Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. It is common to apply online in advance for an eVisa through the official immigration portal, and a visa on arrival is available to some nationalities at major entry points. Requirements depend on your nationality, and rules can change, so check the official Tanzanian immigration sources and your embassy before you travel.
- Visa
- Usually required
- eVisa
- Apply online
- Check
- Official sources
- eVisa can be applied for online before travel
- Visa on arrival depends on your nationality; check official sources
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Tanzania and have blank pages for stamps. Make sure it is in good condition, as damaged passports may be refused. Requirements can vary, so confirm the exact validity and page rules with official Tanzanian immigration sources before you travel.
- Validity
- 6 months recommended
- Pages
- Blank pages needed
- Condition
- Good condition
- Passport should be valid at least 6 months from entry
- Keep blank pages available for entry and exit stamps
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
At the border you may be asked to show supporting documents in addition to your passport and visa. These can include a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation), evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present. Have these ready to speed up entry.
- Ticket
- Return/onward
- Stay
- Accommodation proof
- Funds
- Sufficient means
- Carry proof of accommodation and onward travel
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your route
Pre-arrival procedure — Tanzania e-Visa: nationalities that are not visa-exempt can apply online on the official Immigration portal visa.immigration.go.tz, pay the fee (ordinary tourist visa reported around USD 50; US citizens a USD 100 multiple-entry) and receive the approved e-Visa by email. It covers Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Beware paid look-alike sites.
Official Tanzania e-Visa (visa.immigration.go.tz)- Surname
- SMITH
- Given name
- MICHAEL
- Nationality
- Your nationality (e.g. a representative country)
- Passport number
- A1234567
- Arrival date
- 2026-04-10
- Entry city
- Dar es Salaam
Steps
- 1 On visa.immigration.go.tz check whether your nationality needs e-Visa or is visa-free/exempt
- 2 Complete the application and upload the passport page/photo as required
- 3 Pay the official fee and save the approved e-Visa (print or keep on your phone)
- 4 Present it at check-in and immigration together with your passport
Eligibility, fees, processing time and validity can change; for accurate details we recommend checking with the official government portal before you travel.
Last updated: 2026-08-30
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
If you enter or leave Tanzania carrying large amounts of cash above the set threshold, you must declare it to customs. This applies to local and foreign currency and equivalent instruments. Failure to declare can lead to fines or seizure, so complete a currency declaration when required and check the current threshold with Tanzanian authorities before you travel.
- Threshold
- Above set limit
- When
- Entering/leaving
- Action
- Declare to customs
- Applies to cash and equivalent bearer instruments
- Non-declaration may result in fines or seizure
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Arriving in Tanzania, you have duty-free allowances for goods such as alcohol and tobacco for personal use, within set limits. Goods above these allowances or clearly for commercial purposes may be subject to duty. Declare items when required and check the current allowances with the Tanzania Revenue Authority before you travel.
- Allowance
- Duty-free limits
- Above limit
- Duty may apply
- Commercial
- Declare goods
- Duty-free allowances apply to alcohol and tobacco for personal use
- Goods above the allowance may be subject to duty
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited and penalties are severe. There are restrictions on weapons and ammunition, on certain plant and animal products, and on products from protected species under CITES (such as ivory or certain skins). Exporting wildlife products is a serious offence. Check Tanzanian Customs rules and obtain any required permits before you travel.
- Drugs
- Prohibited
- Weapons
- Restricted
- CITES
- Protected species
- Wildlife products such as ivory are strictly controlled
- Protected species products need CITES permits
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring enough of your prescription medicines for your trip, ideally in their original packaging with the prescription or a copy. Some controlled medicines may require a doctor’s note explaining your need. Antimalarial medication is often recommended for Tanzania, so consult a travel clinic. Check the rules with Tanzanian authorities before you travel.
- Prescription
- Carry a copy
- Controlled
- Doctor’s note
- Antimalarial
- Often advised
- Keep medicines in original packaging with documentation
- Antimalarial medication is often recommended; consult a travel clinic
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present. It is recommended that your routine vaccinations are up to date, and additional vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid and others may be advised. Malaria is present in Tanzania. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic well before departure for personalised advice.
- Yellow fever
- From risk countries
- Routine
- Keep up to date
- Advice
- See your doctor
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country
- Consult a travel clinic for personalised recommendations
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Most international travellers arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Zanzibar. At immigration you present your passport and visa or eVisa approval, and biometric data such as fingerprints and a photo may be taken. Have your travel and health documents ready and follow the signage on arrival.
- Airports
- DAR / JRO / Zanzibar
- Show
- Passport & visa
- Biometrics
- May be taken
- Present your passport and visa or eVisa approval at immigration
- Fingerprints and a photo may be collected on arrival
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Swahili and English are widely used, so communication is easy for most visitors. Bring lightweight clothing plus something warmer for early morning safaris and higher altitudes. Mobile money is very common for everyday payments, and it is worth arranging a local SIM. Respect local customs, especially on Zanzibar, and follow guidance in national parks and on safari.
- Language
- Swahili & English
- Clothing
- Layers for safari
- Payments
- Mobile money common
- A local SIM and mobile money make everyday payments easier
- Respect local customs and follow safari and park guidance