Tanzania entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all major airports and land borders in Tanzania. Just have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash (USD). This has been the standard entry method since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Bring USD cash — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival counter only accepts US dollars in cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and may charge high fees. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
E-visa option available
You can apply for an e-visa online before travel. It costs the same as visa on arrival ($50) but lets you skip the queue. Apply at least 5 business days before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Julius Nyerere (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa applications.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be handed a small visa application card. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and where you're staying. A pen is handy — borrow one if needed.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the fee in USD cash. The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once the visa is issued, the officer stamps your passport. You're now cleared to enter Tanzania. Keep the visa sticker safe — it's your proof of legal stay.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply online before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Ideal for frequent visitors; must leave and re-enter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Includes business setup and residency rights.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash (USD) at port of entry. | $50 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system. | $50 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (exact amount in USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | $50 USD per day (maximum cap unknown) |
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Tanzania (e.g., at Julius Nyerere International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa on arrival is required.
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 South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and coastal areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including cities. 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
Immigration Services Department - Headquarters
Plot 6, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for 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 tourists on safari; arrive early.
Practical information for RU 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 = 2,591.27 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
As of 2025, the single-entry visa on arrival costs $50 USD for most nationalities, including Russian passport holders. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more. Pay in cash (USD) — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes. Major land border crossings like Namanga (from Kenya) and Sirari (from Uganda) issue visas on arrival. The process is the same as at airports — fill out a form, pay in USD, get the sticker.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one), you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate. Russia is not a risk country, but if you've traveled to a risk area within 6 months before Tanzania, get the vaccine and carry the card.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam or at regional immigration offices. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can add up to 90 days. Start the process before your current visa expires.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show a return or onward ticket. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country (like Kenya or Uganda) to satisfy the requirement.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But medical care in Tanzania can be expensive — a simple hospital visit can cost $100–200, and serious emergencies can run into thousands. Insurance is strongly recommended.
Yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa for Russian citizens. You can apply online at the official Tanzania e-visa portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days and costs about $50 USD. The e-visa lets you skip the visa queue at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.