Many African citizens do not need a Tanzania visa at all -- the East African Community (EAC) member states and most SADC countries have visa-free access to Tanzania -- but citizens of Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and most non-SADC African nations do need a Tanzania e-Visa ( single entry) applied for online at eservices.immigration.go.tz. Understanding which African countries are exempt and which need a visa prevents costly mistakes before travel.
African Countries Whose Citizens Do NOT Need a Tanzania Visa
According to Tanzania Immigration Services official website, nationals of the following categories do not need a visa to enter Tanzania:
EAC Member States (Visa-Free Access)
Citizens of all East African Community member states have visa-free access to Tanzania:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
EAC nationals typically only need a valid passport or national ID card to enter Tanzania.
SADC Member Countries (Visa-Free, Most)
Most Southern African Development Community members have visa-free access. Tanzania officially exempts South African Republic (South Africa) and most SADC members. Notable exception: Comoros is NOT visa-free despite SADC membership.
Other SADC visa-free nations include: Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles.
Other Specific Countries
Tanzania officially exempts: Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and several British Overseas Territories.
African Countries That DO Need a Tanzania e-Visa
African citizens not covered by EAC or SADC visa-free arrangements need a Tanzania visa. This includes:
- Nigeria -- despite being a Commonwealth nation, Nigeria is specifically excluded from visa-free access
- Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria -- North African nations not in EAC/SADC
- Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia -- Horn of Africa nations not in EAC
- Senegal, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Cameroon -- West and Central African nations
- Comoros -- excluded despite SADC membership
These citizens must apply for the Tanzania e-Visa ( single entry, multiple entry) at eservices.immigration.go.tz before travel.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for African Citizens
African citizens who need a Tanzania visa use the standard e-Visa process:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity from arrival |
| Blank pages | At least 1 blank visa page |
| Visa fee | (single entry) or (multiple entry) |
| Return ticket | Required for application and at arrival |
| Accommodation | Hotel booking or invitation letter |
| Photo | Recent, white background |
| Processing time | Up to 10 business days |
East African Community: Free Movement Rights for EAC Citizens
EAC citizens (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) benefit from more than just visa-free entry:
- Entry with national ID card (passport not always required)
- Extended stay rights under regional EAC free movement agreements
- Special Pass for EAC nationals living and working in Tanzania long-term (applies at immigration.go.tz)
Tanzania Visa for Nigerian Citizens
Nigeria is a notable exception -- as a Commonwealth country, one might expect visa-free access. However, Nigeria is specifically listed as an exception to Tanzania Commonwealth visa-free policy (along with UK, Canada, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand). Nigerian citizens must:
- Apply for Tanzania e-Visa online at eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Pay for single entry, for multiple entry
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing
Tanzania Visa for South African Citizens
South Africa is a SADC member with visa-free access to Tanzania. South African citizens can visit Tanzania for tourism and short stays without a visa, holding only a valid South African passport. No Tanzania e-Visa application is needed.
Referral Visa Category: Some African Nations
Certain African nationalities fall under Tanzania Referral Visa category, requiring additional processing and approval from the Commissioner General of Immigration. If your country is in this category:
- You must apply online (not eligible for visa on arrival without prior approval)
- Processing may take significantly longer than the standard 10 business days
- Apply at least 2 months before travel
- Contact info@immigration.go.tz to verify your country status
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time