificate. Check current requirements before travel.
Yes. Common land borders include Namanga (from Nairobi), Sirari (from Kisii/Musoma), and Taveta/Holili (from Voi). The same visa-free rules apply. Expect longer queues at peak times.
Politely point out that Kenyan passport holders are entitled to 90 days visa-free. If they insist, ask to speak to a supervisor. Most officers will correct it.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Tanzania can be high, and evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa is expensive. A basic policy costs around $30–50 for a week.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.