Tanzania entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
If you're a US passport holder heading to Tanzania in 2026, you don't need a visa before you travel. Just arrive at the airport with your passport and the fee in cash, and you'll get a visa on arrival good for up to 90 days.
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 the length of your planned stay in Tanzania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Single-entry tourist visa available at airports | You can get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Pay $50 USD in cash — they do not accept cards. Have your passport photo and return flight details ready.Apply online | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. If you are flying out to a neighboring country, a bus or ferry ticket may not be accepted — stick to a flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation printed or saved on your phone. If you are staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. Officers rarely ask, but it smooths things out if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card showing you can support yourself | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a credit card with a visible balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — showing a card or cash is enough. | Recommended |
Bring exact cash in USD
The visa desk does not give change. If you have a $100 bill and the fee is $100, you're fine. But if you have larger bills, there's no ATM at the desk. Have the exact amount or bring smaller bills that sum to $100. No coins or worn bills accepted.
No need to print anything
You don't need a printed visa application or hotel voucher – just fill out the form at the desk. But having a copy of your flight itinerary and accommodation booking on your phone helps if they ask. The process is very simple.
Visa on arrival is standard for US citizens
This is the easiest and most straightforward way to enter Tanzania. No appointment, no waiting for approval, no fees to third parties. Just arrive, pay, and proceed. It works at all international airports and major land borders.
What happens at the border
1
Land and follow signs
After landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the application form
At the visa desk, you'll get a short form requiring personal details, flight info, and where you're staying. Fill it out in black ink. Have your passport ready.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand the form and your passport to the officer. Pay $100 USD cash in good condition. The officer will issue a visa sticker, affix it in your passport, and stamp you in. Total time: usually 10–20 minutes depending on queue.
4
Proceed to passport control
Take your passport with the fresh visa sticker and join the line for passport control. The officer may ask a few simple questions (purpose of visit, hotel name). After that, you're free to collect your luggage.
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply online at eVisa portal. Same as VoA but processed before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity12 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Best for frequent travelers. Extensions possible at immigration offices.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Tanzanian company.
Residence permit (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$500 USD
For long-term stays. Apply through employer or school.
work visa
Class C Work Permit
2 years, renewable
~$600 USD (application fee)
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Tanzanian employer. Requires labor market test and company sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor's Pass
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee)
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD investment in Tanzania. Includes residency rights for family.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash at port of entry. Valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa system before travel. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 12 months. Apply online. | $100 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before visa expires. Max extension 6 months. | $50 USD per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap reported. Avoid overstay to prevent fines or bans. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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 Tanzania
No transit visa needed
US passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Tanzania, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) · Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers; food and water precautions reduce risk.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high in all regions, including cities. CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Immigration Headquarters
Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Popular for safari travelers. Extensions processed here.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalDodoma
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,599.28 TZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D, G — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Tanzania
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist visa costs $100 USD. That's the standard price at all airports for US passport holders. If you want multiple entries, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., business visa).
No. Only cash is accepted – and only US dollars in good condition (no rips, marks, or old series). Some officers may accept euros or pounds, but it's not guaranteed. Always bring $100 USD per person in crisp bills.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Mwanza. The cost is about $50 USD per month, but you must apply before your visa expires. Many travelers find it easier to do a visa run or plan for the full 90 days within the single entry.
If you stay airside and don't clear immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a day trip), you'll need a visa on arrival. The transit visa is very limited and usually not worth the hassle – a tourist visa is simpler.
Yes, at most major land borders such as Namanga (Kenya side), Sirari (Kenya), and Rusumo (Rwanda). The process is similar: fill a form, pay $100 USD, get the visa. But not all crossings offer it – check before heading to a remote border.
A single-entry tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issue. It's a one-time entry – if you leave Tanzania (even to Zanzibar? Actually Zanzibar is domestic so no extra visa needed), you need a new visa upon re-entry. Note: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so no additional visa required for the islands.
Technically yes, Tanzania offers an e-visa online, but as of 2026 it's still unreliable – many travelers report delays and payment issues. The visa on arrival is faster and more certain. If you want to try, use the official site: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ . Cost is the same $100 USD, but processing can take 5–10 business days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.