Tanzania e-Visa for US Citizens: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

US citizens need a Tanzania e-Visa to visit Tanzania — there is no visa-free arrangement between the United States and Tanzania. American travelers can apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz, pay $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, and receive approval within 3–10 business days. This is the most convenient and recommended option for Americans planning a Tanzania safari, Zanzibar trip, or any other visit.

Do US Citizens Need a Tanzania Visa?

Yes. The United States does not have a bilateral visa exemption agreement with Tanzania. Every US passport holder must obtain a visa before entering Tanzania. There are three options:

The Tanzania e-Visa is the recommended option for US citizens. It guarantees your authorization before departure, avoids airport queues, and is processed entirely online. The Tanzania visa on arrival is available but inconvenient — long queues, cash-only payment, and no pre-authorization.

For additional context, see our guide: Do US citizens need a Tanzania visa?

Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for US Citizens

US citizens must meet the same universal requirements as all other applicants:

Passport Requirements

• Valid US passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date from Tanzania
• At least 2 blank visa pages for stamps
• Passport in good condition (no significant damage or alterations)

Required Documents

1. Passport data page — clear color scan of your US passport bio page
2. Passport photo — white background, JPEG, taken within 6 months, no glasses, 300×300px minimum
3. Return or onward ticket — flight confirmation showing departure from Tanzania
4. Accommodation proof — hotel booking, safari operator confirmation, or host invitation letter
5. Completed application form — filled out at eservices.immigration.go.tz
6. Payment — US-issued Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit)

Financial Capacity

While no minimum bank balance is officially required on the application, US travelers should be prepared to show at the border:

• Approximately $50 per day of planned stay as a general guideline
• Credit cards, bank statements, or pre-paid safari receipts are accepted

Tanzania e-Visa Fees for US Citizens

All fees are paid directly to the Tanzanian government via the official portal. Do not pay through third-party agents who charge $20–$100 in additional service fees on top of the government rate.

For the full fee breakdown, see Tanzania e-Visa cost.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step for US Citizens

Step 1: Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz

Step 2: Create an account with your US email address and verify it

Step 3: Select visa type — "Tourist Single Entry" for most US visitors

Step 4: Complete the application form:

• Enter your name exactly as on your US passport
• Enter your US passport number, issue date, and expiry date
• Enter your travel dates and port of entry (DAR, JRO, or ZNZ)
• Enter accommodation details

Step 5: Upload:

• Scanned copy of your US passport data page (color, all text clear)
• Passport-style photograph (white background, JPEG)
• Return flight confirmation
• Hotel or safari booking

Step 6: Pay $50 USD using your US Visa or Mastercard

Step 7: Submit and note your application reference number

Step 8: Check status online — typical processing: 3–10 business days

Step 9: Download and print your approved e-Visa PDF

For complete step-by-step instructions, see Tanzania e-Visa application step by step.

Processing Time for US Citizens

US applicants can expect:

• Average processing: 4–6 business days
• Maximum standard processing: 10 business days
• Peak season delays: July–October (safari season) and December–January may take longer

There is no expedited processing option on the official portal. Apply at least 3 weeks before departure to have a comfortable buffer.

US Citizen at the Tanzania Airport: What to Expect

On arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO), or Zanzibar (ZNZ):

1. Join the "e-Visa" immigration lane (separate from the visa on arrival queue)
2. Present your US passport and printed e-Visa to the immigration officer
3. Have your return ticket and hotel booking accessible on your phone or as a printout
4. Answer brief questions about the purpose and duration of your visit
5. Receive your entry stamp in your passport — valid for the duration shown

Yellow fever: If you are flying directly from the US with no layover in a yellow fever endemic country, a yellow fever certificate is generally not required. However, if your routing includes West Africa, Central Africa, or parts of South America, carry your vaccination certificate (the "yellow card"). See Tanzania travel health requirements.

US Travel Advisory for Tanzania

The US State Department currently has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Tanzania as of late 2026, citing unrest, crime, and terrorism concerns in certain areas. This does not affect the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, or most major tourist destinations — but US travelers should:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov
• Monitor alerts from the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam
• Avoid large public demonstrations
• Maintain standard urban precautions

Important Information for American Travelers

Safari season: The best wildlife viewing in Tanzania is during the dry seasons — June to October (long dry season) and January to February (short dry season). Plan your e-Visa application accordingly.

Zanzibar: Your Tanzania e-Visa covers Zanzibar — no separate visa needed. You will pass through an internal immigration checkpoint at Zanzibar airport or the ferry terminal, where you show your passport.

Travel insurance: Tanzania has no mandatory travel insurance requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from remote safari areas can cost $30,000–$100,000+ without insurance. See Tanzania travel insurance.

Tanzania e-Visa validity: The single-entry tourist e-Visa is valid for 90 days from issue. Make sure your travel dates fall within this window.

Frequently Asked Questions