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Tanzania Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a Tourist or Business visa on arrival at designated Tanzanian entry points; the single-entry VOA costs 50 USD payable in cash, with typical processing at the desk of 15–60 minutes.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
  • Specific forms: No pre-application is required for visa on arrival; you will complete any VOA form at the port of entry if provided.
  • Financial proof: No formal financial proof is required specifically for VOA, but you should have funds to cover your stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of onward travel and accommodation details are recommended; you may be asked to show these at immigration.
  • Photo spec: No pre-submitted photo for VOA; a passport photo may be captured at the port if needed.
  • Biometrics: Biometric data (photo/ fingerprints) may be captured at the port of entry as part of the process.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required, but strongly recommended to have travel health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival (Tourist visa on arrival): Official name Tourist visa (on arrival); Validity 90 days per entry; Max stay 90 days per entry; Entry Single-entry; Approx. fee 50 USD.
  • Business visa on arrival (Business visa on arrival): Official name Business visa (on arrival); Validity 90 days per entry; Max stay 90 days per entry; Entry Single-entry; Approx. fee 50 USD.
  • Student visa: Official name Student visa; Availability not on arrival (apply via Tanzanian embassy/consulate or e-visa portal); Typical validity and entries vary by case; Approx. fee varies (commonly higher and determined by consulate).
  • Work visa: Official name Work visa; Availability not on arrival (apply via Tanzanian embassy/consulate or e-visa portal); Typical validity and entries vary by case; Approx. fee varies (case by case).
  • Other visa types (e.g., transit, official/diplomatic): Not available on arrival; apply through official channels as applicable; Fees vary.

Visa on arrival

  • Which ports: Designated Tanzanian entry points with VOA desks include major airports such as Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar); land border posts may have VOA facilities, but availability can vary; always verify with the official portal or Tanzanian embassy before travel.
  • Steps: Upon arrival, proceed to the Tanzanian Immigration desk with your passport; present your passport, provide any required VOA form if available, pay the visa fee (50 USD) in cash, and receive the visa stamp in your passport; then proceed to customs.
  • Fee and accepted currencies: Visa on arrival fee is 50 USD per person for a single-entry tourist/business visa; payments are typically in cash USD; some desks may accept other major currencies (e.g., EUR, GBP) or Tanzanian Shillings, but USD is preferred; carry exact cash if possible.
  • Queue tips: Arrive early to avoid peak queues; have your passport readily accessible; have the cash ready to speed the process; if traveling with family, consider doing separate queues to reduce wait times.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 50 USD per person for a single-entry Tourist or Business visa on arrival.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa on arrival; this applies to embassy/consulate processing or online applications.
  • Total cost estimate: 50 USD per traveler (plus any incidental costs at the airport for processing).
  • Standard processing time: 15–60 minutes at the visa desk, depending on queue length and staffing.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for visa on arrival; processing is at the port on arrival.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Visa on arrival is obtained on arrival; if you prefer to have pre-approved entry, consider applying for an e-visa via the official portal in advance (eservices.immigration.go.tz).
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants specifically: Ensure passport validity of 6 months beyond entry, have a return/onward ticket and accommodation details, and avoid overstay history; ensure you use a consistent name exactly as in your passport; provide accurate travel plans and avoid discrepancies.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: VOA is obtained at entry without an appointment; embassy/e-visa routes require pre-approval and may take several days; choose based on travel timeline and risk tolerance.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for Tanzania and confirm any current health or safety advisories before travel; verify entry requirements with the Tanzanian embassy if your itinerary changes.
  • Extension options inside Tanzania: Extensions of stay may be possible by applying to the Tanzania Immigration Department before your current visa expires; extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities and may incur additional fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.