How to Get Your Visa for Tanzania

So, you’ve booked your incredible safari or Zanzibar escape with Ally Safaris (woohoo 🎉) now it’s time to get your tourist visa sorted. If you’re feeling unsure about how it works, you’re not alone. Questions like “How do I apply?” or “What documents do I need?” are super common.

The good news? Getting a visa for Tanzania is easy, and we’re here to walk you through it. Whether you apply online or on arrival, we’ve got your back with all the details.

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How Much Does the Visa Cost?

The cost of your Tanzanian tourist visa depends on your nationality:

• European travelers: $50
• U.S. citizens: $100 (This is a multi-entry visa, valid for one year. You can leave and re-enter Tanzania within this period.)

These prices apply when applying online. If you choose to apply on arrival, the fee is:

• $50 or €50 for most visitors (depending on the currency you pay with)
• $100 for U.S. citizens

💳 You can also pay by credit card, but keep in mind a small fee may be added.

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Option 1: Apply Online

The Tanzanian government recommends applying online, and it’s a smooth process, especially when you're traveling with Ally Safaris!

Why apply online?

• ✔️ It’s quick and easy (especially with our helpful PDF guide)
• ✔️ You board your flight knowing your visa is already approved
• ✔️ You skipped two of the three queues at the airport

Apply via the official Tanzanian visa portal:
👉 Tanzanian Visa Portal

🚫 Avoid third-party websites—they can be more expensive or even scams. If you’ve booked with us, we’ll provide you with a clear, step-by-step guide to help you apply safely.

🕓 It can take up to 10 days for your visa to be approved, so apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip in case of any issues.

What you’ll need:

• Digital passport-size photo
• Photo of your passport’s biodata page (max 300 KB)
• PDF of your flight ticket (max 1 MB)
• Your passport is valid for 6 months after your return
• Credit card or a means of international payment
• For kids traveling with one parent: written consent from the other parent (in English)

Once approved, bring a printout or digital copy with you. On arrival, you'll just queue once to get your passport stamped, grab your bags, and your adventure begins!

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Option 2: Apply on Arrival in Tanzania

Prefer the old-school method? As of March 2024, you can still apply for your visa at the airport in Tanzania.

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill in the visa application form (have a pen and your first lodge’s address ready)
2. Submit the form at the visa application counter
3. Pay the visa fee at the payment counter (cash or credit card)
4. Go to the final counter to get your passport stamped
5. Collect your bags and you’re off!

It takes a bit longer—there are three queues instead of one—but welcome to Tanzania! A little taste of “pole pole” (slowly-slowly) life before your safari even starts.

Funny enough, sometimes the line for online applicants is longer than all three queues combined for walk-ins. Go figure!

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Choose What Works for You

Most of our guests choose to apply online for peace of mind—but if you're feeling adventurous, applying on arrival works too. Just don’t forget:

• If applying online: Apply 3–4 weeks before travel, prepare your documents ahead of time, double-check your information, and print or download your approved visa
• If applying on arrival: Bring the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) or have a credit card, keep a pen and your first lodge’s address handy, no passport photo needed, still bring written parental consent if kids are traveling with one parent

No matter how you apply, Ally Safaris is here to help make the process as stress-free as possible. Have questions? Just reach out to our team—we’re happy to guide you step-by-step.

⚠️ Please note: Some nationalities require a Referral Visa and cannot apply upon arrival. Be sure to check the latest immigration rules before traveling.