The name Tanzania evokes visions of the Great Migration of the Serengeti, the snow-white majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro and the blue ocean and sea around Zanzibar. It could be a wildlife safari, vacation on a beach or an arduous climb, but the East African gem is always worth the experience.
Nonetheless, a hassle-free transfer between arrival and adventure is determined solely by careful planning of your travel paperwork. The lack of adherence to the immigration, visa, and health laws of Tanzania may result in a frustrating delay, fines, or even the refusal to enter the country.
This is a detailed guide that decomposes the necessities of Tanzania visa, health requirements, and the requisite exit requirements. Through this roadmap, you will be able to make sure that you are never distracted by anything and that you are instead focusing on the amazing sceneries and the wonderful culture that awaits you in Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Stone Town.
Visa Requirements for Tanzania: eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Tanzania
The primary move made by the majority of foreigners is to get a valid visa. Tanzania has two major procedures of obtaining entry authorization:
Tanzania eVisa Application: This is the most suggested and preferable one. When using online, you are able to fill the Tanzania Visa application, attach documents and get approval before you leave the house by inserting the application through the official government portal. The granting of eVisa that you will need to print is much faster at the leading ports such as Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Visa on Arrival (VOA): The VOA is available at the major entry points and the visa is obtained on arrival. Although theoretically convenient, VOA lines may easily reach several miles (kilometers) long, causing delays to one or three hours, especially during the high season of the safari. It is usually recommended that one book your Tanzania eVisa early enough to evade the queues and stress.
Passport Validity for Tanzania eVisa: The Six-Month Rule
This is a fundamental entry requirement that trips up countless travelers. Your passport must meet two strict criteria to enter Tanzania:
Minimum Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Tanzania. If your passport expires five months and 29 days after you leave, you may be denied boarding by your airline.
Blank Pages: Your passport must have at least two completely blank pages for the immigration officer to affix the visa stamp and entry/exit stamps. Pages marked "Endorsements" are typically not considered suitable.
Always check your passport validity for Tanzania months before your trip and renew early if necessary.
Tanzania eVisa Application Process: Step-by-Step
The online application is the most efficient way to secure your Tanzania eVisa. Follow these steps for a guaranteed smooth submission:
Select Visa Type: Choose the appropriate category (e.g., "Ordinary Visa" for tourism, "Business Visa" for short work trips).
Required Documents: You will typically need to upload a recent digital passport-style photo and a scan of your passport's bio-page. For tourist visas, you may also need flight and accommodation details.
Payment: Pay the Visa fee online. Fees vary by nationality and visa type.
Processing Time: While the official processing time is around 10 business days, it can sometimes take longer. Apply at least three weeks before your flight.
Once approved, print the eVisa grant notice and keep it with your passport.
Tanzania Single Entry Visa vs. Multiple Entry Visa Options
When applying for Tanzania visa, select the option that matches your travel plans:
Health Requirements for Tanzania Visa: The Yellow Fever Certificate Tanzania
While COVID-19 related entry requirements have largely been eased, the Yellow Fever Certificate remains a critical checkpoint for specific travelers.
Mandatory Requirement: You MUST present a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission, or if you have transited through such a country for more than 12 hours. This includes travelers coming from many South American and sub-Saharan African countries.
Risk Zone Transit: This often applies to travelers transiting through Nairobi (Kenya) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) on their way to Tanzania. Always check the WHO list of high-risk countries before flying.
Failure to Comply: If you are required to have the certificate but do not, you may be vaccinated upon arrival at your own expense or, in severe cases, quarantined or deported.
Entry to Zanzibar: Clarifying the Union Status
Many travelers ask if Zanzibar entry rules are different from mainland Tanzania (Tanganyika). The answer is generally no.
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Your approved Tanzania eVisa or VOA is valid for both the mainland and Zanzibar. You do not need a separate visa.
However, you will go through a mini-immigration checkpoint upon landing in Zanzibar (ZNZ) or taking a ferry from the mainland. Be prepared to show your passport, visa, and P-Form (entry declaration). Treat your arrival in Zanzibar like an international arrival, even if you are coming from Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Currency and Customs Declarations: What to Declare
Upon entering Tanzania, you must be aware of customs and currency regulations:
Currency: There are strict limits on the amount of cash you can bring in or take out. If you are carrying more than $10,000 USD (or its equivalent in other currencies), you MUST declare it upon arrival using the appropriate customs form.
Customs: Items like prescription medicine, professional photography equipment, drones, and hunting trophies must be declared. Drones, in particular, require a separate permit secured well in advance; failure to do so can lead to confiscation.
Be honest and thorough in your declarations to avoid complications with Tanzania Customs.
Specific Rules for Minors Traveling to Tanzania
While Tanzania does not have the complex parental consent requirements found in South Africa, it is still vital to carry the right Tanzania travel documentation for children if they are under 18:
Birth Certificate: Carry the minor's original or certified copy of the full birth certificate.
Consent Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, it is highly recommended (though not always legally required) to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. This preempts any questions regarding child safety.
Guardians: If the minor is traveling with a non-parental guardian, a notarized guardianship or consent letter signed by both parents is essential.
Tanzania Common Causes for Entry Delays (and how to avoid them)
The majority of entry issues stem from avoidable mistakes:
Leaving Tanzania: End of Finalities and Fees
You are not through till you pass the departure gate. Leaving Tanzania is generally not a problem, however, there are some things, which should be noted:
Airport Tax: These are the airport taxes, which in the past times were individual, but now are nearly always part of your airline ticket fee. Always check with your carrier.
P-Form (Immigration Departure Card): You will be required to complete a departure card that will be given to you by your airline company or is most likely to be found near the immigration desks.
Customs Check: Clicking past the customs can be difficult when your luggage is inspected by the customs who will scrutinize your bags to find export restricted products, like large amounts of local currency or illegal animal products.
Tanzania Travel Documentation Checklist
Before you leave for the airport, ensure these Entry and Exit Requirements for Tanzania are in your carry-on luggage:
Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
Printed Tanzania eVisa Approval Letter
Return or Onward Flight Tickets
Yellow Fever Certificate (if applicable)
Proof of Accommodation (Hotel or Tour Operator confirmation)
For Minors: Original Birth Certificate and Notarized Consent (if traveling without both parents)
By taking these steps, you are ensuring your safari adventure begins the moment you step off the plane, not in a lengthy immigration queue. Enjoy the magic of Tanzania!
