Tanzania entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can enter Tanzania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism, business, and transit visits. No advance paperwork is needed — just show up at the border with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Tanzania | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Tanzania does not require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Tanzania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Kilimanjaro, Julius Nyerere, and Zanzibar airports. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. No one will turn you away for not having one, but it speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — roughly $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
If you're arriving from Zambia (a yellow fever endemic country), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival at your own cost or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
90-day stay is not extendable
The visa-free entry gives you exactly 90 days. There is no extension option. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a residence permit from the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam before your 90 days expire.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
At Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro Airport, or any land border crossing, proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents to immigration
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking) if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages, then stamp you in.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. Confirm the allowed stay duration on the stamp before walking away. If it's less than 90 days, ask politely for the full period.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There are no additional forms to fill unless you're bringing restricted goods (e.g., large amounts of cash, wildlife products).
Download Tanzania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (visa-free entry applies)
Zambian passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days; no visa needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (visa-free entry applies)
Visa-free entry already allows multiple entries within 90-day periods.
Long-stay visa (business/investor)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires proof of investment or business registration in Tanzania.
work visa
Class A Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (estimated)
For foreign nationals employed by a Tanzanian company. Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class C)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residence and work rights.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Tanzanian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. | Free (visa-free entry applies) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | TZS 50,000 (~$20 USD) per day |
| Stay extension costVisa-free entry is not extendable; you must leave and re-enter for longer stays. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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 Tanzania
No transit visa needed
Zambian passport holders transiting through Tanzania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsJulius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam · Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Kilimanjaro · Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar
Health & vaccines for Tanzania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Zambia is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Tanzania, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including cities. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 Services Department - Headquarters
Plot 6, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Arusha
Arusha Regional Immigration Office
Boma Road, Arusha
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa issues for northern Tanzania; popular with safari travellers.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 2,619.9 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Tanzania — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must leave Tanzania and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa (e.g., a residence permit) from the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Zambia). You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the border. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival (around $50) or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Yes. The main land border crossing is at Tunduma (Zambia side) / Nakonde (Tanzania side). The process is the same as at an airport — no visa needed, just your passport and onward ticket. The border is open 24/7, but expect delays during peak hours.
You will be denied entry. Tanzania strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. No exceptions are made at the border.
No. Tanzania does not require an online arrival declaration or eTA for Zambian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents. However, you may be asked to fill out a simple paper landing card on the plane or at the border — this is standard and takes 2 minutes.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling. Working on a visitor entry can lead to deportation and a ban.
Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, safari operators, and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using shillings. ATMs are common in cities (Dar, Arusha, Zanzibar) but less reliable in rural areas. Carry some cash in USD as backup.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.