South Africa entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Tanzanian passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Ensure your passport meets the entry rules and carry the essentials.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Africa | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Budget airlines like FlySafair and Kulula also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their South African address and contact number. Officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town International occasionally ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you're not planning to work illegally. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book flights. Airlines may also deny boarding.
No visa, but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have digital copies on your phone and a printed backup just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Collect your luggage
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare).
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Apply at South African embassy in Tanzania before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD)
For retirees or frequent visitors; requires financial proof.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 4 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of financial means and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
work visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For professionals in occupations listed on South Africa's critical skills list. Requires a job offer or proof of qualifications. Leads to permanent residence.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,050 (~$225 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ZAR 10,000 (~$555 USD). | ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 South Africa
No transit visa needed
Tanzania passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Tanzania). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern regions (Kruger Park, Limpopo) and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal (including Kruger National Park). 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
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring application forms and proof of funds.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Cape Town Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.22 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Africa
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being banned from re-entry.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). Tanzania is not on the risk list, so you don't need it unless you've recently traveled through a risk area.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling. South Africa strictly enforces the 6-month rule.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Tanzanian passport holders. Just show your passport and ticket at immigration.
South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR). You can exchange money at airports or withdraw from ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
Generally safe for tourists, but take precautions: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use reputable transport. Stick to well-known areas.
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.