Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced eVisa System
Tanzania's eVisa platform has been upgraded for faster processing, allowing most travelers to apply online for a 90-day visa ($50 fee) with approvals in 3-10 days. Ensure you upload clear passport scans and proof of onward travel to avoid rejections.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Tanzania, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Children under 18 need their own passports, and it's wise to carry certified birth certificates for family travel to prevent border delays.
Always photocopy your passport and store digitally as a backup in case of loss.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of select East African Community nations like Kenya and Uganda enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, but most international visitors require a visa.
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can obtain visas on arrival or via eVisa for seamless entry.
Check the official Tanzania Immigration website for the latest list, as exemptions can change based on bilateral agreements.
Visa Applications
Apply for the eVisa online through the official portal ($50 for ordinary visa), providing details like accommodation bookings, flight itineraries, and financial proof (at least $100/day recommended).
Processing typically takes 3-10 business days; print your approval letter as it's required at immigration.
For multiple entries or longer stays, opt for the multiple-entry visa at $100, valid for one year.
Border Crossings
Major airports like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro offer efficient eVisa or visa-on-arrival services with minimal queues for prepared travelers.
Land borders with Kenya (Namanga) or Zambia require pre-arranged visas to avoid long waits; expect health screenings at all points.
Sea arrivals via Zanzibar ferries are straightforward but confirm ferry tickets count as onward proof.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for eVisa approval, insurance must cover medical evacuation (up to $100,000 recommended due to remote safari areas) and trip interruptions.
Include coverage for adventure activities like hot air balloon safaris or Kilimanjaro treks, starting from $2-5/day from global providers.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from endemic countries; consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks prior.
Extensions Possible
Extend your 90-day visa up to twice (another 90 days each) by applying at the Immigration Department in Dar es Salaam or regional offices before expiry.
Fees range from $50-100 with justification like ongoing work or medical reasons, plus supporting documents.
Overstaying incurs fines of $50/day; always apply early to maintain legal status during your extended adventure.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for peak safari season flights.
Consider flying into Kilimanjaro for direct access to Arusha and Serengeti without extra domestic hops.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at mama lishe street stalls for affordable ugali and grilled meats under $5, skipping resort buffets to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in Arusha or Dar es Salaam offer fresh fruits, spices, and ready-made meals at bargain prices year-round.
Join community cooking classes for authentic experiences that include meals for under $20.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for dalla-dalla minibuses or long-distance buses like those from Dar to Arusha at $10-20 per leg, far cheaper than taxis.
Buy a Tanzania Tourist Pass for discounted entry to multiple parks, saving 20-30% on conservation fees.
For Zanzibar, unlimited ferry passes can cut inter-island travel costs for multi-day explorations.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches on Zanzibar, village walks in Maasai lands, or the bustling Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam, all cost-free and immersive.
Many cultural sites like Olduvai Gorge offer free ranger talks; time visits for sunset views without guided fees.
Hiking Mount Meru's lower trails is gratis with a permit, providing epic views rivaling Kilimanjaro.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in urban hotels and tour operators, but carry USD cash (new bills) for rural areas and markets where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw TZS from bank ATMs for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions.
For safaris, prepay in USD to lock in rates and avoid fluctuating shilling conversions mid-trip.
Museum Passes
Use the Tanzania Heritage Pass for entry to sites like the National Museum in Dar and Arusha Declaration sites at $30 for a year.
It pays for itself after 3-4 visits and includes audio guides for deeper historical insights.
Combine with free spice tours in Zanzibar for a full cultural immersion without extra costs.
Smart Packing for Tanzania
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants for safaris to blend with wildlife, plus breathable cotton for hot coastal areas like Zanzibar.
Include modest attire for cultural villages and mosques, and quick-dry layers for variable highlands weather around Arusha.
A lightweight rain poncho is vital for wet seasons, and earth-toned hats prevent startling animals during game drives.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type D/G), solar charger for remote safaris, and a waterproof phone case for beach or boat trips.
Download offline maps of Serengeti and Swahili phrase apps; a binoculars attachment for your phone enhances wildlife spotting.
Power banks are essential as electricity can be unreliable in bush camps; pack extra memory cards for photography-heavy itineraries.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a malaria prophylaxis kit, and DEET insect repellent for tsetse flies in parks.
Include a basic first-aid kit with rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal meds, and altitude sickness remedies for Kilimanjaro approaches.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm, and a water purification system are crucial for sun exposure and safe drinking in rural areas.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hikes, a reusable water bottle with filter, and a lightweight sleeping bag liner for budget lodges.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for valuables, and a torch/flashlight for power outages in remote spots.
Dust-proof bags protect gear during dry-season game drives; a sarong doubles as a towel or beach cover-up.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip for Ngorongoro Crater trails and Kilimanjaro base camps, plus lightweight sandals for Zanzibar beaches.
Waterproof shoes are essential for rainy season mud in parks; break them in before travel to avoid blisters on long walks.
Gaiters prevent dust and ticks on savanna safaris; pack extra socks for sweaty tropical conditions.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable soap, shampoo, and wet wipes for eco-friendly camping; moisturizer combats dry air in highlands.
A compact umbrella or hat shields from intense equatorial sun; travel-sized laundry detergent for multi-week trips.
Feminine hygiene products may be scarce in rural areas, so pack ample; include earplugs for noisy bus rides or wildlife sounds at night.
When to Visit Tanzania
Dry Season (June-October)
Prime time for Serengeti safaris with temperatures of 20-30°C, as animals congregate around water sources for easy viewing of the Great Migration.
Fewer mosquitoes and clear skies ideal for Kilimanjaro climbs; book early as lodges fill up with wildlife enthusiasts.
Zanzibar beaches are perfect for post-safari relaxation with calm seas and vibrant coral snorkeling.
Short Dry Season (December-March)
High season alternative with warm 25-32°C weather, calving season in southern Serengeti drawing predators for dramatic sightings.
Festivals like Saba Saba in July add cultural flair; expect moderate crowds and higher prices but excellent visibility.
Coastal areas shine with sunny days for spice tours and beach hopping in Zanzibar without the peak heat.
Short Rains (November)
Transitional month with brief showers and 22-28°C temps, offering lush landscapes and fewer tourists for budget-friendly safaris.
Birdwatching peaks with migratory species; newborn animals appear in parks like Tarangire.
Lower rates on accommodations make it great for extended stays in Arusha or Lake Manyara explorations.
Long Rains (April-May)
Low season with heavy rains and 18-25°C, but dramatic waterfalls in parks and discounted luxury camps for intrepid travelers.
Ideal for cultural immersion in Maasai villages or quiet Zanzibar retreats away from crowds.
Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving afternoons free for indoor activities like cooking classes or museum visits.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD widely accepted in tourist areas; exchange at banks for best rates. Cards work in cities but cash rules in rural spots.
- Language: Swahili is official, with English widely used in tourism, business, and urban centers like Dar es Salaam.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3 year-round
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type D/G plugs (three-pin square or two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; 999 alternative in some areas
- Tipping: Expected in tourism: 10-15% in restaurants, $5-10/day per person for safari guides, $1-2 for porters
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Carry a filter for remote areas
- Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock up on essentials like antimalarials before rural travel. Look for "duka la dawa" signs