Tourist Visa for Tanzania: How Do I Apply?

Applying for a Tourist Visa

For convenience, we’ll assume you’re applying for a tourist visa and not planning to live in Tanzania. We don’t provide information on residency, as entirely different rules apply. You can obtain a tourist visa for Tanzania in several ways: at the embassy in the Netherlands, by applying online through the immigration service, or on arrival. Applying on arrival is by far the easiest option, as the online system can sometimes be a bit of a pain—in the politest terms. If you insist on applying online, make sure to do it directly through the immigration service and not through one of the many agencies.

Disclaimer!
Opting for the easy on arrival option? Make sure you bring 50 US dollars cash from 2013 or later.

Applying for a Tourist Visa in the Netherlands

If you choose this option, you'll need to visit the embassy in The Hague (Alexanderveld 87, 070-2156450) twice, but you’ll have your visa in your passport within three days. On day one, head to the Tanzanian embassy between 10:00 and 12:00, bringing along:

1. Your passport with a validity of at least six months from your last day in Tanzania
2. Two passport photos
3. Money (€50 for a Single Entry visa, €100 for a Multiple Entry visa)
4. Proof of your trip to Tanzania, such as a return ticket or booking confirmation
5. Proof of multiple entries, if applying for a Multiple Entry visa (e.g., evidence showing you need to enter and exit Tanzania multiple times)

On day three, return to the embassy between 10:00 and 14:00 to collect your passport with the visa.

Applying Online

Not keen on trips to the embassy in The Hague, or already overwhelmed by everything you need to remember? Fortunately, there are other ways to get that visa in your passport! An online application through the immigration service is the perfect solution. All you need to do is fill in the form on their website, and they’ll handle the rest. However, this method does take a bit longer. Allow for at least four working days, but don't count on it being that quick—it can definitely take longer. The cost for applying online is $50. You can also call them if you get stuck during the application process, as they are available seven days a week until 22:00. This way, you won’t need to worry about your Tanzania visa!

Note! Make sure you have your yellow vaccination booklet handy to avoid any hassle!

On arrival

If you opt for the last option, you’ll need to fill in an 'Arrival Declaration Card' provided on the plane, and complete a Visa Application Form at customs. Submit this along with a passport photo, and a bit later (depending on how full your plane was…), your name will be called. Then, you’ll need to hand over $50 in cash before the officer stamps your passport, allowing you to enter the country. Side note: Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you can only pay for a tourist visa with a credit card.