Start With Your Passport Nationality
There is no single visa rule for every traveler. Some nationalities can enter Tanzania without a visa, many tourism visitors use the Ordinary Visa, and United States passport holders visiting for tourism are required to use the Multiple Entry Visa under the current Tanzania Immigration guidelines.
The safest approach is to check the official Tanzania Immigration visa portal before you travel. Visa rules can change, and Capable Africa Tours does not issue visas.
Online Visa or Visa on Arrival?
Tanzania Immigration currently gives eligible travelers two main options: apply online before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at an official entry point. The Immigration Department recommends using the online application system.
If you prefer to complete the process before flying, use only the official government portal. Avoid third-party websites that look similar to the official system but charge additional service fees.
Passport Requirements
The current official visa guidance says your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining and at least one unused visa page when you submit the application.
Before starting the online application, check the passport number carefully. The details in the application should match the passport you will travel with.
Tourist Visa for Most Visitors
Travelers visiting Tanzania for tourism normally apply for the Ordinary Visa unless their nationality is visa-exempt or falls under a different category.
According to the current Tanzania Immigration guidance, the Ordinary Visa fee is USD 50 and the visa can be valid for up to 90 days.
The usual supporting documents include a copy of the passport bio page, a return ticket, the online application form and payment of the required visa fee.
Important Rule for United States Passport Holders
United States passport holders traveling to Tanzania for tourism are currently required to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa rather than the Ordinary Visa.
The official fee listed for the Multiple Entry Visa is USD 100. It may be issued with validity of up to twelve months, although the permitted stay on each visit is limited by the immigration conditions attached to that visa.
If you hold a US passport, check the latest official guidance before paying because visa categories and conditions can change.
Return Ticket Requirement
Tanzania Immigration states that visitors must be able to show a return ticket when arriving at the entry point. If your trip continues to another country rather than returning directly home, keep your onward booking available as part of your travel documents.
We recommend keeping the important documents on your phone and also having an offline copy in case airport internet is slow.
How Long Does the Online Visa Take?
The official Tanzania eVisa guidelines currently state that standard online applications are processed within ten days, except for referral visa cases.
Do not leave the application until the last minute. Referral cases can take much longer, and Immigration advises applicants in that category to apply well in advance.
Referral Visa Countries
Some passport holders fall under the Referral Visa category. These travelers must apply online and wait for approval before starting the journey unless they have the specific approval required by Tanzania Immigration.
The list can change, so do not rely on an old blog or screenshot. Check the current list directly on the official Immigration website before booking a non-refundable flight.
Do You Need a Visa for Zanzibar?
Tanzania's electronic visa system covers travel to the United Republic of Tanzania, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. You do not normally obtain a completely separate tourist visa simply because you are visiting Zanzibar.
However, Zanzibar can have other entry-linked requirements that are separate from the visa itself. Check current Zanzibar travel requirements before departure, especially if your safari ends with an island stay.
What Capable Africa Tours Can Help With
We do not submit or approve visa applications, but we can provide the safari information you may need for your travel planning, including the confirmed itinerary, accommodation details and local contact information connected to the safari booking.
If you have already booked your flights, send us the arrival airport and landing time so we can arrange the Tanzania-side pickup shown in your itinerary.
Documents to Keep With You
- Passport
- Visa Grant Notice or visa confirmation where applicable
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Safari itinerary
- Accommodation details
- Travel insurance documents
- Emergency contact details
Keeping both digital and offline copies is useful during long international trips.
Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unofficial visa website
- Applying under the wrong visa category
- Entering a passport number incorrectly
- Applying with less than six months passport validity
- Waiting until the final few days before travel
- Assuming every nationality follows the same visa rule
- Booking a flight before checking referral-visa requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Capable Africa Tours issue my visa?
No. Visas are handled by Tanzania Immigration. We can provide confirmed safari and local booking information when needed for your travel planning.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival?
Eligible travelers can currently obtain a visa on arrival at official entry points, but Tanzania Immigration recommends using the online visa system where possible.
How much is a tourist visa?
The current Ordinary Visa fee listed by Tanzania Immigration is USD 50. United States passport holders visiting for tourism use the Multiple Entry Visa, which is currently listed at USD 100.
How long should my passport be valid?
The official guidance requires at least six months of passport validity and at least one unused visa page when applying.
Does a Tanzania visa cover Zanzibar?
Yes, the official Tanzania electronic visa system covers Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Other Zanzibar-specific travel requirements may still apply separately.