How to Enter Tanzania
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
The Ministries of Health in Tanzania and Zanzibar changed their yellow fever policies in 2012. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for all travelers from yellow fever endemic countries/regions. All individuals in transit for twelve (12) hours or more and/or who leave the immediate airport vicinity in a yellow fever endemic area are required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival in any port of debarkation here in Tanzania. However, direct arrivals from non-endemic countries in Europe and North America are not required to show the certificate. Please refer to the CDC website for a list of yellow fever endemic countries.A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the visa issuance and visa are required for travel to Tanzania. U.S. citizens with valid passports may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials. The U.S. Embassy highly recommends that U.S. citizens obtain their visas before arriving in Tanzania to avoid potentially long delays at entry points. The current fee for a visa is $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa. Some border posts and embassies may make hand-written annotations on the computer printed visa due to technical difficulties. Be prepared to show your passport and explain your visa status when entering or departing Zanzibar.
Tanzanian law governing visa categories is very strict. Volunteer activity – even if the traveler is paying for the opportunity – is prohibited on a tourist visa. U.S. citizens who are traveling to Tanzania for short or long-term volunteer, study, and/or research projects should ensure they have the right type of visa before entering the country through careful coordination with the sponsoring organization and Tanzanian immigration authorities. Contact the Embassy of Tanzania in Washington, D.C. prior to departure to obtain the most current visa information. Read the page on visas and immigration to ensure you will have the correct status during your visit to Tanzania.
Maintain control of your U.S. passport while in Tanzania. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate location in case your passport is lost or stolen or if needed to prove your identity and U.S. citizenship. Travelers and U.S. citizens resident in Tanzania are strongly urged to maintain legal immigration status while in Tanzania to avoid difficulties with local immigration authorities. If you do not have the right type of visa and entry stamp when you leave Tanzania, you may need to visit the immigration office, incurring possible delays and financial obligations. If a public official attempts to solicit the payment of a fine from you, ask to travel to the nearest police station to file a report regarding the incident. Obtain a receipt and a written report of any such transactions. If your passport is seized, ask for a receipt, note the officer’s name, location, and contact details and report it immediately to the U.S. Embassy.
For information on obtaining a residence permit, please contact the Tanzanian Immigration Department's Ministry for Home Affairs website or by telephone.
Dar es Salaam: 255 (0) 22 2850575/6
Zanzibar: 255 (0) 24 223 9148
HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Tanzania.
Special Travel Circumstances in Tanzania
Every year, many thousands of U.S. citizens enjoy the natural wonders of Tanzania. However, these activities do have inherent risks. U.S. citizens have died while on safari from accidents, including fatal encounters with wildlife, or from natural causes related to the exertion of the trip or other environmental factors such as rock slides or succumbing to altitude sickness or hypothermia. Safaris and mountain expeditions in general require sustained physical exertion and can aggravate existing chronic health problems. Most tour operators offer structured, safe excursions into parks, the mountains, and other wildlife areas. You are responsible for your own safety. Maintain a safe distance from animals; stay in the vehicle or protected enclosure when venturing into game parks. Persons with chronic health problems should weigh the risks before joining an extended trip in the African wilderness. Climbers should familiarize themselves with the signs of altitude sickness and heed the advice of the professionals organizing the ascents. Don't try to save money by selecting a tour guide who offers a faster ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet above sea level) or Mt. Meru (14,977 feet). Your body needs the extra day(s) to acclimate to the altitude. If you experience altitude sickness, descend the mountain immediately and seek medical help. Have a complete physical before attempting exercise at high altitude. Tanzania’s emergency response capabilities are extremely limited.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.