Tanzania is one of the more straightforward visa destinations in East Africa. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or apply online in advance through the government e-visa portal. This guide covers current requirements, the e-visa process, airport arrival, and the practical details our clients most frequently ask about.
Important: Visa requirements change. This guide reflects the situation as of mid-2026. Always verify with your country's foreign ministry or the Tanzania Immigration Services website before travel.
Who Needs a Visa?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. There are three categories:
- Visa required — the majority of nationalities, including all EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and most others. Visas can be obtained on arrival or via e-visa.
- Visa-free entry — Citizens of certain African countries, primarily within the East African Community (EAC) and SADC, may enter without a visa. This includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Africa (among others). Check the Tanzania Immigration Services website for the current list.
- Visa not available — Citizens of a small number of countries are not eligible for Tanzania visas. This is rare and country-specific — check before booking.
Option 1: Tanzania e-Visa (Recommended)
The Tanzania e-visa allows you to apply and pay online before travel, receiving approval within 3–10 working days. It is valid for entry at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and all other official ports of entry including Zanzibar.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Tanzania e-visa portal at eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create an account and select "Apply for Visa"
- Choose your visa category (tourist visa is standard for safari and Kilimanjaro travel)
- Upload: passport bio page (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates), passport photo (digital), and your flight itinerary or hotel booking
- Pay the visa fee by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Receive your approved e-visa by email — print a copy and carry it with your passport
Cost and Validity
Standard tourist visa: $50 USD for most nationalities. The visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, with a single entry or multiple entry option. Apply for multiple entry if you plan to cross into Kenya or Uganda during your trip and return to Tanzania (common for combined East Africa itineraries).
US citizens: note that the United States applies a reciprocity fee to Tanzania visas. Tanzania nationals pay more for US visas, and the US reciprocates. The current fee for US citizens is $100 USD. Check the e-visa portal for the exact current rate for your nationality.
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3–10 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for any corrections if your application is returned. During peak holiday periods, processing can be slower.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
Visas on arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR), Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), and major land border crossings.
Cost: $50 USD cash (USD only, clean notes — worn or damaged notes are sometimes refused). Credit cards are not accepted at all VOA counters; carry cash.
The process at JRO is generally straightforward. Complete the arrival card on the plane, queue at the visa desk (separate from the immigration queue), pay, and proceed to immigration. Total time: 15–45 minutes depending on the queue.
Practical Tips for Visa on Arrival
- Carry exact change in clean USD — $50 per person. ATMs are available after immigration at JRO but not before.
- Bring a printed or digital copy of your hotel booking, safari itinerary, or onward flight for potential questions from the visa officer.
- Many travelers find the e-visa smoother than VOA — the queue at VOA desks can be long on busy arrival days.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is endemic. Carry your international vaccination booklet.
Zanzibar: Do I Need a Separate Visa?
No. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, but it uses the same Tanzania visa. If you enter mainland Tanzania (Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dar es Salaam) and then fly or take the ferry to Zanzibar, your Tanzania visa covers the entire visit.
However, if you fly directly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) from outside Tanzania — for example, on a direct flight from Nairobi — you will need to obtain your Tanzania visa at the Zanzibar airport arrival desk, not at a mainland entry point.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Arrival
Most international travelers arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA: JRO), located between Moshi and Arusha. The airport is small and efficient compared to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Key things to know at JRO:
- The arrival process: collect baggage → health check (yellow fever certificate may be checked) → visa desk (if no e-visa) → immigration → customs → exit
- Our driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. Have your WhatsApp accessible — we send a driver confirmation with photo and contact number 24 hours before your flight.
- Kilimanjaro Airport does not have a foreign exchange bureau after hours. Exchange a small amount of USD for emergency expenses before landing, or use the ATM on the arrivals level (Visa/Mastercard accepted).
- SIM cards for local Tanzanian networks (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo) are available from vendors outside the arrivals hall. A local SIM for data is significantly cheaper than international roaming.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. This applies to most sub-Saharan African countries and parts of South America. If you arrive from a non-endemic country (Europe, North America, Australia, most of Asia), a yellow fever certificate is not required by Tanzania.
Regardless of requirement, we strongly recommend the yellow fever vaccination for all travelers to Tanzania — the mosquito that carries the disease is present, and vaccination provides long-term (likely lifetime) protection.
Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow book) in your travel documents. Vaccination officers at airports do check them, particularly on arrivals from endemic countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Tanzania visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended at the Immigration Services office in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar. Extension fees apply. You cannot extend at the airport. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, apply for extension before your initial visa expires.
Can I re-enter Tanzania on the same visa?
Only if you have a multiple-entry visa. Single-entry visas are cancelled on exit. If your itinerary includes crossing into Kenya (for example, flying from Nairobi or visiting Masai Mara) and returning to Tanzania, you need a multiple-entry visa. Apply for this specifically on the e-visa portal — it costs the same as a single-entry.
I have dual nationality — which passport should I use?
Use whichever passport results in lower visa fees or easier processing. If one nationality is on the visa-free list, use that passport. If both require a visa, use the one with the lower fee. You must enter and exit on the same passport for that visit.
What documents does the visa officer ask for?
In practice, visa on arrival and e-visa holders are rarely asked for additional documents at JRO. However, the officer is entitled to ask for proof of onward travel, sufficient funds for your stay, and accommodation booking. Carry a printed or digital copy of your safari or hotel booking.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Each traveler (including children of any age) requires their own Tanzania visa. The fee is the same regardless of age. Children traveling with only one parent or guardian should carry a notarized letter from the absent parent — this is standard practice for international travel with minors and reduces the chance of delay at immigration.
Have a Visa Question Not Covered Here?
Our Moshi-based team handles client arrivals at Kilimanjaro International Airport regularly. We can advise on current conditions at JRO, what documents to carry, and how to prepare for arrival. WhatsApp or email us — we respond within 2 hours.
