Navigating the visa process is a critical first step for your Tanzanian adventure, whether you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, on safari in the Serengeti, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar.
Here is GEOMURO’s definitive guide to securing your entry to Tanzania, covering the official options, application process, and vital documents.
Tanzania offers two main methods for obtaining a tourist visa. We highly recommend the e-Visa.
| Feature | Recommended: E-Visa | Alternative: Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Application Method | 100% online through the official government portal. | In-person at the port of entry (airport or border crossing). |
| Processing Time | Recommended 10 days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel. | Instant (but involves waiting in line). |
| Security | Pre-approved entry. Guaranteed boarding by airlines. | Entry is not guaranteed. Risk of long queues (sometimes hours). |
| Cost | Varies by nationality (typically $50 USD for most, $100 USD for U.S. citizens). | Same as e-Visa cost. |
| Best For | All travelers seeking efficiency and peace of mind. | Last-minute travel or travelers comfortable with a potential wait. |
The e-Visa is the most secure and streamlined way to get your Tanzanian Tourist Visa.
Access the only official Tanzania e-Visa website. Be cautious of third-party scam sites.
Select the “Single Entry Visa (Ordinary Visa)” which is valid for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.
You will need to scan and upload the following:
A clear copy of your passport bio page.
A recent passport-sized photograph (digital format).
A copy of your return flight ticket.
In some cases, a copy of your tour operator’s itinerary (your GEOMURO itinerary will work for this).
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The standard cost is $50 USD for most nationalities. Note that U.S. citizens must apply for the Multiple Entry Visa which costs $100 USD but is valid for one year.
Once approved, you will receive a “Visa Grant Notice” via email. Print this document and carry it with you to present to the Immigration Officer upon arrival in Tanzania.
Beyond the visa, these are the documents you must have to enter Tanzania:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Your passport must have at least two blank pages for stamps.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through (for more than 12 hours), a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
This typically includes any traveler arriving from other African countries (like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, etc.) or parts of South America.
If you are arriving directly from Europe, North America, or Asia and have not stopped in a high-risk country, you are generally exempt, but bring your certificate if you have one.
A printed copy of your return or onward flight ticket is often required by the Immigration Officer to prove you intend to leave the country.
Contact us. We are always here to help
