Yes — US citizens need a visa to visit Tanzania. The United States does not have a visa-free arrangement with Tanzania. Every American passport holder must obtain either a Tanzania e-Visa (applied online before travel) or a visa on arrival at the airport. The Tanzania e-Visa is the recommended option: it costs $50 USD, takes 20–30 minutes to apply for, and is approved in 3–10 business days.
US Citizens and Tanzania: Visa Requirement Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Tanzania visa-free for Americans? | No |
| Is a Tanzania visa required for US citizens? | Yes |
| Can US citizens get Tanzania visa on arrival? | Yes — but e-Visa is recommended |
| What is the US citizen Tanzania e-Visa fee? | $50 USD (tourist single entry) |
| How long can Americans stay in Tanzania? | Up to 90 days per entry |
| Where to apply for Tanzania e-Visa? | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
Why Do US Citizens Need a Tanzania Visa?
Tanzania requires visas from most countries worldwide, including the United States. Unlike Kenya (which has introduced a visa-free policy for US citizens) or Rwanda, Tanzania has not yet extended visa exemptions to US passport holders.
The Tanzania e-Visa system was introduced to make the process more convenient — American travelers can apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate, and receive approval before departure.
Tanzania Visa Options for US Citizens
Option 1 — Tanzania e-Visa (Recommended)
- Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Fee: $50 USD (single entry tourist)
- Processing: 3–10 business days
- Pre-approved before travel
- Dedicated fast lane at immigration on arrival
Option 2 — Visa on Arrival
- Obtained at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), or Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports
- Fee: $50 USD in cash
- Available to all US citizens
- Longer queue at the airport (30–90 minutes)
- No pre-approval — slight risk
Option 3 — Tanzania Embassy Visa
- Apply at the Tanzania Embassy in Washington, D.C. or consulate in New York
- Rarely used since e-Visa was introduced
- Takes longer and requires in-person visit or mail application
- Not recommended for most travelers
How US Citizens Apply for Tanzania e-Visa
- Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Create an account and verify your email
- Select "Tourist Single Entry" (for most trips)
- Complete the form with your passport details
- Upload passport scan, photo, return ticket, accommodation proof
- Pay $50 USD via Visa or Mastercard
- Receive decision in 3–10 business days
- Download and print the approved e-Visa
Full step-by-step guide: Tanzania e-Visa for US citizens
How Long Can US Citizens Stay in Tanzania?
- Tourist e-Visa: Up to 90 days per entry
- Multiple entry tourist visa: Up to 90 days per entry, valid 12 months
- Extension: Apply at Tanzania Immigration in Dar es Salaam for up to 90 additional days
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time