You’ve dreamed about it for years: the Serengeti at dawn, dhow boats gliding past Stone Town, your feet in the warm Indian Ocean. But before any of that magic can happen, there’s one practical thing every international traveler needs to sort out your Tanzania entry documents. And in 2026, the process is genuinely straightforward, if you know exactly what to do.
Every week, we hear from travelers who almost missed their flights because they didn’t realize Zanzibar has its own separate insurance requirement. Or from couples who submitted the wrong photo format and had their visa application delayed. This guide exists to make sure that never happens to you.
Whether you’re flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, or crossing overland, here’s everything you need updated for 2026.
What Is the Tanzania eVisa?
Tanzania introduced its electronic visa (eVisa) system to replace the previous on-arrival and embassy-based systems for most nationalities. Instead of scrambling for paperwork at the airport or queuing at an embassy, eligible travelers can apply entirely online before departure receiving approval via email before they even leave home.
The eVisa system is managed through the Tanzania Immigration Department’s official portal and covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar under one document. One visa, two incredible destinations.
There are several categories, but the most common for tourists is the Single Entry Tourist Visa, which allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Who Needs a Tanzania eVisa?
Most international travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, a small number of nationalities can enter visa-free. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC generally have different entry arrangements.
Nationals from most countries in Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania will need to apply for the eVisa before travel. The best practice: always check the current official Tanzania Immigration portal for your specific nationality, as bilateral agreements do change.
💡 Local Tip: Even if your nationality is listed as visa-exempt, immigration officers in Tanzania appreciate seeing printed documentation confirming this. Keep a copy of your country’s exemption status.
Tanzania eVisa Requirements for 2026
Before you begin the application, gather the following:
- Valid passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania, with at least two blank pages
- Digital passport photo white background, recent (within 6 months), 2×2 inches or 35x45mm, JPEG format, under 1MB
- Return or onward travel ticket proof that you’re leaving Tanzania
- Proof of accommodation hotel booking confirmation or host letter
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (and strongly recommended regardless)
- Sufficient funds proof bank statements showing adequate funds for your trip duration
- Valid email address this is where your approval will be sent
- Credit or debit card for the visa fee payment online
Step-by-Step Tanzania eVisa Application Process
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
Visit the official Tanzania Immigration Department website: eservices.immigration.go.tz. Avoid third-party agencies charging inflated fees the official portal is straightforward and the most secure option.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In
Register with your email address. You’ll use this account to track your application status, so use an email you check regularly.
Step 3: Select Visa Type
Choose “Tourist Visa – Single Entry” for standard leisure travel. If you’re planning to exit and re-enter Tanzania (for example, doing a multi-country safari through Kenya’s Masai Mara via the Serengeti corridor), you’ll want the Multiple Entry Visa.
Step 4: Fill in Personal and Travel Details
Enter your passport information exactly as it appears in your travel document. Double-check spelling even one character difference between your visa and passport can cause issues at immigration.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Upload your passport bio-data page, passport photo, yellow fever certificate, travel itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. Make sure all scans are clear, flat (no shadows), and within the file size limits.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Payment is processed securely online. Keep your payment receipt.
Step 7: Submit and Track
After submission, you’ll receive a reference number. You can track your application’s progress through the same portal. Once approved, your eVisa will be emailed as a PDF print it and carry it with you.
Tanzania eVisa Fees (2026)
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist Visa | $50 | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | $100 | Up to 12 months |
| Transit Visa (single) | $30 | Up to 7 days |
| Gratis (certain nationalities) | $0 | Varies |
Note: Citizens of select countries including some African nations may qualify for discounted or waived fees. Confirm on the official portal.
Processing Times
Standard processing typically takes 3–7 business days. However, during peak travel seasons (December–January, June–August), processing can sometimes stretch to 10 days. Our firm advice: apply at least 3 weeks before travel. Do not apply the week before your flight this is one of the most common avoidable stresses we see from new visitors.
Entry Points to Tanzania
Your eVisa is valid at the following official entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Namanga Border Post (Kenya–Tanzania border)
- Tunduma Border Post (Zambia–Tanzania)
- Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar seaports
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
In our years of helping travelers prepare for Tanzania, these are the errors we see most often:
- Applying too late leaving the application to the last few days before departure
- Wrong passport photo format not using a plain white background, or uploading a phone selfie
- Mismatched names entering your name differently from your passport (hyphens, middle names, etc.)
- Expired yellow fever certificate this is a mandatory document if arriving from at-risk countries
- Not printing the eVisa having it only on a phone when the battery dies at immigration
- Forgetting about Zanzibar insurance this is the big one (more below)
The Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement — Explained Clearly
This is the part many travelers don’t expect, even those who have visited Tanzania before. Zanzibar has its own mandatory travel insurance requirement, separate from any travel insurance you may have purchased for the trip overall.
Since October 2022, the Zanzibar government made it compulsory for all foreign visitors to purchase insurance through the official Zanzibar Travel Insurance platform before arrival. This is not optional. You will be asked to show proof at Zanzibar’s immigration either on arrival from outside Tanzania, or if you travel to Zanzibar by ferry or flight from the mainland.
What Does It Cover?
- Emergency medical treatment during your stay
- Medical evacuation if required
- COVID-19 related treatment (where applicable)
- Repatriation costs in emergency situations
How Much Does It Cost?
| Duration of Stay | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Up to 7 days | $44 |
| 8–31 days | $60 |
Children under 5 are generally covered under a parent’s policy confirm this on the official portal.
Where Do You Buy It?
Only through the official Zanzibar Travel Insurance portal: visitzanzibar.go.tz. Purchase this before you land. Attempting to buy it at the airport kiosk is possible, but during busy periods the queues are long and it creates unnecessary stress.
What Document Do You Get?
After purchase, you receive a certificate (PDF) via email. Print this and/or save it on your phone. Present it alongside your passport and Tanzania eVisa at Zanzibar immigration.
⚠️ Important: Even if you have comprehensive international travel insurance with your bank or travel insurer, this Zanzibar-specific insurance is still mandatory. They are not interchangeable. You need both.
Updated 2026 Travel Entry Requirements Summary
- ✅ Valid Tanzania eVisa (or confirmed visa exemption)
- ✅ Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages
- ✅ Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from at-risk country)
- ✅ Zanzibar mandatory insurance certificate (for Zanzibar visits)
- ✅ Return or onward ticket
- ✅ Accommodation confirmation
Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Tanzania or Zanzibar
- Print everything eVisa, insurance certificate, hotel bookings, return ticket
- Arrive with small US dollar bills for tips and minor expenses at the airport
- Queue for immigration calmly the officers are professional and efficient at major airports
- If flying directly to Zanzibar, you will go through Zanzibar immigration, not Dar es Salaam have your Zanzibar insurance ready
- Download your digital copies to a cloud drive in case your phone runs out of battery
- Currency exchange is available at airports but rates are better in town exchange only what you immediately need
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Tanzania eVisa on arrival instead?
Tanzania does technically allow some nationalities to obtain visas on arrival, but the process is slower and less reliable than applying online. We always recommend applying in advance via eVisa to avoid lengthy queues and uncertainty.
Does the Tanzania eVisa cover both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Yes. Your Tanzania eVisa covers the entire United Republic of Tanzania, including Zanzibar. However, remember that Zanzibar’s mandatory travel insurance is a separate requirement.
What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare but can happen due to incomplete documents or mismatched information. You’ll receive an explanation via email and can reapply with corrected documents. The fee is generally not refundable, so apply carefully the first time.
Is the Zanzibar travel insurance recognized internationally as valid health insurance?
The Zanzibar travel insurance is a destination-specific policy designed to ensure visitors have emergency coverage during their stay. It is not a substitute for comprehensive international travel insurance, and we recommend having both.
What if I’m traveling to Zanzibar by ferry from Dar es Salaam do I still need the insurance?
Yes. The Zanzibar mandatory insurance requirement applies regardless of how you arrive air or sea. You’ll need to present your certificate at Zanzibar’s port immigration.
I’m a US/UK/EU citizen. Do I need a Tanzania visa?
Yes. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and EU member states all require a Tanzania visa. The eVisa system makes this easy simply apply online before departure.
