Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Tanzania Visa

From game-viewing in Serengeti National Park to climbing Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, travelers come from around the world to discover Tanzania’s spectacular wild places.

Home to some of the most famous national parks and game reserves in Africa, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, it’s one of the best destinations in East Africa for encountering African wildlife in its natural habitat, including the famed Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, and water buffalo—the holy grail of animal sightings.

Sitting on the Indian Ocean, offshore archipelagos like Zanzibar are also world-renowned destinations for scuba diving and soaking up stellar tropical scenery. But Tanzania boasts far more than outdoor adventure, with vibrant, multicultural cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha offering history, culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Whether you want to go on a classic African safari, unwind on a Zanzibar beach, or connect with local culture in bustling cities, Tanzania is a must-visit. Before hopping on a plane to go in search of African adventure on the great plains, this essential primer will help you get started on planning a trip, covering everything from visas to cultural norms you need to know.

Essential Travel Information

  • Official language

    Swahili

  • Time Zone

    East Africa Time (GMT+3)

  • Climate

    Tropical and subtropical

  • Calling Code

    +255

  • Electricity

    230V/50Hz, plugs D and G

  • Capital City

    Dodoma

  • US Embassy

    Dar es Salaam

  • Currency

    Tanzania shilling (TZS; TSh); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 2,454 TZS (exchange rate subject to change)

Unlocking the World: Adventures Await on Your Traveler's Path

Get your VISA learn more

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Travel to Tanzania?

Yes, US citizens do need to have a valid visa in order to enter Tanzania. This visa can be obtained in advance of your trip or upon arrival at your port of entry. You can get a single-entry visa for business purposes and a multiple-entry visa for tourism purposes.

Tanzania Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Whether you’re traveling to Tanzania for tourism or business, you can apply for both visa types online through Entriva for a fast and efficient application process.

Sub Section Icon

Tanzania Tourist Visa

Tanzania offers both an ordinary visa (Tourist Visa) and an e-Visa for tourism purposes, allowing visits of up to three months (90 days). US citizens are required to apply for the Multiple Entry visa, even if they’re only planning one visit. The Multiple Entry tourist visa permits stays of up to 90 days for each visit and is valid for a year.

Sub Section Icon

Tanzania Business Visa

If you need to visit Tanzania for business purposes, Tanzania offers a Business Visa which permits stays of up to 90 days. The Business Visa can be obtained online as well.

General Travel Requirements to Enter Tanzania

Foreign nationals will the following in order to enter Tanzania:

Sub Section Icon

  • Valid passport with one blank page and at least six months of validity
  • Valid visa
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if coming from known infected area)
  • Prescriptions (if bringing prescribed medication into the country)

Getting comprehensive travel insurance—including medical insurance in case you need to seek medical care or undergo emergency procedures while in the country—is also recommended.

Tanzania Travel Restrictions

COVID-19 Requirements: None.

While the Tanzanian government is not currently requiring those entering or transiting Tanzania or Zanzibar to present confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination or testing, enhanced screening protocols are still in place. Some travelers have reported requests to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival, or a negative COVID-19 test if they weren’t vaccinated.

The US State Department has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory due to crime, terrorist incidents, and targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Tanzanian travel restrictions  are subject to change, so stay up-to-date by checking for advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US State Department’s Tanzania advisory page, and the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam.

Health and Safety in Tanzania

Tanzania’s spectacular wildernesses and native wildlife are among its top attractions. But they also pose health risks to travelers , including being harmed by wildlife, suffering altitude sickness on Mt. Kilimanjaro, getting heat stroke, or contracting diseases, like malaria, from mosquito bites. Travelers should take precautions, such as taking antimalarial medication, being up-to-date on vaccines, and following wildlife and safari safety guidelines during their visit.

While Tanzania is mostly safe, travelers should also take precautions against petty and violent crime in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, threats from terrorist groups in border areas like southern Tanzania, and targeting of and bias against LGBTQ+ travelers.

Local Laws for Travelers to Tanzania

To avoid entanglements with local police, travelers in Tanzania should be aware of the laws  and cultural norms that apply to them, like needing an international driver’s license to use a car, not smoking in public places, avoiding public displays of affection, and dressing conservatively. Tanzania has also banned plastic bags, so you can’t bring them into the country with you.

If you’re arrested and imprisoned by local authorities in Tanzania, you should immediately seek legal assistance from a reputable law firm or lawyer. You should also alert your country’s embassy or consulate right away. They can provide assistance and guidance on what you should do next.

Money, Banking, and Currency in Tanzania

Tanzania is a primarily cash-based economy, with the Tanzanian shilling as its official currency. It’s possible to pay for some things, like hotels, in US dollars, but you shouldn’t count on it.

Ensure you have sufficient funds in shillings for gratuities; tipping is expected  for tour guides and staff at safari camps and hotels, although not required for cab rides or at restaurants. It’s common to haggle at markets and street stalls, and to be approached frequently by locals selling handicrafts in villages and towns.

Preparing for Your Tanzania Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Tanzanian visa. Start your visa application process.

Essential Travel Information

  • Official language

    Swahili

  • Time Zone

    East Africa Time (GMT+3)

  • Climate

    Tropical and subtropical

  • Calling Code

    +255

  • Electricity

    230V/50Hz, plugs D and G

  • Capital City

    Dodoma

  • US Embassy

    Dar es Salaam

  • Currency

    Tanzania shilling (TZS; TSh); current exchange rate, 1 US dollar = 2,454 TZS (exchange rate subject to change)

Unlocking the World: Adventures Await on Your Traveler's Path

Get Travel Visa learn more