Getting ready for your Tanzania Safaris involves more than packing your bags and booking flights—it also means securing the right visa. Tanzania welcomes travellers with a simple visa process, available both online and upon arrival.
This read will help you understand the steps to make sure your travel documents are in order, letting you focus on the excitement of your upcoming safari.
Online Visa Application – A Convenient Approach
Getting your visa for Tanzania should be just as exciting as planning your safari—simple, clear, and promising an adventure of a lifetime.
Applying for your Tanzania visa online is recommended for its convenience and efficiency. The process is designed to be simple and allows travellers to secure their entry documents before departure.
Benefits of Online Application
You will need to complete the visa application through the official Tanzanian government portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. This method is secure and direct and avoids any third-party fees or potential scams.
Also, knowing that your visa is arranged beforehand provides peace of mind and allows you to plan other aspects of your trip without concerns about entry requirements.
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- Access the official Tanzanian visa application portal and follow the user-friendly process.
- The application requires a digital passport photo, a scanned copy of your passport biodata page, and possibly additional documentation depending on your nationality.
- The standard visa fee is $50 for most European nationals, while U.S. citizens require a $100 multi-entry visa. Payment can be made online via credit card.
- Processing times can vary, but typically it takes up to ten working days. It’s advisable to print or download a copy of your visa approval to present on arrival.
Visa Upon Arrival – Alternative Option
Tajikistan has a long and rich history, and the best place to learn about it is in the National Museum of Antiquities on Academics Rajabov Street. It’s an attractive neo-classical building with galleries spread across two floors. Ask at the ticket desk for an English speaking guide as not all of the exhibits are labelled.
The highlights of the museum’s collections are the vivid Sogdian wall paintings excavated from Ancient Penjikent (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Tajikistan) and also the huge sculpture of a sleeping buddha from the Ajina Tepa monastery.
For travellers who prefer or need flexibility, Tanzania offers the option to apply for a visa upon arrival. This can be particularly useful for those making last-minute travel decisions.
Arrival Application Process
- Upon landing, you need to visit the designated visa counters at the airport to fill out an application form. Keep a pen and the address of your initial accommodation handy.
- You can pay the visa fee in USD or EUR, with the option to use cash or a credit card. Be prepared with the exact amount to facilitate smoother processing.
- Once payment is made, proceed to another counter to have the visa stamped in your passport, then you can head to baggage claim and begin your adventure.
- Although applying upon arrival involves multiple queues, it might be quicker than the online queue during peak times.
- Having all your documentation and payment ready can significantly speed up the process.
Choosing Your Application Method
Deciding how to apply for your Tanzania visa depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. While most travellers opt for the online application for convenience, applying upon arrival remains a viable option for those needing flexibility.
- Prepare adequately if applying online. Ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond your return date, and have all necessary documents ready.
- If applying upon arrival, carry the required fee in the correct currency and format to avoid any payment issues.
Zawadi Experiences is here to assist you in navigating the visa process, ensuring that your entry into Tanzania is as enjoyable and stress-free as the safari that awaits you.
Passport Validity
Ensure the passport is valid for at least six months from entry.
Visa Page
One clean and full visa page is required for stamping.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities need a visa; some countries are exempt.
Online Application
Prefer to apply through the official visa application portal.
Visa on Arrival
Available at entry points for those who haven't applied online.
Health Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination is needed if coming from an infected area.
