UAE nationals (citizens of the United Arab Emirates) can apply for a Tanzania e-Visa entirely online. The UAE Embassy in Zanzibar has confirmed that UAE nationals are eligible for the online e-Visa system at immigration.go.tz, allowing a stay of up to 90 days at USD 50 (~AED 184) for single entry. With direct flights from Dubai (DXB) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) via Emirates, Tanzania is one of the most accessible African destinations for UAE citizens and residents.
Do UAE Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes, UAE nationals require a visa for Tanzania. However, UAE citizens have two convenient options: apply online via the Tanzania e-Visa system before departure, or obtain a visa on arrival at major Tanzanian airports. The official UAE Embassy in Zanzibar specifically confirms that "UAE nationals can apply for a Tanzania evisa online via www.immigration.go.tz."
Note that UAE residents holding non-UAE passports must apply based on their actual citizenship nationality, not UAE residency.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for UAE Citizens
- Valid UAE passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your departure from Tanzania, at least 2 blank pages)
- Recent digital passport photo (white background, JPEG format)
- Return or onward flight ticket from Tanzania
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, safari lodge, or host invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement showing minimum USD 500)
- Complete travel itinerary
- Valid email address for visa delivery
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for UAE Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | AED Approximate |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | USD 50 | ~AED 184 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | USD 100 | ~AED 367 |
| Business Single Entry | USD 50 | ~AED 184 |
| Transit Visa | USD 30 | ~AED 110 |
The AED is pegged to USD at approximately 3.67 AED per USD, making the conversion straightforward and predictable. Payment is accepted by major credit and debit cards on the official Tanzania portal.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Official portal — Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz (as confirmed by the UAE Embassy in Zanzibar)
- Create an account — Register with your email address
- Select visa type — "Tourist e-Visa" and United Arab Emirates as nationality
- Enter passport details — Full name as printed in your UAE passport, passport number, date of birth, expiry date
- Upload documents — UAE passport bio-data page, digital photo, flight booking, hotel confirmation
- Review all information — Arabic name transliteration in the passport's English section should be used
- Pay USD 50 — AED equivalent charged by card at the 3.67 rate
- Save reference number — Email confirmation arrives immediately
- Wait for approval — 3-10 business days
- Print your e-Visa — Carry printed approval with your UAE 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 permits up to 90 days in Tanzania.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for UAE Citizens
| Feature | e-Visa (Online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-arrival arrangement | Yes | No |
| Airport queue | No (fast lane) | Yes (variable) |
| Cost | USD 50 (~AED 184) | USD 50 |
| UAE-specific | Both options confirmed eligible | Both options confirmed eligible |
| Recommended | Yes | Backup option |
Both options are officially available to UAE nationals. The e-Visa is preferred for convenience and peace of mind.
UAE-Specific Travel Notes
Direct Flights from UAE to Tanzania:
UAE residents and citizens benefit from excellent direct flight connectivity:
- Dubai (DXB) → Zanzibar (ZNZ): Emirates operates direct flights; approximately 5-6 hours
- Dubai (DXB) → Dar es Salaam (DAR): Emirates and flydubai operate routes; approximately 5-6 hours
- Dubai (DXB) → Kilimanjaro (JRO): Connecting via Nairobi or direct seasonal services
- Sharjah (SHJ) → Dar es Salaam: Air Arabia has operated seasonal routes
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) → DAR: Etihad Airways connection options
The Dubai–Zanzibar route is particularly popular among UAE-based travellers, with direct flight times of approximately 5 hours making Tanzania an ideal short-haul African holiday destination.
Zanzibar: A Muslim-friendly destination for UAE travellers:
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim (over 95% of the population), with a rich Islamic heritage reflected in its Stone Town architecture, mosques, Arabic-influenced culture, and cuisine. For UAE and Muslim travellers:
- Halal food is the norm throughout Zanzibar; restaurants serve halal meat and seafood
- Ramadan is observed on the island; prayer facilities are plentiful
- Cultural sensitivity: Zanzibar is conservative by East African standards — modest dress is appreciated outside beach resort areas
- Alcohol: Available in tourist resorts and hotels; less prominent in local areas
Currency for UAE travellers: Tanzania uses TZS (Tanzanian Shilling). Given the AED's peg to USD, budgeting is straightforward — USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. Bring USD cash for safari payments; cards are accepted at major hotels and resorts.