Australia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter Australia. You must apply for and receive this visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as the application process involves several steps and can take time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australian visa (Subclass 600 or appropriate)You cannot board a flight to Australia without a valid visa. Visa required | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs (ImmiAccount) for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) or other relevant visa. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityAustralian immigration requires your passport to remain valid for the entire stay, but 6 months is the standard minimum. At least 6 months | Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the Australian entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAustralian immigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country. Evidence of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your visa expires. This is a standard requirement for visitor visa holders. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Financial capacity | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, such as bank statements or a sponsor's letter. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical costs in Australia can be very high for visitors; insurance protects you. Recommended | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended for your stay in Australia. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou will still need to complete the standard arrival card on the plane. Not required | As of 2026, Australia does not require a separate arrival declaration for travellers from Tanzania. The Incoming Passenger Card (or digital equivalent) is completed on board. | Not required |
Start early — don't book flights yet
Visa processing can take several weeks or even months. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is granted. The application fee is non-refundable, so make sure your documents are complete and accurate before submitting.
Biometrics in Dar es Salaam
The only Australian Visa Application Centre in Tanzania is in Dar es Salaam. If you live elsewhere, you'll need to travel there. Book your appointment as soon as you receive the biometrics letter — slots fill up quickly.
Visa is electronic
Once approved, your visa is linked to your passport number electronically. You don't need to visit an embassy to get a label. Just present your passport at Australian immigration, and the officer will see your visa in the system.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Most tourists apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600). If you're visiting family, on business, or for other purposes, check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to confirm the correct subclass.
2
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, recent passport-sized photos, bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation in Australia. Scan them as PDFs or images for upload.
3
Create an ImmiAccount and apply online
Go to the Australian Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. Fill out the online application form, upload your documents, and pay the AUD 190 fee using a credit or debit card.
4
Book and attend biometrics appointment
After submitting your application, you'll receive a letter asking for biometrics. Book an appointment at the AVAC in Dar es Salaam (or another approved location). Bring your passport and the appointment letter. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
5
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — from a few weeks to a few months. You can track your application status in your ImmiAccount. Avoid booking non-refundable flights until you have your visa.
6
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa grant notification via email. Your visa is linked electronically to your passport number. At Australian immigration, present your passport — the officer will see your visa in the system. No physical label is needed.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months
CostAUD 190
For short business activities; no work permitted.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months
CostAUD 635
Only for eligible countries; Tanzania is not currently eligible – check updates.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 710
Requires enrolment in a registered course and health insurance.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Max stayUp to 4 years
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostAUD 1,455 (base)
Requires employer sponsorship and relevant skills.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feePaid online via ImmiAccount; non-refundable. | AUD 190 (from AUD 145, as of 2026) |
| Visa application service charge (VFS Global)If applying through VFS Global in Tanzania or neighboring country. | AUD 30 (approx.) |
| Biometric collection feeIf biometrics required at a visa application centre. | AUD 20 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visaFor applying to extend stay while in Australia; subject to conditions. | AUD 455 (approx.) |
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
Tanzanian passport holders require a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are exempt under specific conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa
- Holders of a valid New Zealand passport
- Diplomatic or official passport holders with certain agreements
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (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 = 1.45 AUD
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
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary. For a Visitor visa (subclass 600), it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. The official estimate on the Home Affairs website is 50% of applications processed within 20 days, but it depends on your individual circumstances and the time of year. Check your ImmiAccount for updates.
No. Tanzania is not on the list of countries eligible for eVisitor or visa-on-arrival. You must have a valid visa before you board your flight. Airlines will not let you board without one.
The base application fee for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190 (about TZS 300,000 as of 2026). This does not include biometrics fees (if applicable) or any additional charges for medical exams or police certificates.
Yes, most applicants from Tanzania will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo). You'll be directed to book an appointment at the Australian Visa Application Centre in Dar es Salaam after you submit your application. The biometric fee is around AUD 45, but check the current rate.
Generally, no. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from within Australia, which is rarely granted for tourism. It's best to plan your stay within the initial visa validity.
You'll receive a written refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 21 days, but this costs money and takes time. Alternatively, you can reapply with stronger documentation. The application fee is not refunded.
No, Australia does not require a yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Tanzania. However, if you've recently visited a yellow fever endemic country (other than Tanzania), you may need a certificate. Check the Home Affairs website for the latest health requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.