The visa, the new mandatory insurance and the yellow fever rule, explained before you book your flights.
Getting into Tanzania is straightforward, but the rules changed in October 2026 and a few details still trip travelers up at the airport. These are the Tanzania entry requirements we send our own guests as a checklist before they book flights. Rules can change at short notice, so always check the official sources linked below shortly before you travel.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. If your passport is close to the limit, renew it before applying for the visa, because the visa is tied to the passport number.
Most visitors need a visa. The simplest way to get one is the official Tanzania e-visa portal run by the Immigration Department. Current fees are:
Immigration says applications are processed within ten days, but we recommend applying at least three to four weeks before you fly. Use only the official government site. Lookalike agency sites charge extra service fees for the same visa.
Visa on arrival is still available at Kilimanjaro International Airport for many nationalities, but the queue after a long-haul flight can be slow, and the authorities themselves recommend applying online in advance. Some nationalities need prior approval, so check the list on the portal.
Since 1 October 2026, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania by air, land or sea must hold the government’s inbound travel insurance. It was introduced under the Insurance (Inbound Travel Insurance) Regulations 2026. The key points as published so far:
Zanzibar has had its own mandatory US$44 inbound insurance since October 2024, issued by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. Guidance on whether one policy now covers both the mainland and Zanzibar has not been fully consistent, so if your trip includes a Zanzibar beach extension, check the latest position shortly before you travel. We are happy to help you confirm it.
The government policy is a basic safety net. It does not cover trip cancellation, delayed flights, high-value belongings or, in most cases, the level of medical cover you would want in a remote area. We still strongly recommend a comprehensive travel policy of your own. If you are planning one of our Kilimanjaro climbs, make sure your policy explicitly covers trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation. Good emergency procedures matter on the mountain, but insurance is what pays for an evacuation.
You only need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, a country on Tanzania’s yellow fever risk list. That list includes neighbors such as Kenya and Uganda, which matters if you are combining a Kenya safari or a gorilla trek with Tanzania. The vaccine must be given at least ten days before you enter. If you fly directly from Europe, North America or the Middle East without a long transit in a risk country, a certificate is not normally required. Ask your travel clinic about malaria prevention and routine vaccines too.
Bring some clean, undamaged US dollar notes from recent series. Older, torn or marked notes are often refused in Tanzania. Cards work at most lodges and in Arusha, but cash is useful for tips and small purchases.
Many nationalities still can, at Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports and at major land borders. But queues can be long and some nationalities need prior approval, so applying for the e-visa in advance is the safer choice.
The regulations apply to foreign visitors generally. Some sources report reduced rates for children, but this has not been clearly confirmed in official guidance yet, so check the NIC portal when you buy.
Malaria is present in much of Tanzania, including some safari areas and Zanzibar. Speak to a travel clinic about antimalarials for your itinerary, and use repellent and long sleeves in the evenings.
Once the paperwork is sorted, the fun part is choosing where to go. Have a look at our sample Tanzania safaris or read what to actually pack. If anything here is unclear for your nationality, get in touch and we’ll help you check.
Important · Before you travel
Every foreign visitor to Tanzania must now hold the government-required travel insurance, in force since 1 October 2026. It costs about US$44 per person, is valid for up to 92 days, and is issued by NIC for the mainland and ZIC for Zanzibar. It covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, repatriation and lost luggage. Citizens of East African Community and SADC countries are exempt on the mainland.
We also recommend comprehensive private cover on top, so you are protected for the whole trip:
Rules can change, so we confirm the latest requirements for your travel dates when you book. Read our full Tanzania entry requirements guide, or ask our team and we will point you the right way.
Keep reading
Practical tips, destination guides and trip ideas from our team in Arusha.
Ready to go?
Hand-built Tanzania itineraries led by local guides, ready to tailor to your dates.
Where to next
From the Serengeti plains to the spice island of Zanzibar.
