Tanzania entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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

Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Pay $50 USD in cash at major airports and border crossings for a single-entry visa valid up to 90 days. This policy is effective as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ). Pay $50 USD in cash for a single-entry visa valid up to 90 days. Have a passport photo ready — they don't always ask, but it speeds things up.Check visa detailsRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Return ticket
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Accommodation
Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds
Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay.Recommended
Cash only for visa on arrival
Visa on arrival fees must be paid in US dollars in cash. ATMs are available at airports, but bring enough USD to avoid delays.
Malaria risk is high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Immigration
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Queues can be 15–45 minutes depending on flight volume.
2
Present Documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), a passport photo, and $50 USD in cash. The officer will process your visa — typically takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Receive Visa and Enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Proceed to baggage claim and customs. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy in case asked.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR)

Standard option for longer stays beyond visa-on-arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)

Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries within validity.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)

Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.

work visa
Class A Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (approx. 2,250 SAR) per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires contract, qualifications, and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,750 SAR) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at major airports and border crossings.$50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via Tanzania eVisa portal before travel.$50 USD (approx. 187.50 SAR)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for up to 12 months, allows multiple entries.$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR)
Overstay fineNo maximum cap mentioned; avoid overstay to prevent penalties and future bans.$50 USD per day (approx. 187.50 SAR/day)

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

Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, 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 risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Tanzania, including urban areas; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers; avoid contact.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 1,800 meters. 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
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Plot 1, Sam Nujoma Road, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa 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 travelers on safari; extensions processed here.

Practical information for SA 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
updated May 29
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Tanzania

3,542 kmgreat circle distance
~5hfrom Saudi Arabia
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, at major airports (DAR, JRO, ZNZ) and land borders like Namanga (from Kenya) and Tunduma (from Zambia). Smaller crossings may not offer visa on arrival — check ahead.
You can apply for a visa extension at the Tanzania Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam or regional offices in Arusha, Zanzibar, or Mwanza. Extensions cost around $50 USD per day of overstay, but it's better to apply before your visa expires.
Only if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you've been in such a country within 6 days before arrival, you'll need proof of vaccination (ICVP). Otherwise, it's not required.
No. Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash in US dollars. ATMs are available at airports, but bring enough USD to avoid hassle.
Overstay fines are $50 USD per day. There's no maximum cap, and overstaying can lead to future entry bans. Avoid it by extending your visa before it expires.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and use registered taxis. Malaria is present — take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent.
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban. You need a work permit (Class A Work Permit) sponsored by a Tanzanian employer.

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.