Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Tanzanian citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the Saudi embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use the Saudi eVisa system; you must apply through an embassy or consulate in advance. Visa required | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Apply at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate; eVisa is not available for Tanzanian citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date before booking anything; if it expires within 6 months of your arrival, renew it first. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a completely blank page available for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your onward travel itinerary ready to present if requested. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket when checking in or at immigration. Ensure your departure date is within the validity of your visa. | Required |
| Proof of fundsAlthough not always checked, having proof of financial means can help avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient financial means | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Saudi Arabia, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form before landing. Not required | Saudi Arabia does not require a separate arrival declaration for Tanzanian passport holders at this time. | Not required |
No eVisa, no visa on arrival
Tanzanian passport holders cannot use the Saudi eVisa system or get a visa on arrival. The only route is applying at a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel. Don't fall for online services claiming otherwise.
Apply early
Visa processing can take weeks. Start your application at least a month before your planned departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Visa is not extendable
Once you're in Saudi Arabia, you cannot extend your visa. Overstaying leads to fines and potential deportation. Keep track of your visa expiry date and leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Saudi embassy or consulate
Find the Saudi embassy or consulate responsible for your area. In Tanzania, that's the Saudi Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Call or email them to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and whether you need to appear in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements. Make copies of everything — the embassy will likely keep the originals of some items and return others.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and documents to the embassy or consulate. Some embassies require an in-person appointment; others accept walk-ins or mail-in applications. Confirm this in advance.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee as instructed by the embassy. Keep the receipt — you'll need it if you have to collect your passport later.
5
Wait for processing
Processing times vary. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your visa in hand.
6
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker or stamp. Check the visa details — dates, validity, and number of entries — to make sure everything is correct before you travel.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$200–$500 (approx. 750–1875 SAR)
Requires an invitation letter from a Saudi company and approval from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Work visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$300–$600 (approx. 1125–2250 SAR)
Requires a valid job offer and sponsorship from a Saudi employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study program
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$200–$400 (approx. 750–1500 SAR)
Requires acceptance letter from a Saudi educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single-entry, 30 days)Fee varies by visa type and processing channel. | $120 (approx. 450 SAR) |
| Visa processing fee (via Saudi embassy/consulate)Additional service charges may apply. | $30–$60 (approx. 110–225 SAR) |
| Visa extension fee (per 30 days)Extensions are at the discretion of Saudi authorities. | $100 (approx. 375 SAR) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Penalty for overstaying visa validity. | $133 (approx. 500 SAR) per day of overstay |
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
Tanzanian passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Saudi Arabia, even if staying airside. The visa must be obtained in advance from a Saudi embassy or consulate.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and a short layover may be allowed to remain in the international transit area without a visa, but this is not guaranteed and is subject to airline and Saudi border control discretion.
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. Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel, through the Saudi embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's best to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.
The fee depends on the visa type and the specific embassy. Contact the Saudi Embassy in Dar es Salaam for the current fee schedule. Fees are typically paid in local currency or as specified by the embassy.
Some embassies require an in-person appointment for biometrics or document submission. Check with the Saudi Embassy in Dar es Salaam to see if you can apply by mail or if you must appear in person.
No. The Saudi visa for Tanzanian citizens is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Even for transit, you generally need a visa unless you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. Check with your airline and the Saudi embassy to see if you qualify for a transit visa, but Tanzanian citizens typically need a full visa.
No. Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for the Saudi eVisa. You must apply through the embassy or consulate in person or by mail, as instructed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.