Tanzania Entry Requirements: Passport, Visa & Health Rules

Planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re dreaming of a Serengeti safari or the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, your adventure begins long before you board the plane, with a bit of preparation. Understanding Tanzania’s entry requirements is the first step to ensuring your journey starts without a hitch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before arriving, from visa options and passport validity to health requirements like yellow fever and COVID-19 rules. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more of Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, knowing what’s required at the border will help you travel with confidence and peace of mind.

Tanzania Entry Requirements (2025) at a Glance

To enter Tanzania, most international travelers must meet the following requirements:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Visa: Required for most nationalities. Apply online via immigration.go.tz or obtain a visa on arrival.
• Proof of Return or Onward Travel: May be requested upon entry.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
• COVID-19: No vaccination or testing currently required (subject to change).

Always confirm with the Tanzania Immigration Department before traveling.

Is a Visa Required to Enter Tanzania?

Yes, most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. There are two main ways to obtain one:

a) Tanzania eVisa (Recommended)

Tanzania offers an electronic visa (eVisa) system that allows travelers to apply online before arrival. The eVisa is processed through the official website of the Tanzania Immigration Department (immigration.go.tz).

• Who can apply: Most nationalities
• Processing time: 5–10 business days
• Fee: USD 50 (single entry), USD 100 (multiple entry)
• Documents needed: Passport, passport-size photo, return ticket, and accommodation details

b) Visa on Arrival

If you’re unable to apply in advance, Tanzania also offers a visa on arrival at major points of entry, including Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar.

• Be prepared for longer queues
• Fees must be paid in USD
• Some nationalities are not eligible for a visa on arrival, check the official list before traveling

Note: Citizens of certain countries (such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and a few Southern African nations) may be exempt from visa requirements altogether. Always verify current visa exemptions on the official immigration website.

Passport Requirements

To enter Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival. It should also have at least one blank visa page for entry and exit stamps.

Border officers may deny entry if your passport does not meet these requirements, so it’s crucial to double-check well in advance.

Proof of Return or Onward Travel

Immigration officers may ask to see proof of a return ticket or onward travel out of Tanzania. This is a standard requirement to demonstrate that you do not intend to overstay your visa.

Travelers arriving without a confirmed onward journey may face delays or be denied entry, especially at busy ports like Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

Tanzania has specific health regulations regarding yellow fever:

• Required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever-endemic country (even if you’ve only been there for a few hours).
• A Yellow Fever Certificate must be presented upon arrival in these cases.
  • If you are coming directly from North America, Europe, or Australia, vaccination is not required.

Yellow fever–endemic countries include Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil, and others. If your travel route includes any of these locations, make sure your vaccination card is up to date.

COVID-19 Entry Regulations (Updated for 2025)

As of 2025, Tanzania has lifted most COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, travelers should remain informed, as requirements can change:

• No negative PCR test required
• No proof of COVID-19 vaccination is currently needed
• Temperature screening and health declaration forms may still be used at entry points

It’s recommended to check for updates from the Tanzania Ministry of Health or your airline before departure, especially during global health concerns.

Travel Insurance and Medical Coverage

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Tanzania. Medical treatment in remote safari areas can be costly, and air evacuation may be required in case of serious illness or injury.

A good insurance policy should cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Trip cancellation
• Theft or loss of valuables

Some travel insurance providers also offer COVID-19 coverage, which can be Helpful for peace of mind.

Customs and Entry Declarations

Tanzania has specific rules about what you can bring into the country:

• Duty-free allowances include 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, and gifts up to a certain value.
• Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, narcotics, pornography, and some animal products.
• If you are carrying over USD 10,000, you must declare it upon arrival.

Make sure you fill out any required forms accurately and keep receipts for high-value items to avoid confusion with customs officers.

Best Practices for a Smooth Entry into Tanzania

To ensure a hassle-free arrival, follow these tips:

• Print copies of your visa (if eVisa), flight itinerary, and hotel bookings
• Carry a physical Yellow Fever Certificate if required
• Keep cash in USD for visa fees or emergencies
• Double-check that your passport has 6 months’ validity
• Be polite and patient at immigration counters—officers appreciate courtesy

Useful Contacts and Resources

• Tanzania Immigration Department: www.immigration.go.tz
• Tanzania Ministry of Health: www.moh.go.tz
• Nihapa Tours Travel Support: Our team is happy to assist you in preparing for your journey. Contact us anytime for visa tips, airport pickups, and travel planning.

Conclusion: Be Prepared, Travel Smart

Understanding Tanzania’s entry requirements is key to starting your adventure on the right foot. By organizing your visa, passport, vaccination records, and travel plans in advance, you’ll avoid common entry issues and focus on enjoying your unforgettable safari or beach holiday.

At Nihapa Tours, we assist our guests every step of the way—from airport arrival to Serengeti game drives and cultural tours in Zanzibar. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on the experience of a lifetime.

If you have questions or need personalized advice about your Tanzania Entry requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your journey to Africa’s wild beauty starts here.

Want help organizing your Tanzania adventure?
Email: [email protected] | Call/WhatsApp: +255 786 261 927
Explore our tours: Tanzania Safaris for 2025