Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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 Saudi Arabia. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian citizens. Processing takes 1–3 business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa Apply online before travel | Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. It's valid for 90 days, multiple entry. Approval usually comes within 24 hours — I've seen it in as little as 10 minutes.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. Airlines at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Saudi immigration may ask where you're staying. Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. I've been asked for this at passport control in Jeddah. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. I've never been asked for this at Saudi immigration, but it's listed as a requirement on the official visa site. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply before you fly
Tanzanian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before your trip. Processing takes 1–3 business days, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Saudi Arabia, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to visa.visitsaudi.com, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive and save your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an e-visa PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. The visa is linked to your passport number.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Saudi immigration
At the airport in Saudi Arabia (e.g., Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam), go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and e-visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking — have them ready.
5
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with an entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the date is correct. You're now in Saudi Arabia.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Requires hotel booking and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostSAR 1,070 (~$285 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must leave after 90 days.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostSAR 800 (~$213 USD)
Requires invitation from Saudi company.
work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Iqama)
1 year, renewable
Employer-sponsored, varies
For those with a job offer from a Saudi employer. Requires sponsorship and medical tests. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study program
Free (sponsored by university)
For students accepted into Saudi universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funding.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) + investment
For investors with a minimum investment of SAR 1 million in a Saudi business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per visit. | SAR 1,070 (~$285 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day, max SAR 10,000 (~$2,667 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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 Saudi Arabia
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Saudi Arabia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 12 hours.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common due to street food; ensure food is well-cooked and water is bottled.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of southwestern Saudi Arabia (e.g., Jizan). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh 12345
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Road, Jeddah 21421
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa issues for pilgrims and tourists.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian citizens. You must apply online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by visa type and nationality. For a tourist e-visa, expect around 440–500 SAR (about $120–135 USD), including insurance. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines.
If you're transiting and not entering the country, you usually don't need a visa or return ticket. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa and a return ticket.
Your visa will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes. The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, etc.) and land borders.
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.