Tanzania eVisa for US Citizens

This is the most important point for American travellers. Because of a long-standing arrangement, Tanzania issues US citizens a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for up to 12 months (one year), instead of the single-entry visa given to most other nationalities. That means you can leave and re-enter Tanzania several times during the visa's validity without applying again each time.

The 12-month validity is a great advantage if you want to base yourself in the region, cross into a neighbouring country on a side trip, or split your time between the mainland and the islands. Each individual stay, however, is still capped at 90 days.

• Who needs it: Every US traveller, including children and infants.
• Visa type: Multiple-entry tourist visa for US citizens — valid up to 12 months.
• Format: Electronic eVisa, delivered as a PDF by email.
• Length of stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
• Processing: Can take up to around 10 working days.
• When to apply: At least 2 to 3 weeks before travel.
• Zanzibar: Mandatory travel insurance through the official Zanzibar scheme for anyone visiting Zanzibar.

The eVisa is required for every US citizen travelling to Tanzania, regardless of age. There is no group or family visa: each person who will travel needs their own approved eVisa tied to their own passport. This includes children and infants, even when they are travelling on a parent's itinerary, so a separate application is submitted for each member of the family.

The tourist eVisa covers the typical reasons Americans visit Tanzania — safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, climbing Kilimanjaro, beach stays in Zanzibar, honeymoons, and visiting friends or relatives. If your plans involve work, study, paid activity or long-term residence rather than tourism, you should confirm the correct visa category before you travel, as the tourist eVisa is intended for leisure visits.

The eVisa is requested online, but Tanzania still expects you to meet its entry conditions. Have the following ready before you apply, and keep them available for the airline and for immigration on arrival:

• A valid US passport with at least 6 months' validity and blank pages for stamps.
• A recent passport-style photo that meets the requirements.
• A return or onward air ticket out of Tanzania.
• Confirmed accommodation — a hotel or lodge booking, or an invitation letter if you will stay with friends or family.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• A yellow-fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow-fever country.
• A valid email address — your eVisa is sent here as a PDF.

1. Get your documents ready: a valid US passport, a passport photo, your return ticket, accommodation details and a payment card.
2. Start the online Tanzania eVisa application and select the tourist visa, then enter your passport and personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.
3. Add your trip information — arrival date, accommodation, and contact email.
4. Upload your photo and any required supporting documents, then review every field carefully.
5. Submit your application and complete the required payment.
6. Receive your approved eVisa by email as a PDF, ready to print and present at check-in and on arrival.

Because processing can take up to around 10 working days, US applicants should apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before the departure date rather than close to the flight.

For US applicants, the Tanzania eVisa can take up to around 10 working days to be processed, with the approval emailed as a PDF. Because this is noticeably longer than the quick electronic authorizations some other countries use, the safest approach is to apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before you travel. This buffer leaves room for public holidays, busy periods, or a request for additional information. If the authorities ask for anything extra, respond quickly so your approval is not delayed past your departure date.

For US citizens, the tourist eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months, and each individual stay is limited to up to 90 days. Within that one-year validity you can enter and leave Tanzania more than once, which suits travellers combining the mainland with Zanzibar or a side trip to a neighbouring country. The visa is tied to the passport you used to apply, so if you renew or replace your passport you will need a new eVisa linked to the current document. If you wish to remain longer than the stay granted, ask about extension options through the immigration authorities while you are in the country.

Your approved eVisa lets you travel, but entry is confirmed by an immigration officer at the border once they are satisfied you meet the conditions. Be ready on arrival to present your valid US passport, your printed eVisa, a return or onward ticket, proof of confirmed accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds. If you are arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country, carry your yellow-fever certificate. Travellers heading to Zanzibar must hold mandatory travel insurance purchased through the official Zanzibar scheme, so arrange this before you go and keep the confirmation with your documents.

• Mismatched passport details: the eVisa is linked to your exact passport number — check every field against your passport before submitting.
• Applying too late: processing can take up to around 10 working days, so apply at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
• Photo problems: use a recent passport-style photo that meets the requirements, as a poor image can hold up approval.
• Missing accommodation proof: have a confirmed booking, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
• No onward ticket or yellow-fever certificate: a return or onward ticket is expected, and a yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country.
• Forgetting Zanzibar insurance: if your trip includes Zanzibar, arrange the mandatory insurance through the official scheme before you travel.

An approved eVisa allows you to travel to Tanzania, but the final decision to enter rests with the immigration officer on arrival. Present the same passport you used to apply, along with your printed eVisa, and be ready to explain the purpose and length of your visit, where you will stay, and that you have the means to support your trip. US travellers usually arrive on direct or one-stop routes through hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai or Addis Ababa, landing near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari circuit, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. Provided your documents are in order and consistent with your application, the officer will admit you and you can begin your stay.

Every traveller needs their own eVisa, including children and infants, because each one is linked to an individual passport. A parent or guardian can complete the application on a child's behalf using the child's own passport details and photo. If you are travelling as a US family, simply submit a separate application for each member, and make sure each child's accommodation, return ticket and — for any Zanzibar leg — insurance details are covered just as they are for the adults.