Tanzania Visa for United States Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete Tanzania e-visa guide for American travelers. Apply online for $100, receive approval within 10 days, and explore safaris, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
At a glance
Max stay: 7 days
Overview
Planning a safari adventure or Kilimanjaro trek as an American citizen? You need a Multiple Entry Visa to visit Tanzania. The good news: it costs $100, can be applied for online or on arrival, and approval rates exceed 95%. Your visa is valid for 12 months, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each. With straightforward requirements and no interview needed, the process is simple.
Visa Application process
Visit the Official Portal
Complete the Application Form
Upload Required Documents
Pay the Fee
Wait for Approval
Visa Application Steps
- 1. Visit the Official Portal
- 2. Complete the Application Form
- 3. Upload Required Documents
- 4. Pay the Fee
- 5. Wait for Approval
- 1. Review the Rejection Reason
- 2. Correct and Reapply
- 3. Consider Visa on Arrival
- 4. Contact Support
Visa Fees breakdown
| Fee Type: Cost | Multiple Entry Visa (Online): $100 | Multiple Entry Visa (On Arrival): $100 | Rush Processing (Embassy): $120 | The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.1 Payment for online applications must be made via Visa or Mastercard.2 |
|---|
What you can do
**Tourism and Safari** | Wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other parks | Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro | Beach holidays in Zanzibar | Visiting national parks and conservation areas | **Visiting People** | Staying with friends or family in Tanzania | Attending weddings or family events | **Business Activities** | Attending meetings or conferences | Participating in workshops or exhibitions | **Transit** | Passing through Tanzania to another destination (up to 7 days)
What you cannot do
Working or conducting business activities beyond meetings | Volunteering (requires Class C Residence Permit) | Studying long-term (requires Student Visa) | Residing permanently in Tanzania
Required documents
- Valid US Passport
- Passport Photo
- Passport Bio Data Page
- Return Ticket
- Payment Method
Valid US Passport
Passport Photo
Passport Bio Data Page
Return Ticket
Payment Method
Optional documents
Yellow Fever Certificate | Accommodation Details
Yellow Fever Certificate
Accommodation Details
Border entry information
Upon arrival in Tanzania, present the following to the Immigration Officer:5
• Valid US passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Visa Grant Notice (if applied online) or visa fee (if applying on arrival)
• Return or onward ticket
• Yellow fever certificate (if traveling from endemic country)
The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport with a Visitor’s Pass valid for up to 90 days.3 You can travel freely between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during this period.2
Comparison
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Entry Visa (Online) | $100 | Standard processing within 10 days |
| Multiple Entry Visa (On Arrival) | $100 | Payable in USD cash |
| Rush Processing (Embassy) | $120 | Processing within 3 working days |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 30% | Incorrect or Incomplete Information |
| 25% | Poor Quality Documents |
| 15% | Wrong Visa Type Selected |
| 15% | Payment Processing Failure |
| 10% | Previous Immigration Violations |
| 5% | Security Concerns |
30% - Incorrect or Incomplete Information
How to avoid: Double-check all information against your passport before submitting. Copy passport details exactly as they appear.
25% - Poor Quality Documents
How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure all text is clearly legible. Follow photo specifications exactly: 35x45mm, plain background, under 500KB.
15% - Wrong Visa Type Selected
How to avoid: When applying, specifically select Multiple Entry Visa for tourism. Read the visa guidelines carefully before starting your application.
15% - Payment Processing Failure
How to avoid: Use a Visa or Mastercard enabled for international transactions. Contact your bank beforehand if needed. Confirm payment success before closing the application.
10% - Previous Immigration Violations
How to avoid: If you have past immigration issues, be prepared to explain circumstances. Consider applying through the Embassy rather than online for complex cases.
5% - Security Concerns
How to avoid: Be completely honest in your application. False information will be discovered and can lead to entry bans.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes. US citizens must obtain a Multiple Entry Visa to visit Tanzania. Unlike citizens of other countries who can get an Ordinary Visa, Americans are required to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa at $100. This can be obtained online through the e-visa portal or on arrival at major airports.
How long does Tanzania e-visa processing take for Americans?
Online applications are processed within 10 working days. Most applications are approved faster. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays. Rush processing is available through the Embassy for an additional $20, reducing processing to 3 working days.
Can I get a Tanzania visa on arrival as a US citizen?
Yes. US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and other major entry points. However, online application is recommended to avoid potential queues and ensure smooth entry.
How long is the Tanzania visa valid for Americans?
The Multiple Entry Visa for US citizens is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Each visit can last up to 90 days. You can make multiple trips to Tanzania within the validity period.
What is the Tanzania visa fee for US citizens in 2026?
US citizens pay $100 for a Multiple Entry Visa. This is higher than the $50 Ordinary Visa that citizens of other countries pay, but the Multiple Entry Visa allows unlimited entries over 12 months.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Your Tanzania visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. You do not need a separate visa or permit for Zanzibar. Simply select your first destination when applying online.
What if my Tanzania e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections are rare for US citizens and usually due to technical issues like incorrect information or poor quality documents. You can reapply after correcting the issues. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival if your travel date is approaching.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. If flying directly from the US, it is not required. However, the vaccine is recommended by the CDC for travel to Tanzania.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days in Tanzania?
Yes. You can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Tanzania before your 90-day period expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and require payment of additional fees.
What documents should I bring to Tanzania?
Bring your passport with at least 6 months validity, printed visa grant notice or e-visa approval, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and yellow fever certificate if applicable. Keep digital copies accessible on your phone.
Sources
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
https://www.us.tzembassy.go.tz/services/category/visa-information
https://www.us.tzembassy.go.tz/services/visa-and-permits-fees
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Tanzania.html