Australia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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

Tanzanian passport holders need an eVisa (subclass 601) to visit Australia for tourism or business. From 2026, you must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. The eVisa is valid for 12 months and allows multiple stays of up to 3 months each.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa applicationETA (Australia)
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
Download the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — the official app is free, third-party websites charge extra. Complete the application and pay the $20 AUD fee. Approval usually arrives within seconds, but allow at least 24 hours before your flight.Apply for ETARequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Tanzanian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Australia does not require six months of validity beyond your stay — just make sure it's valid for the whole trip. Airlines sometimes enforce the six-month rule, so check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Australia
Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Australia before your ETA expires.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Australia. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. There's no set minimum amount, but showing at least $1,000 AUD for a short trip is a safe bet.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Australia. You must apply and receive approval before your flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in Australia, not from the day you apply. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
eSIMs save time at the airport
Airalo eSIMs activate automatically when you land. No need to queue at a mobile shop — you'll have data for maps, Uber, and messaging within seconds.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and complete the online application for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a credit card for the fee (around AUD 20). Processing usually takes minutes, but apply at least a few days before departure.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder on your phone and a physical copy in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at the airport
At check-in, show your eVisa approval and passport. The airline will verify your visa before issuing a boarding pass. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
4
Go through immigration in Australia
At Australian airports like Sydney or Melbourne, join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer honestly and briefly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 3 months.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream
Max stayUp to 12 months per entry (granted on case-by-case basis)
ValidityUp to 12 months from date of grant
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)

Single or multiple entry. Must show strong ties to home country.

Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Business stream
Max stayUp to 3 months per entry
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)

For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. No work allowed.

Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityDuration of course plus 2–3 months
CostAUD 710 (~USD 470)

Requires enrolment in a registered course and sufficient funds.

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)

Available for eligible countries; Tanzania not currently eligible.

student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 710 (~USD 470)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrolment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply
work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,330 (~USD 880) for main applicant
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply
investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, renewable
AUD 6,270 (~USD 4,150) for main applicant
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australia. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply
retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,680) for main applicant
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires a designated investment in Australia. No work allowed.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist streamStandard fee for single or multiple entry, up to 12 months validity.AUD 150 (~USD 100)
Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires.AUD 370 (~USD 245)
Overstay fineOverstaying can lead to visa cancellation and bans.AUD 0 per day (no fixed fine, but may affect future visas)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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 Australia

Transit visa required

Tanzania passport holders generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Australian visa or permanent residence may transit without a transit visa.
  • Holders of a valid New Zealand passport or residence visa may transit without a transit visa.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Health & vaccines for Australia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Tanzania). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus)Low risk

Rare in urban areas; risk increases in rural and tropical regions.

Heat-related illnessModerate risk

Common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Snake and spider bitesLow risk

Rare but serious; seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00 (by appointment only)

For visa enquiries and applications. Book appointment online.

Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00 (by appointment only)

Handles visa extensions and complex cases.

Practical information for TZ travellers

Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.39 AUD
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Police000
Medical000
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Australia

10,591 kmgreat circle distance
~14hfrom Tanzania
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Most applications are processed within minutes. However, some can take up to 12 hours. Apply at least 2–3 days before your flight to be safe. The fee is about AUD 20.
No, the eVisa (subclass 601) does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (like a Visitor visa subclass 600) before your current one expires. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Rejections are rare for genuine tourists, but can happen if your passport is damaged, you have a criminal record, or you've overstayed in Australia before. You can reapply with corrected information or apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
It's not a formal requirement, but an officer may ask how you'll support yourself. Have a bank statement or credit card ready. A few hundred dollars in cash or available credit is usually enough for a short trip.
No. Immigration requires a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
No, it's not mandatory. But Australia has no reciprocal healthcare with Tanzania. A simple hospital visit can cost AUD 500+. Insurance is cheap compared to that risk.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. There is no visa-on-arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.