Tanzania Visa for US Citizens: Requirements, Application and Entry Guide

U.S. passport holders need a visa to travel to Tanzania. For tourism or holiday travel, U.S. citizens are required to use the Tanzania Multiple Visa, even when they plan to enter the country only once.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes. U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania.

For tourism and holiday travel, U.S. passport holders must apply for the Multiple Visa rather than the Ordinary or Single Entry tourist visa. This nationality-specific rule applies even if the traveler expects to make only one trip to Tanzania.

When preparing an application, travelers should use the information exactly as it appears in their passport and make sure their passport remains valid for the required travel period.

Which Tanzania Visa Do US Citizens Need?

For tourism, U.S. citizens use the Tanzania Multiple Visa.

The validity period does not mean a traveler can remain in Tanzania continuously for the full life of the visa. U.S. travelers should follow the maximum permitted stay for each visit and the dates shown on their issued visa.

Tanzania Visa Requirements for US Citizens

U.S. travelers applying for a Tanzania tourist visa should prepare the required personal, passport and travel documents before submitting the application.

Common requirements include:

• A valid U.S. passport
• A passport that remains valid for at least six months
• At least one unused visa page
• A recent passport-style photograph
• A copy of the passport biographical page
• A return flight ticket
• Any additional supporting documents requested for the specific application

Each traveler with a separate passport, including children, needs an individual visa application.

The documents must be clear, valid and consistent with the information entered in the application. Travelers should also check their passport number, full name, date of birth and travel details carefully before submission.

An invitation letter or Tanzanian host identification should not be treated as a standard requirement for every U.S. tourist application. Additional documents may still be requested depending on the applicant's travel purpose or individual case.

How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa from the US

Travelers using the visa application service on this website can complete the process in four main steps:

• Provide your trip and visa information: Enter the main details about the planned journey and the visa required. If your itinerary includes Zanzibar, you can also select the travel insurance option while completing the visa application form.
• Enter passenger details: Provide the applicant's personal and passport information accurately.
• Complete payment: Select the preferred processing option and complete payment for the application service and any additional services selected.
• Provide the required documents: Submit the documents requested for the application by following the specific instructions provided.

If Zanzibar travel insurance is selected during the application, the service team will assist with arranging the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance required for entry into Zanzibar.

Applicants should make sure all submitted information matches their passport and travel documents. Missing, incorrect or unclear information may require additional clarification or documents before the application can continue.

This website provides an independent visa application assistance service. Visa approval remains subject to the decision of the relevant immigration authority.

Tanzania Visa Processing Time for US Citizens

The website currently provides several processing service options for Tanzania visa applications:

Processing time can depend on the completeness of the information and documents provided, as well as the circumstances of an individual application. Travelers should therefore avoid leaving the application until immediately before departure.

How Much Does a Tanzania Visa Cost for US Citizens?

Visa and service fees may change, so travelers should check the current fee information before submitting an application.

For the latest Tanzania visa and service fee information, visit: https://www.tanzaniaimmigration.org/visa-fees

This page should be used as the current reference for applicable fees rather than relying on an older amount published elsewhere.

Do US Citizens Need a Separate Visa for Zanzibar?

No. U.S. citizens do not need a separate visa for Zanzibar when they already hold the appropriate Tanzania visa.

A Tanzania visa can cover travel involving both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Travelers should make sure the itinerary and travel information provided in the application accurately reflect their trip, particularly when they plan to visit both locations.

Foreign tourists entering Zanzibar are generally required to hold the Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance issued through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). Residents and certain limited categories of travelers are exempt.

If your itinerary includes Zanzibar, you can select the insurance option while completing the visa application form on this website. The service team will assist with arranging the required Zanzibar Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance.

The visa and insurance requirements are separate: travelers do not need another visa specifically for Zanzibar, but they must meet the mandatory insurance requirement when entering the islands.

What Happens After Your Tanzania Visa Is Approved?

After approval, travelers should review the issued visa or approval documentation carefully.

Check that important details such as the traveler's name, passport number and visa validity information are correct. Keep the relevant visa documentation available during travel and present it when requested during immigration checks.

Receiving a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into Tanzania. Final admission remains subject to immigration checks and the decision of the immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Can US Citizens Get a Tanzania Visa on Arrival?

Yes. U.S. citizens may be able to obtain a Tanzania Visa on Arrival at designated entry points. However, U.S. passport holders traveling for tourism are required to use the Multiple Visa, even if they plan to enter Tanzania only once.

Because visa issuance on arrival is still subject to immigration checks and document review, approval is not guaranteed. Travelers may also face longer waiting times at the airport or border.

For a smoother trip, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to apply for the appropriate Tanzania visa before departure and carry a copy of the approved visa while traveling.

Do US Citizens Need a Yellow Fever Certificate for Tanzania?

U.S. citizens traveling directly from the United States generally do not need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Tanzania because the United States is not considered a yellow fever risk country.

However, the requirement can change depending on the traveler’s route. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if the traveler arrives from, or has an extended transit in, a country where yellow fever is present. A transit of more than 24 hours in a yellow fever risk country may also trigger the requirement.

Travelers should therefore review their full flight itinerary and health requirements before departure, especially when connecting through Africa or other affected regions.

Tanzania Visa Requirements for United States of America Citizens FAQs

Do US citizens require a visa for Tanzania?

Yes. U.S. passport holders need a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism, including trips to Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Unlike most tourists who use an Ordinary Single Entry Visa, American citizens are subject to a special rule: Tanzania Immigration requires U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism, holidays, family visits or conferences to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa, even if they intend to enter Tanzania only once.

The requirement comes from Tanzania's bilateral visa arrangements with the United States. U.S. citizens are currently eligible to apply online through Tanzania's official eVisa system and are also listed among nationalities eligible for a Visa on Arrival at designated entry points. However, Tanzania Immigration recommends applying online before travelling.

Travellers should also carry a passport valid for at least six months, have an unused visa page and be prepared to show a return ticket when entering Tanzania.

How much is a Tanzania visa for US citizens?

The standard Tanzania tourist visa fee for U.S. citizens is US$100. This fee applies to the Multiple Entry Visa that American passport holders must use for tourism and other qualifying visitor purposes.

According to the Tanzania Immigration Services Department, the Multiple Entry Visa can be issued with a validity of up to 12 months. The Tanzania Embassy in Washington, D.C. also lists the visa for American citizens at US$100, with multiple-entry validity for 12 months.

This should not be confused with Tanzania's US$50 Ordinary Visa, which is available to many other nationalities but is not the tourist visa category used by U.S. passport holders. Business travellers may also require a different category; Tanzania's Business Visa currently costs US$250.

When applying online, visa fees can be paid through the official Tanzania eVisa portal using supported Visa or Mastercard payment methods.

 

Where Can I Apply For The Tanzania Visa for US citizens?

The most convenient option is to apply through the official Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System operated by the Tanzania Immigration Services Department. Applicants complete the form online, upload the required photograph and passport biodata page, provide their travel details, pay the visa fee and submit the application electronically.

Tanzania Immigration specifically advises travellers to use its official immigration website rather than unofficial visa links or third-party websites.

U.S. citizens are also currently eligible for a Visa on Arrival at official Tanzanian entry points, and the U.S. Department of State confirms that American tourists may either obtain a visa on arrival or arrange an eVisa before travelling.

Applying online in advance is generally the more predictable option because the visa can be approved before departure. In some cases, an applicant may also be asked to attend an interview at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consular office.

Tanzania Immigration Services has made it easier for US citizens to apply for a Tanzania eVisa. You can complete the visa application in about 15 minutes and wait a few days to get your visa via email. The 3-simple process is as below:

• Step 1: In this step, you need to give the following crucial information: Personal data (full name, address, birth date, and nationality), passport number, and arrival and departure date.
• Step 2: Pay the Tanzania e-Visa and send us some supporting documents. 
• Step 3: You will receive an email containing the approved electronic travel permission in PDF format. You should have at least two printouts of your eVisa while traveling in Tanzania.

 

Is it safe for Americans to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania receives many international visitors, but Americans should consider current security guidance rather than treating the destination as uniformly safe or unsafe.

As of now, the U.S. Department of State maintains Tanzania at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The advisory, issued on October 31, 2025, cites unrest, crime, terrorism and risks affecting gay and lesbian travellers, while noting that certain areas carry additional risk.

Americans who choose to travel are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and maintain an emergency plan. The State Department also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy can provide relevant security alerts and assistance during emergencies.

Travellers should also review health, transportation and local-law guidance before departure, particularly when visiting remote safari areas or Zanzibar.

How long can US citizens stay in Tanzania?

A Tanzania Multiple Entry Visa issued to a U.S. citizen can be valid for up to 12 months, but this does not mean the traveller can remain in Tanzania continuously for one year.

Tanzania Immigration clearly states that the maximum continuous stay for a holder of a Multiple Entry Visa is three months, or 90 days, per visit. After reaching the authorized limit, the traveller cannot simply remain in the country because the visa itself is still valid.

The Tanzania Embassy in Washington also states that a Visitor's Pass is normally valid for no more than three months for non-East African Community nationals.

Travellers planning to remain longer for employment, residence, study or another long-term purpose should obtain the appropriate immigration authorization. A tourist Multiple Entry Visa does not provide permission to work or establish residence in Tanzania.

Always follow the stay period actually authorized by immigration officials upon entry.

How long does it take to get a Tanzania Visa for US citizens?

For online applications, the Tanzania Immigration Services Department states that visa applications are normally processed within 10 days, excluding Referral Visa cases. U.S. citizens are not currently in the Referral Visa category.

Tanzania's official eVisa terms also instruct applicants to lodge their visa application at least 10 days before their expected travel date. Applying earlier is sensible because incorrect documents, payment issues or requests for additional information can delay processing.

After submitting the application, travellers can track its progress through Tanzania's official eVisa portal using their application identification details. Approval notifications are normally sent by email, and applicants should wait for the Visa Grant Notice before beginning their journey when relying on an online application.

Even with an approved visa, final admission remains subject to immigration clearance when the traveller arrives in Tanzania.

Our Commitment to Reliable Visa Information

At tanzaniaimmigration.org, we are dedicated to providing visa information that is accurate, clear, and trustworthy. Every detail published on our website is carefully reviewed to ensure it is up-to-date and consistent.

We rely solely on official, verified sources. All the information presented on our platform is sourced directly from trusted public resources provided by Tanzanian government authorities, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.

Sources:

• Department of Immigration, Tanzania: https://www.immigration.go.tz
• Tanzania Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.moha.go.tz
• Tanzania eVisa Official Portal: https://visa.immigration.go.tz

Verified Source