Tourist Visa for Tanzania Safari
Applying for a Tanzanian Tourist Visa — A Complete Guide In 2026
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Tanzania. Previously, tourists had two options to obtain a tourist visa: either get a visa upon arrival or apply in advance through their nation’s Tanzanian consulate. The consulate process required sending your passport away in the mail and waiting for it to be returned, which was less-than-ideal, time-consuming, and somewhat risky—especially if you’ve ever experienced the postal system losing your passport.
Thankfully, the process has become much easier. Tourists can now apply for an Electronic Visa (e-visa) to enter Tanzania as a tourist. Don’t let the prospect of a visa deter you—it is a very simple step that nearly every nation in the world requires for travelers.
The cost of a Tanzanian tourist visa is $50 USD for most travelers, while American citizens pay $100 USD. Citizens of some countries, particularly several neighboring African nations, are allowed to enter Tanzania without a visa. To check whether your country is exempt, consult Tanzania’s official visa exemption list on the official Tanzania visa site.
Visa for Tanzania
Most travelers to Tanzania need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival at the airport. Use the widget below to select your citizenship and see the type of visa required and how long the application will take.
Select your citizenship
What Is a Tanzanian Tourist Visa?
A Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa is an official entry permit for foreign nationals who plan to visit Tanzania for leisure, sightseeing, or safari tours. If your dream is to see the vast plains of the Serengeti, the stunning landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, or the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, this visa is mandatory.
Tourist visas can be categorized into several types:
Single-entry visa: Valid for one visit up to 90 days. Most travelers use this type.
Multiple-entry visa: Ideal for those planning several visits within a year.
Visa on arrival: Available at airports and seaports for certain nationalities, but it is less reliable than applying online.
NOTE FOR US CITIZENS: select “Multiple Entry Visa” when completing your application. This is the required option for US citizens wishing to enter Tanzania as tourists, then choose “Holiday and Leisure” as the purpose for travel
Other nationals may consider if a single entry tourist visa or multiple entry visa is right for their travel plans
Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa Requirements
Before applying for your Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa, make sure you have the following essentials:
Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your planned entry date.
Completed visa application form: Can be completed online or as a downloadable PDF.
Recent passport photo: Clear, standard size, and meeting the official requirements.
Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings or a detailed safari itinerary.
Return or onward ticket: Evidence showing that you plan to leave Tanzania within your visa period.
Payment of visa fee: Payment varies depending on your nationality.
For Indian travelers, specific rules apply under Visa on Arrival Tanzania for Indian, though online applications are strongly recommended for a smoother process.
Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa Processing Time
It may take up to 10 days to process your application, so ensure to give yourself sufficient time to complete the application and receive your visa. If you are short on time, or booked a last-minute Tanzania adventure, you should obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport.
Alternatively, the tourist visa should not be completed more than 3 months prior to your scheduled travel dates. Don’t apply for your E-Visa too early!
Print all confirmation pages and keep them in a secure location. When you arrive in Tanzania (usually at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport), you will still get an official sticker in your passport as proof of your tourist visa.
Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa Price & Cost
The cost of a Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa depends on the type of visa and your nationality. Here’s a quick guide:
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $50–$100 | Standard for most travelers |
| Multiple-entry | $100–$150 | For multiple visits within a year |
| Visa on Arrival | $50–$100 | Availability depends on nationality |
Keep in mind that visa fees are subject to change. Always confirm the latest prices on the official Tanzania visa site before applying.
How to Apply for a Tanzanian Tourist Visa
Applying for a visa is straightforward when you follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official E-Visa Portal
Use the official Tanzania visa site or the Visa Registration Online system.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete your information accurately on the Tanzania visa application form PDF or online portal.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Passport scan
Passport-sized photograph
Proof of travel itinerary or hotel bookings
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Use internationally accepted payment methods, such as credit cards, to pay the visa fee online.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa
Download the approved e-visa and print a copy. For visa on arrival, present your documents at the immigration counter.
Expert Tip: Double-check all information—passport number, travel dates, and name spelling—to avoid entry delays.
Tanzania Tourist Visa Extension
If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can request a Tanzania tourist visa extension at the Home Affairs Tanzania office. Extensions typically allow an additional 90 days, depending on your circumstances. Be sure to apply before your original visa expires to avoid fines or legal issues.
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Everything You Need to Know About Applying for a Tanzanian Tourist Visa
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Yes, most travelers can apply for a Tanzania tourist visa online through the official e-visa portal. This option is faster, safer, and more convenient than waiting in long lines at the airport or sending your passport to a consulate. Applying online allows you to submit all required documents, pay the visa fee, and receive your visa digitally, which you can print and carry with you when you travel.
The processing time depends on how you apply. If you use the online portal, your Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa is usually processed within 2 to 5 business days. If you apply through a Tanzanian embassy or consulate, it may take 7 to 10 business days. Visa on arrival is immediate, but it can involve long queues, especially during peak safari season. Applying online is generally the quickest and most reliable method.
Indian nationals have the option to use Visa on Arrival Tanzania for Indian at certain airports and ports, but applying online beforehand is highly recommended. This ensures that you won’t face delays at immigration and allows you to confirm your entry in advance. It also helps you avoid the uncertainty of potential website downtimes on the Tanzania e Visa site.
The cost of a Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa varies depending on your nationality and type of visa. For most travelers, the fee is $50 USD for a single-entry visa, while American citizens pay $100 USD. Multiple-entry visas can cost more, usually between $100–$150 USD. Keep in mind that citizens of some neighboring African countries may enter Tanzania for free. Always check the official Tanzania visa site for the latest updates on visa fees.
Yes, travelers who wish to stay longer than the original visa period can apply for a Tanzania tourist visa extension at the Home Affairs Tanzania office. Extensions are typically granted for up to 90 additional days, depending on your circumstances and the type of visa you hold. It is essential to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid fines or legal complications.
To apply for a Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa, you will need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a recent passport-sized photo, proof of accommodation or a safari itinerary, and a return or onward ticket. You will also need to complete the visa application form online or via PDF and pay the applicable visa fee. For a smooth application process, make sure all documents are clear, accurate, and up to date.
If the Tanzania e Visa site is temporarily unavailable, you can apply through the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country. Another option is to consult a trusted safari operator like Tanzania Safari Experience, which can guide you through alternative methods to secure your visa without delays.
Yes, regardless of whether your trip is focused on safari, beach holidays, or cultural exploration, a Tanzania Safari Tourist Visa is mandatory for most foreign nationals. It allows entry to all national parks, conservation areas, and regions of Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Zanzibar. Without a valid visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country or participate in any safari activities.