Tanzania Visa for US & UK Citizens: The 2026 Guide

The number one anxiety for my clients isn't lions or malaria—it is the Tanzania Immigration website crashing while they try to upload a PDF.

Let’s cut through the noise. If you are from the US or the UK, you need a visa to enter Tanzania. The rules differ slightly by nationality, and the "official" advice often contradicts the reality on the ground at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Here is exactly how to handle your entry documents without getting scammed or stuck in a three-hour queue.

Do US and UK Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, both US and UK citizens require a visa, but the cost and type differ: US citizens pay $100 for a multi-entry visa, while UK/EU citizens pay $50 for a single-entry visa.

The Tanzanian government mandates different visa classes based on reciprocity agreements.

• US Citizens: You are required to purchase a Multi-Entry Visa. The cost is $100. You cannot opt for the cheaper single-entry option. It is valid for 12 months and allows you to enter and exit multiple times (useful if you are combining Tanzania with Kenya or Rwanda).
• UK & EU Citizens: You are eligible for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa. The cost is $50. It is valid for 90 days.

Do not try to "game" the system. Immigration officers check passports strictly. If you are American and apply for the $50 visa, you will be denied and forced to pay the full $100 amount again on arrival.

The Specialist’s Secret:

• • If you hold dual citizenship (e.g., US and UK), use your UK passport to enter Tanzania. You will save $50 per person on the visa fee. Just ensure you use the same passport for your flight booking and visa application.

The Curator's Advantage DIY travelers often panic when the online portal rejects their photo for being 2MB instead of 300KB, or when the payment gateway times out. When you book a curated safari, we provide a proprietary "Visa Cheat Sheet" that details exactly how to format your files, which browser to use, and who to call if the system freezes. We can't apply for you, but we stop you from making expensive mistakes.

Read also: Tanzania Safari Costs Breakdown

Online e-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Better?

The e-Visa is safer for peace of mind, but Visa on Arrival is often faster if you have the correct cash.

The government pushes the online e-Visa system aggressively. However, the infrastructure at airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) has created a paradox.

The Online Reality:

• Pros: You land with peace of mind. You don't have to stress about carrying large amounts of cash.
• Cons: The "e-Visa Queue" at immigration is often understaffed. I have seen clients wait 90 minutes in the "fast track" e-Visa line while people who bought visas on arrival walked through in 20 minutes.

The Arrival Reality:

• Pros: It can be surprisingly quick. You fill out a paper form, pay, and get stamped.
• Cons: You must have the exact documentation and cash. If the card machine is broken (common), and you don't have cash, you are stuck.

My Verdict for 2026: Apply online if you are anxious. Do it on arrival if you are comfortable with travel logistics and want to gamble on a faster queue.

The Specialist’s Secret:

• • If you apply on arrival, you must pay in USD. Crucial Rule: Tanzania does not accept US dollar bills printed before 2009. Ensure your $100 or $50 bills are "Series 2009" or newer, with no tears or ink marks. Older bills will be rejected flat-out.

Read also: Is Tanzania Safe? The Honest 2026 Guide for Tourists & Families

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The Official Application Link & Avoiding Scams

The only official website is visa.immigration.go.tz. Do not use any site appearing in Google Ads.

There are dozens of "visa agency" websites that look official but charge $150–$200 for the same $100 visa. They simply take your data, apply on the real site, and pocket the difference.

The Application Steps:

1. Visit:https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
2. Timing: Apply 3–4 weeks before travel. Do not apply 6 months early; the system often archives old applications, causing retrieval issues at the border.
3. Documents Needed:
4. • Passport bio page (JPG/PNG, max 300KB).
   • Passport-style photo (JPG/PNG, max 300KB).
   • Return flight ticket (PDF, max 1MB).
4. Processing Time: The official timeline is "up to 10 days." In reality, it can take 3 days or 3 weeks.

If you are traveling with minors, you may be asked to upload a consent letter if only one parent is traveling.

• The Specialist’s Secret:
• • The application asks for a "Host" in Tanzania. Do not write "N/A." Use the name and address of your first hotel or your tour operator (e.g., "Tanzania Specialist, Arusha"). Immigration needs a physical location for your first night.

Read also: Tanzania Safari Packing List

Referral Visas: Who Needs Special Clearance?

Citizens of specific countries (e.g., Lebanon, Pakistan, Nigeria) cannot get a visa on arrival and must wait 2 months for a Referral Visa.

This likely does not apply to the average US/UK tourist, but if you are traveling with friends or family holding passports from countries on the Referral Visa List, do not just book a flight.

They require permission from the Commissioner General of Immigration in Dar es Salaam. This process takes a minimum of 6 weeks. If they arrive at the airport without this document, they will be deported immediately.

The Specialist’s Secret:

• • Stateless persons and refugees holding "Travel Documents" instead of standard passports also fall into this category. Check your document type carefully.

Read also: How to Plan the Perfect Tanzania Safari

Summary: How to Decide in 3 Steps

1. Check Your Passport: US Citizens pay $100 (Multi-entry). UK/EU pay $50 (Single-entry). Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months past your return date.
2. Choose Your Method:
3. • Anxious Traveler? Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz 30 days before your trip.
   • Efficient Traveler? Bring crisp, post-2009 USD cash and apply on arrival at JRO/DAR.
3. Prepare the Files: If applying online, resize your passport photo and bio page to under 300KB before you start the application to avoid timeouts.

Getting into Tanzania is just the first hurdle. The real challenge is ensuring your itinerary doesn't waste your time once you're in.

Read also: Finding the Best Tanzania Safari Operator