Tanzania entry rules at a glance
This is a travel guide, not an official source. Entry rules change and depend on your passport. Before you pay or fly, confirm the details with Tanzania Immigration Services or the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
For a safari the usual category is the ordinary visa. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, so check before you apply. A visa does not replace a Ngorongoro permit. The two are separate, and a visa grant notice is not a guarantee of entry.
Visa and entry costs compared
Fees in US dollars as of October 2026.
| Item | Fee | Validity or note |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary visa | $50 | Tourism, up to 90 days, for nationalities that need a visa |
| Multiple visa, US passports | $100 | Valid 1 year. This is not a one-year stay |
| Entry insurance, mainland | $44 base price per visitor | Up to 92 days, required since 1 October 2026 |
| Yellow fever certificate | – | Only for arrivals from affected countries or after long transit there |
The insurance is an extra entry requirement. It is not part of the visa fee, so budget for both.
Ngorongoro safaris once your entry is sorted
Crater day trips and multi-day safaris from Arusha and Karatu, with live prices and availability.
Documents and how to apply
What the visa application needs.
Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 1 free page. Be ready to show a return ticket.
Children
Minors need their own visa application. You cannot add a child to a parent's application.
Processing time
Immigration states processing within 10 days, except for referral cases, which need at least 2 months. Some governments advise at least 10 working days. Neither is a guarantee, so apply well before you travel. You pay online by Visa or Mastercard.
No second visa for Zanzibar
Moving between the mainland and Zanzibar does not need an extra visa. The entry insurance also does not need a second policy just for the change.
Entry insurance since 1 October 2026
The newest rule for mainland visitors.
What changed
Entry insurance for the mainland has been required since 1 October 2026, following a notice published on 4 September 2026. If you first enter through the mainland, the policy comes from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC). If you enter through Zanzibar, it comes from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).
Price and length
The base price named in the official notice is $44 per visitor, for stays up to 92 days.
Check before you pay
Rates for children, exemptions for some regional travelers, extensions and online surcharges can differ from case to case. Do not assume the same final price for every traveler. Confirm your conditions with the official channels.
Health rules at the border
Yellow fever and entry checks.
Yellow fever
A vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from an affected country or transit there for 12 hours or more. The vaccination should be given at least 10 days before entry. There is no general requirement for every direct flight from Europe.
Health screening
Current official travel advice mentions health checks at all entry points and an online health registration. The exact scope is not the same in every notice, so check the latest instructions before you fly.
Malaria and water
Malaria risk applies all year below 2,500 m, including the national parks. Ask a doctor about prevention. Official advice also recommends against swimming in inland waters.
Plan the rest of your trip
After entry, the park rules and fees.
Ngorongoro fees
Entry, Crater Service Fee and what is charged separately.
From Arusha
The road, the airports and the time you need.
Best time to visit
Dry and rainy seasons and what they mean for the trip.
Note that the lower Expatriate rate in the park tariff is a separate category. A tourist visa does not entitle you to it.
Tanzania visa: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
That depends on your nationality. For most safari visitors the ordinary visa at $50 is the right category. Check the rules for your passport with Tanzania Immigration Services before you apply.
How much is the visa for US citizens?
US passports need a multiple-entry visa for tourism. It costs $100 and is valid for 1 year. That does not mean you may stay a year.
Is the entry insurance part of the visa?
No. It is a separate requirement for mainland arrivals since 1 October 2026, with a base price of $44 per visitor for up to 92 days. Confirm your own conditions with the official channels.
How early should I apply?
Immigration states 10 days, while some travel advice says at least 10 working days. Referral cases need at least 2 months. Apply earlier than the minimum.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?
Only if you arrive from an affected country or transit there for 12 hours or more. Direct travel from Europe does not generally require it. The vaccination should be given at least 10 days before entry.