Tanzania e-Visa for Turkish Citizens: Direct Flights via Turkish Airlines

Turkish citizens must obtain a Tanzania e-Visa before departure. The key advantage for Türkiye travellers: Turkish Airlines (THY) operates flights from Istanbul (IST) directly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Kilimanjaro (JRO), making Tanzania one of the most accessible African destinations from Türkiye. The e-Visa costs USD 50 (single entry) and is applied for online at eservices.immigration.go.tz.

Do Turkish Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, Turkish (Türk) passport holders require a visa to enter Tanzania. Turkey is eligible for the Tanzania e-Visa program, meaning the entire application is handled online — no embassy appointment needed. The Tanzanian Embassy in Ankara (Tanzanya Büyükelçiliği, Ankara) handles consular matters but is not required for e-Visa applications.

Turkey's e-Visa system (evisa.gov.tr) is separate from Tanzania's — the Turkish e-Visa is for foreign nationals entering Turkey, not for Turkish citizens going abroad. Do not confuse the two.

Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens

• Valid Turkish passport (en az 6 ay geçerlilik, minimum 6 months validity beyond planned departure from Tanzania, at least 2 blank pages)
• Recent digital passport photo (beyaz arka plan, white background, JPEG format)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, safari lodge, or host invitation letter)
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement / banka ekstresi showing minimum USD 500)
• Travel itinerary for the full stay duration
• Valid email address for visa delivery

Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Turkish Citizens

TRY amounts are indicative based on approximate exchange rates and fluctuate significantly. Payment is made in USD on the Tanzania Immigration portal by credit or debit card.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Official portal — Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz (resmi Tanzania göç portalı)
2. Create an account — Register with your email address and password
3. Select visa type — "Tourist e-Visa" and Turkey (Türkiye) as nationality
4. Enter passport details — Full name (as in Turkish passport), TC kimlik bilgisi not required; passport number, date of birth, expiry
5. Upload documents — Passport bio-data page scan, digital photo, flight booking, hotel confirmation
6. Review carefully — Errors in name or passport number cause rejection; Turkish letters (ç, ş, ğ, ü, ö, ı) should be entered as shown in the passport's English transliteration
7. Pay USD 50 — Visa or Mastercard accepted
8. Save your reference number — Email confirmation arrives immediately
9. Await approval — 3-10 business days
10. Print your e-Visa — Carry the printed approval and your Turkish passport

Processing Time

Standard processing: 3-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The e-Visa is valid for 3 months from issue date; single entry allows up to 90 days in Tanzania.

Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for Turkish Citizens

Turkish citizens are eligible for visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) airports. Given the direct flight option from Istanbul, having an e-Visa pre-approved is especially convenient.

Turkey-Specific Travel Notes

Direct Flights from Turkey to Tanzania — Turkish Airlines:

This is the standout advantage for Turkish travellers. Turkish Airlines (THY - Türk Hava Yolları) operates routes from Istanbul (IST):

• Istanbul (IST) → Dar es Salaam (DAR): Direct or with short connection via Nairobi; check current THY timetable at turkishairlines.com
• Istanbul (IST) → Kilimanjaro (JRO): Available via THY network; particularly popular for Serengeti safari and Kilimanjaro climbing travellers
• Istanbul (IST) → Zanzibar (ZNZ): Seasonal direct or connection options available

Flight time from Istanbul to Dar es Salaam: approximately 8-9 hours direct. Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member and frequently offers competitive fares from Turkish cities including Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya via IST.

Currency for Turkish travellers: Tanzania uses TZS (Tanzanian Shilling). Turkish Lira (TRY) is not accepted in Tanzania. USD is the dominant tourist currency for safaris. Carry USD cash or use a card with low international transaction fees. Major dollar amounts should be brought from Turkey — ATM availability is limited outside Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

Tanzania's appeal for Turkish tourists: Tanzania is growing in popularity with Turkish travellers, partly due to Turkish Airlines' connectivity. Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris appeal to the adventurous Turkish tourist market; Zanzibar's beach culture and its predominantly Muslim population make it a culturally comfortable destination. Zanzibar has a significant Islamic heritage and history — mosques, halal food, and Muslim-friendly accommodation are widely available.

Halal food in Tanzania: As a country with approximately 35% Muslim population (and Zanzibar being over 95% Muslim), Tanzania offers extensive halal food options, particularly along the coast and in Zanzibar. Turkish travellers will find familiar halal dining standards in these areas.

Frequently Asked Questions