Japanese citizens must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania, but the process is fully digital. Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz, pay USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa, and receive approval by email within 3–10 business days. No trip to a Tanzanian embassy in Tokyo is required.
Do Japanese Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, Japanese passport holders require a visa to enter Tanzania. Despite Japan consistently ranking among the world's most powerful passports for global access, Tanzania is not among the visa-free countries for Japanese nationals. The Tanzania e-Visa system allows Japanese applicants to apply entirely online.
Japanese travelers may also obtain a visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). Applying online in advance is strongly recommended — it eliminates airport queue time and provides a confirmed entry document.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Japanese Citizens
- Valid Japanese passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your entry date, at least 1 blank visa page)
- Recent digital passport photo (white background, JPEG format, clearly showing face)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, lodge confirmation, or safari package)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement; USD 500 equivalent is the standard benchmark)
- Travel itinerary
Japanese biometric passports are accepted. No in-person appointment or physical submission is required.
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Japanese Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | USD 50 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | USD 100 |
| Business Single Entry | USD 50 |
| Transit Visa | USD 30 |
Payment is accepted online via international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard). USD conversion from JPY applies at the card issuer's rate. All fees are non-refundable.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz and register an account
- Select "Apply for e-Visa" and choose your visa type
- Enter your Japanese passport details precisely
- Upload your passport photo and bio page scan
- Attach flight confirmation and accommodation proof
- Pay USD 50 by international card
- Save your application reference number
- Wait for approval email (typically 3–10 business days)
- Print the e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport to Tanzania
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3–10 business days
Some sources cite approvals arriving in 2–3 days during off-peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for any processing delays.
The e-Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, permitting a stay of up to 90 days per entry.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for Japanese Citizens
| Factor | e-Visa (online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online from Japan | At DAR / JRO / ZNZ |
| Cost | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Airport queue | Avoided | 30–90 minutes typical |
| Pre-trip confirmation | Yes | No |
| eVisa or visa on arrival? | e-Visa recommended | Backup option |
Japan-Specific Travel Notes
Tanzania is a beloved destination among Japanese safari travelers. Japan has a strong safari travel culture, and Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are world-class for wildlife photography — a pursuit particularly popular among Japanese tourists.
Flights from Japan to Tanzania:
- Emirates: Tokyo Narita (NRT) / Osaka Kansai (KIX) → Dubai → Dar es Salaam (approximately 18–20 hours total)
- Ethiopian Airlines: Tokyo → Addis Ababa → Kilimanjaro / Dar es Salaam (approximately 19–21 hours total)
- Kenya Airways: Tokyo → Nairobi → Dar es Salaam
- Qatar Airways: Tokyo → Doha → Dar es Salaam
No direct flight exists between Japan and Tanzania. Most routes involve one stop in the Middle East or East Africa.
Popular destinations for Japanese travelers:
- Serengeti National Park (Great Migration: July–October for river crossings)
- Ngorongoro Crater (year-round, density of wildlife per km² is among world's highest)
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu route, known as "Coca-Cola Route," is popular with Japanese trekkers)
- Zanzibar (Stone Town, Nungwi beach)
- Tarangire National Park (elephant herds)
Health note: Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Yellow fever certificate required only if arriving from an endemic country — Japan is not endemic.