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English Français Deutsch Nederlands Español Italiano Polski KiswahiliOnce you’ve booked one of our unforgettable Tanzania safaris or Zanzibar holidays with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages (yay!), the next step is applying for your tourist visa. This stage often brings up questions and concerns—Where do I apply? What’s the process? What documents are needed? The good news is, obtaining a visa for Tanzania is usually a smooth and straightforward process, especially when you’re travelling with us. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
When it comes to getting your visa, you have two main options: apply online in advance or get it on arrival*. Both methods are valid, though the Tanzanian government does encourage online applications as part of its push to showcase the country’s modern infrastructure. Below, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option. But first, let’s look at the visa costs.
Visa fees for Tanzania vary slightly depending on your nationality. If you’re traveling from Europe, the cost is 50 USD. For U.S. citizens, a multi-entry visa is required, which costs 100 USD. Both visa types are valid for three months, but the multi-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter Tanzania within a one-year period using the same visa.
These rates apply when you apply online. If you choose to obtain your visa on arrival, the fee is either 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for the multi-entry visa). Interestingly, paying in euros may end up costing slightly more due to the exchange rate. You can also choose to pay by credit card, in which case the fee remains 50 or 100 USD, with an additional credit card processing fee. The payment method is up to you.
For a smooth and stress-free experience, Tanzania Wildlife Voyages recommends arranging your visa in advance.
The Tanzanian government encourages travelers to apply for their visa online — and honestly, it comes with some real advantages:
The process is straightforward, especially with the step-by-step PDF guide you receive when booking through Tanzania Wildlife Voyages.
You can board your flight with peace of mind, knowing your visa is already arranged and paid for.
Upon arrival, you only need to visit one counter to have your visa stamped.
To apply online, visit the official Tanzanian government visa portal:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
We strongly recommend that you do not apply through any third-party websites, as many are overpriced or outright scams. Unfortunately, we’ve heard of several travelers who lost money using unofficial platforms. It’s best to stay safe and stick to the official site.
When you book with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, we’ll provide you with a helpful PDF guide to walk you through the application. Plus, our travel consultants are always ready to assist if you have questions. While we can’t submit the visa application for you, our guidance makes the process nearly foolproof.
Once submitted, your visa may take up to ten days to be processed and approved. Be sure to print or download a copy of your visa to carry with you. When you arrive in Tanzania, just head to the immigration counter, get your visa stamped into your passport, collect your luggage — and your adventure begins!
If, for any reason, you can’t or prefer not to apply for your visa online, as of March 2024, you can still obtain one on arrival.* Get ready for a taste of classic African bureaucracy — but rest assured, the process is fairly straightforward:
Fill out a visa application form at the airport (carry a pen and have the address of Tanzania Wildlife Voyages and your first lodge handy).
Submit your application at the visa counter.
Proceed to a second counter to make your visa payment — cash or credit card are both accepted.
Head to a third counter where your passport will be stamped with your visa.
Collect your luggage — and you’re all set to begin your adventure!
While applying on arrival does require you to stand in three separate queues, applying online only requires one queue upon arrival. So yes, the traditional method may take a little more time — but remember, you’re in the land of pole pole (slowly, slowly). Embrace the laid-back rhythm of Africa.
And here’s a little insider tip: with the growing popularity of the online visa system, the single queue for online applicants is often longer than all three queues for the on-arrival process combined. So, believe it or not, you might actually get through faster!
These days, many travelers prefer to apply for their visa online before departure — a wise choice for peace of mind. If you choose this route, it’s important to be well-prepared:
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date in case your application is rejected. This allows time to fix any errors and reapply.
Keep a credit card ready for payment, or ensure you know how to make an international bank transfer.
Prepare a digital passport-size photo, a scanned image of your passport’s biodata page (max 300 kB), and a PDF of your flight ticket (max 1 MB).
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date from Tanzania.
If a child is traveling with only one parent, a written letter of consent (in English) from the other parent is required and must be uploaded.
Bring a pen when you arrive in Tanzania — sometimes, you may still be asked to fill out a form on arrival.
If you’re feeling adventurous and plan to apply for your visa upon arrival, don’t leave unprepared:
Carry the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR), or have a credit card ready.
No passport photo is required for on-arrival applications.
Bring a pen for filling out the application form and note down the address of Tanzania Wildlife Voyages as well as your first hotel in Tanzania.
Again, if a child is traveling with only one parent, a written letter of consent in English from the other parent is mandatory.
Ultimately, whether you apply online or on arrival, choose the method that’s least stressful for you. Just remember — securing your visa is essential before you can collect your luggage and begin your unforgettable safari journey with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages.
