Tanzania entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major entry points in Tanzania, including Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro Airport, and land borders. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method — no need to apply before you travel.
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 Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Have $50 USD in cash for a single-entry tourist visa (good for up to 90 days). The immigration officer will take your photo and fingerprints at the counter — the whole process takes about 10 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Tanzania. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Bring a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. If you are overlanding to Kenya or Uganda, a bus ticket or ferry reservation works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Tanzania. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked safari or tour. A simple printout of your booking.com or Airbnb reservation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but if you look under-prepared (no hotel, no tour), they might ask. ATMs are available at the airport but the exchange rate is poor. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars — cash only. No cards, no other currencies. Bring crisp, undamaged $50 bills. Torn or marked notes will be rejected.
Visa duration at officer's discretion
While the standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days, the immigration officer may grant a shorter period (e.g., 30 days). Always check the stamp before leaving the counter. If you need more time, ask for an extension later.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue — it can take 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and $50 USD (cash). The officer will process your visa and stick it into your passport. No photo needed.
4
Collect passport and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to enter. The visa is usually valid for up to 90 days, but the officer may grant less. Confirm the duration before leaving the counter.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 (approx. 115,000 TZS)
Standard option for tourism; can be obtained on arrival or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS)
Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS)
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 1,150,000 TZS) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 2,300,000 TZS) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 460,000 TZS) 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)Payable in USD, GBP, or EUR at port of entry. Have exact change. | $50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be applied online before travel; same cost as VoA. | $50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. 115,000 TZS) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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; Tanzania may request certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and coastal areas, especially during rainy season.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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, 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
Handles extensions for travelers on safari or climbing Kilimanjaro.
Practical information for LK 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
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD. You must pay in cash — US dollars only, and they need to be in good condition (no tears, marks, or folds). Cards are not accepted.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Extensions cost around $50 and can add up to 90 days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Sri Lanka is not a yellow fever country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct entry from Sri Lanka.
Yes. Major land crossings like Namanga (from Kenya) and Sirari (from Kenya) also issue visas on arrival. The process is the same — $50 USD, passport, and onward ticket. Smaller crossings may not have the facility, so stick to main borders.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have one, you may be asked to book one on the spot or turned away. Always have a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight booked.
At busy airports like Dar es Salaam, expect 20–40 minutes in the queue. At quieter times or smaller airports, it can be as fast as 10 minutes. The actual processing at the counter takes about 2–3 minutes.
No. Tanzania does not have a visa waiver for Sri Lankan passport holders based on third-country visas. You still need a visa on arrival or an e-visa (if available). The visa on arrival is the standard route.
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.