Congratulations on booking your exciting Tanzania safari or Zanzibar holiday! The next step is to secure your tourist visa, which can often bring about some concerns. You might be wondering how to apply, where to go, and what documents are necessary. The good news is that obtaining a visa for Tanzania is quite straightforward, especially when you choose to book with us. Keep reading to find out more.

When planning your trip to Tanzania, you have the option to apply for your visa online or obtain it upon arrival*. Both methods are acceptable, although the Tanzanian government encourages travelers to opt for the online application to showcase the country’s modernity. Below, we’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of each application method. But first, let’s discuss the associated costs.

The Cost

Visa fees for Tanzania vary slightly depending on your nationality. If you’re traveling from Europe, the cost is set at 50 USD. For US citizens, a multi-entry visa is required, which comes to 100 USD. Both visa types are valid for three months, but the multi-entry option allows you to exit and re-enter the country within a year using the same visa.

These prices apply when you obtain your visa online. If you choose to apply upon arrival, the fees are either 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for the multi-entry visa). This can be a bit surprising, as 50 EUR is worth more than 50 USD. Additionally, you have the option to pay with a credit card, which incurs a fee of 50 or 100 USD plus any applicable credit card charges. The decision is entirely yours.

Online Application

The Tanzanian government strongly encourages online applications, and honestly, there are several advantages to this approach:

The process is quite straightforward, especially with the helpful PDF guide provided when you book with us. You can board your flight with the peace of mind that your visa is already secured and paid for. Upon your arrival, you’ll only need to visit one counter to have your visa stamped.

To apply for your visa online, simply head to the official Tanzanian government portal. We highly recommend avoiding any other websites, as they tend to be either more costly or potentially fraudulent. We’ve heard numerous stories from travelers who fell victim to these scams, so it’s wise to prioritize your safety. The official portal is: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/.

Once you submit your application, be prepared for a processing time of up to ten days before your visa is approved. It’s essential to either print or download your application confirmation to bring along. When you arrive, simply head to the immigration counter, where you’ll get your visa stamped in your passport. After that, just grab your bags, and you’re all set to enjoy your journey.

Secure your visa upon arrival in Tanzania

If you find yourself unable or unwilling to apply online, starting March 2024, you still have the option to apply upon arrival*. Prepare yourself for a touch of African bureaucracy, but rest assured, the process is relatively straightforward:

• Upon landing at the airport, you will need to complete an application form (make sure to have a pen handy and the address of Tanzania Specialist along with your first lodge ready).
• Proceed to the visa counter to submit your application.
• Next, visit a second counter to pay your visa fee, which can be done in cash or via credit card.
• Then, head to a third counter to have your visa stamped in your passport.
• Finally, collect your luggage, and you’re all set to explore.

As you can see, applying upon arrival requires you to stand in line three times, while online applicants only need to queue once. Although this traditional method may take a bit longer, remember that you’re in the land of ‘pole pole’—there’s no rush in Africa! Embrace the pace. Interestingly, with the surge in online applications, the single queue for those is often much longer than the three queues you’ll encounter when applying upon arrival. You might just find yourself on your way faster than expected!

Make your own choice

In today’s world, the majority of travelers opt for online visa applications to ensure they have their visa secured before embarking on their journey. This approach is completely reasonable. If you choose to apply online, here are some essential preparations to consider:

• Submit your application three to four weeks prior to your travel date to allow ample time for any potential rejections. This timeframe will enable you to rectify any errors and reapply if necessary.
• Have a credit card on hand for payment, or familiarize yourself with the process of making an international bank transfer.
• Prepare a digital passport-sized photo, an image of your passport’s biodata page (maximum 300 kB), and a PDF of your flight ticket (maximum 1 MB).
• Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months after your return from Tanzania.
• If a child is traveling with only one parent, you must provide a written consent document in English from the other parent for the trip, which should be uploaded into the application system.
• Bring a pen with you upon arrival in Tanzania, as you may be required to complete a form.

For those who prefer a more spontaneous approach and wish to apply upon arrival, be sure to prepare adequately before boarding your flight.

• Carry the necessary cash for the visa fee (in USD or EUR), or have your credit card ready.
• No passport-sized photo is required in this case.
• Keep a pen handy to fill out the application form, along with the addresses of Tanzania Specialist and your first hotel.
• If a child is traveling with only one parent, ensure you have the written consent document from the other parent.

Ultimately, the choice of how to apply for your visa is yours—select the method that minimizes your stress. Remember, the goal is to secure that visa!