Tanzania entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
As of 2025, Madagascar passport holders can visit Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days. No need to apply in advance or pay any visa fee — just show up with the right documents and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof that you're leaving Tanzania within the 90-day visa-free period. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward flight or bus ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You may need to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit usually satisfies the officer. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Madagascar (or any country with yellow fever), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Overstaying is expensive
The 90-day limit is strict. Overstaying can result in fines of $200–$500, detention, or a re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM so you're connected on arrival.
2
Arrive at a Tanzanian airport or land border
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, or any land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
3
Present documents and receive entry stamp
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your documents, stamp you in, and note your allowed stay (up to 90 days). No payment, no forms. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Not needed for short stays; apply if visa-free is not used.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already available)
Useful for multiple trips; otherwise visa-free is sufficient.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$500 USD
Requires business registration or investment in Tanzania.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer in Tanzania. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$2,000 USD initial fee
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Visa
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free entry. | Free (visa-free entry covers this) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free entry. | Free (visa-free entry covers this) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito bite prevention is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially 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, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Arusha
Arusha Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa issues for northern safari tourists.
Practical information for MG 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 = 2,619.9 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Tanzania before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes. The visa-free policy applies at all land borders, not just airports. The same 90-day limit and document requirements apply.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll likely be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering. The fine is typically around $200–$500 depending on how long you overstay. Don't risk it.
No. There is no online arrival declaration for Tanzania. You'll fill out a simple paper form on the plane or at the airport before immigration.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit obtained before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.