At Beliways Adventures, we believe that travel should be effortless from the moment you start planning. Whether you are joining one of our curated safaris across Tanzania's iconic parks or heading to Zanzibar for a tranquil beach escape, this guide will help you understand the latest visa requirements for 2026.
The only thing standing between you and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar or the endless plains of Tanzania is a simple visa. One visa covers both Tanzania and Zanzibar — you do not need to apply separately for each.
1. How to Obtain Your Visa
You have two main options for securing your entry visa. We highly recommend the e-Visa route to minimize time spent at the airport.
Option A: Apply for an E-Visa (Recommended)
The most convenient option is to apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
- •Process: Complete the application form, upload the required documents, pay online, and wait for approval.
- •Processing Time: Can take up to ten days. In some cases, approval arrives just before your departure date.
- •If not approved before travel: Print your completed application and payment confirmation. Immigration officers at the airport can review them on arrival.
Required Documents for the E-Visa
- •A passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- •A recent passport-style photograph.
- •Proof of accommodation (your Beliways Adventures booking confirmation is accepted).
- •Return flight tickets.
- •A blank passport page for the visa stamp.
Option B: Visa on Arrival
If you have not applied online, you can still obtain your visa upon arrival at major entry points: Zanzibar International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- •A passport valid for at least six months and a blank passport page.
- •Proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
Payment
- •50 USD for most nationalities.
- •100 USD for US citizens.
2. Visa Fees and Validity
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Covered Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tourist Visa (Most Nationalities) | 50 USD | 90 days | Tanzania Mainland & Zanzibar |
| Multiple Entry Visa (US Citizens) | 100 USD | Up to 1 year (90-day max stay per entry) | Tanzania Mainland & Zanzibar |
Purpose: The visa covers tourism, visiting friends and family, or business meetings.
Extending Your Stay
Tourist visas can usually be extended once for an additional 90 days. You must visit the Immigration Office in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam before your current visa expires.
3. Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Tanzania (including Zanzibar) for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes:
East African Community (EAC)
- •Burundi
- •Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- •Kenya
- •Rwanda
- •South Sudan
- •Uganda
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- •Angola
- •Botswana
- •Eswatini
- •Lesotho
- •Madagascar
- •Malawi
- •Mauritius
- •Mozambique
- •Namibia
- •Seychelles
- •South Africa
- •Zambia
- •Zimbabwe
Other Countries
- •Romania
- •Malaysia
- •Singapore
- •Samoa
- •Papua New Guinea
4. Referral Visa (Restricted Entry Countries)
Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a Referral Visa. The application must be pre-approved by the Immigration Department before travel. Entry is denied without prior clearance.
Africa
- •Nigeria
- •Chad
- •Mali
- •Niger
- •Sierra Leone
- •Somalia
- •Guinea Conakry
- •and others — check https://immigration.go.tz for the full list
Asia and Middle East
- •Afghanistan
- •Bangladesh
- •Iran
- •Iraq
- •Lebanon
- •Pakistan
- •Syria
- •Yemen
- •and others — check https://immigration.go.tz for the full list
5. Other Mandatory Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This also applies if you have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in an affected country within the previous six days. For affected countries, visit: https://www.moh.go.tz
Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar
Travel insurance is mandatory for entry into Zanzibar.
- •Cost: Approximately 44 USD.
- •Validity: Three months.
- •Purchase Online: https://www.zanzibartourism.go.tz
You will need to present proof of insurance before reaching the visa counter. Buying it in advance saves time — a printed confirmation or QR code on your phone is sufficient.
6. Common Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid
- •Submitting unclear passport scans or photographs.
- •Entering incorrect passport details.
- •Forgetting to print payment confirmation or the e-Visa approval notice.
- •Applying too close to your travel date.
Important Notes for Travelers
- •Children also require a visa and a separate application, even when traveling with parents.
- •Tourist visas do not permit employment or volunteer work. Separate permits are required.
- •Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or denial of future entry.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your Tanzania and Zanzibar visa in 2026 is straightforward when you prepare in advance. Whether you apply online or on arrival, ensure your documents, proof of insurance, and passport are ready before departure.
For travelers booking with Beliways Adventures, our team can assist with pre-departure checks and travel documentation to make your journey seamless. Your adventure through Tanzania's wilderness and Zanzibar's white-sand coastlines awaits!