Tanzania entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement has been in place since 2024 and applies to tourism, business, and transit visits.
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 be in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Kilimanjaro, Julius Nyerere, and Zanzibar airports enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Budget airlines flying into Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar often check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at land borders and smaller airports are more likely to ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement, credit card, or cash showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
No visa fee — but bring cash for other costs
Entry is free, but you'll need cash for taxis, food, and any unexpected fees (e.g., overstay fines). ATMs are available in cities but not at all border posts.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Even if your passport is valid for 5 months and 29 days, you may be turned away. Check your passport expiry date well before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), print or save your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Get travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at a Tanzanian entry point
You'll land at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, or cross by land from Rwanda at the Rusumo border post. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
3
Present your passport at immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, ask your purpose of visit, and may request your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 'visa-free' entry valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. The process takes 2–5 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. You're free to enter Tanzania.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS)
For those who want a visa instead of visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
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 contract and qualifications.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 2,300,000 TZS) per year
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) – for longer staysAvailable for those who need to stay beyond 90 days or prefer a visa. | $50 USD (approx. 115,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day (approx. 115,000 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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, check requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Rwanda).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Tanzania, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance key.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Similar to dengue; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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 extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Useful for travellers on safari; can handle visa issues.
Practical information for RW 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 = 2,620.5 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
No. Rwandan passport holders can enter Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. No application or fee is required.
Up to 90 days per visit. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at entry. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam or a regional office.
Yes, but extensions are not guaranteed. You need to visit the Tanzania Immigration Department (head office in Dar es Salaam or regional offices) before your 90 days expire. The extension fee is around 50 USD per month, and you'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical treatment, volunteer work). Processing takes a few days.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Rwanda is not considered high-risk, but if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need proof of vaccination). Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Rwanda. Check current requirements with your airline or the Tanzanian embassy.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. Any paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a proper work or student visa obtained in advance.
Overstaying incurs a fine of about 50 USD per month (or part thereof). You may also be banned from re-entering Tanzania for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires or apply for an extension.
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.