Tanzania entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major airports and land borders in Tanzania. The process is straightforward — just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash (USD). This has been the case since 2025.
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), or other designated entry points. Have $50 USD in cash for a single-entry tourist visa (up to 90 days). The immigration officer will take your photo and fingerprints — the process takes about 10 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you are overlanding to a neighboring country, show a bus ticket or a written itinerary. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple booking confirmation email on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see you are not a financial risk. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but cash is king in Tanzania. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival counter only takes cash in USD. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes will be refused. ATMs are available after you pass immigration, so you can't withdraw cash to pay the fee.
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Laos or any country with yellow fever risk, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
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' after baggage claim. At land borders like Namanga or Tunduma, go to the immigration desk.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the border. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in USD cash. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Receive your visa
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, applied in advance)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (same as VoA, but pre-approved)
Apply at Tanzanian embassy in Vientiane or online via eVisa system.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
Requires letter of invitation or detailed itinerary.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
$600 USD application fee + $200 USD permit fee
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract, degree, and police clearance.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD application fee + $500 USD permit fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, EUR) or by credit card at major entry points. | $50 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | $50 USD per day, maximum cap $500 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and semi-urban areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons (November–May).
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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for safari travelers needing extensions.
Practical information for LA 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
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
Single entry visa is $50 USD, multiple entry is $100 USD. You must pay in cash (USD) at the immigration counter. ATMs are available after you pass immigration, so bring the exact amount.
Yes, at all major airports (DAR, JRO, ZNZ) and most land borders like Namanga (Kenya side), Tunduma (Zambia side), and Sirari (Kenya side). Some smaller land crossings may not offer it — check ahead if you're using a remote border.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can stay up to 90 days total. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam, but it's a hassle.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Laos). You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You need to visit the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam (or regional offices) and apply for an extension. It costs around $50 USD and takes a few days. Overstaying is fined $50 per day.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket or flight out of Tanzania. A screenshot or printed confirmation is fine. Immigration may ask to see it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.